On the 21st floor, Maeve saw Leah exiting the office with a solemn expression and her iPad. Spotting Maeve and Alex, Leah approached. "Maeve, I've been looking for you. Mr. Brown, it's good you're here too."

"What's going on?" Alex asked.

"Finesse Bloom updated a blog post on their website showing Princess Elvira of Erancia's gown designs," Leah explained. "They're identical to Maeve's." Maeve's eyes widened. "How is this possible?"

Alex took the iPad. After reading, his frown deepened. It wasn't just similar; the design on the website was Maeve's, with only minor alterations. Furthermore, Finesse Bloom had issued a challenge to Eternal Hope, using the Erancian banquet as a platform to compete—a seasoned industry leader versus a rising talent. Maeve recognized the designs; the ones stolen last night. She suspected Karen, but couldn't understand how Karen knew she had them.

"Mr. Brown, Ms. Mason, this is my fault," Maeve apologized. "Last night, I brought the designs home to revise. My bag was apparently stolen."

Leah frowned. "No wonder! We were so careful." There were three gown designs.

Alex pondered. "Maeve, if you can devise an alternative, perhaps you can convince Miss Fiora to change the design. It's not too late."

Maeve shook her head. "The first gown is nearly finished; removing the gems would ruin it. Besides, I won't give them the designs." She refused to let thieves use her work to challenge Eternal Hope. She was appalled by Finesse Bloom's audacity.

Leah argued, "Consider the consequences if Fiora and Elvira wear the same dress. Your reputation will be ruined. Designers value reputation above all else. If yours is tarnished, your career will be over. You risk offending two royals. Stop the losses instead of fueling your enemies' triumph."

Maeve understood Leah's concerns but stated, "Finesse Bloom's shortcuts are their problem, but ignoring this emboldens them. Retreating only fuels their arrogance."

"They've stolen your designs and claimed them as their own. Will you fight them directly?" Leah asked.

"Yes. I won't let this stand," Maeve affirmed.

Leah was exasperated. "You're reckless! I've explained everything…"

"Let her do as she sees fit," Alex interrupted gently, looking at Maeve. "I'll handle the consequences."

Leah protested, "Mr. Brown, she's being foolish! How can you support this?"

"I trust Maeve has reasons," Alex replied. "Finesse Bloom has challenged us; we won't back down." Leah, furious, declared she wouldn't interfere further and stormed off.

Maeve, troubled, thanked Alex and left for the studio. Alex reassured her.

Karen, learning of the confrontation, smiled. Her nose still healing, she vowed revenge, aiming to ruin Maeve's reputation with the help of her mother, Lydia. Lydia was concerned about Horace's involvement, given he's Maeve's brother and had been paid off by Karen.

After Finesse Bloom's challenge, Maeve worked tirelessly. Leah remained angry, and rumors spread within Eternal Hope, suggesting Maeve's arrogance due to Alex's favor. Finesse Bloom relished the discord, hoping for Maeve's downfall.

The delivery date arrived. Fiora's bodyguards collected the gowns. A bodyguard sternly warned Maeve about the consequences of any inaccuracies.