Chapter 39: Unspoken

Luka, observed like a giant panda, impatiently ripped off his Band-Aid. This only intensified the scrutiny; whispers erupted. While Luka couldn't be certain, he felt their hushed conversations centered on their injuries and the morning's events.

Enraged, Luka angrily summarized his feelings in two emotionally charged sentences before storming out of the meeting.

Shortly after, Martin sought him out: "President Luft, I…" He was cut short by Luka's icy voice: "Don't let me hear Sophia's name mentioned today. Not a word. Understand?"

Stunned by Luka's harsh demeanor, Martin could only nod and leave.

Around lunchtime, I noticed everyone furtively glancing at me. Puzzled, I didn't inquire.

Then Ava called, her voice furious and cold: "Sophia, have you seen the trending searches?"

Confused, I asked, "What trending searches?"

Ava was shocked by my ignorance. "Who else could it be? Bella's white lotus act! Check it online!"

Hanging up, bewildered, I immediately went to Weibo. Ava's words became clear as I saw the reason for the curious stares: Bella was trending, specifically Bella and me. Four headlines dominated:

• BellaSuicide

• BellaSophiaSisters

• SophiaHeartless

• BellaIsStrong

I opened the search for "Bella's suicide" and found a video of a reporter interviewing Bella in a hospital. Her face was pale; the camera zoomed in on her bandaged, seemingly bleeding wrist.

The reporter asked, "Miss Lopez, why the suicide attempt? It was just plagiarism; who hasn't made mistakes?"

Bella understood this was a staged interview. Ordinary reporters weren't this gentle.

Bella looked weakly at the camera, her eyes evasive: "It's not just that…"

"What else?" the reporter pressed. "Don't be afraid; talk, and we'll help you."

Bella sniffed, aggrieved: "I don't know how it came to this You may not know, Sophia and I are real sisters!"

The reporter exclaimed, "You two are sisters?"

Tears welled in Bella's eyes. She wiped them, saying, "She's my older sister. I knew she and Hugo Roberts were dating. But Hugo later said it was all an act. I didn't believe him at first!"

Sobbing, Bella continued, "But he was so convincing, saying their relationship was cold, that I stupidly believed him. The designs I submitted were his; I didn't know they were my sister's work. He said he loved me, wanted to support me. To be with him, I had to succeed in the jewelry industry. I resisted, but eventually agreed, using those designs in the competition!"

Her tears flowed freely. "Only after we got married did I realize the designs were my sister's. He asked for one last favor: help him win the 'Jewelry of the Century' award, and he'd leave me alone. So I knowingly used her designs!"

Bella wept openly. The reporter even offered tissues.

Wiping her eyes, Bella continued, "That's when it hit me. Hugo said he wanted to protect my reputation. I tried to stop him, but he used my name. I sued my sister, triggering her counterattack and the online onslaught. I don't know what to do!"

Bella covered her face, then looked up, eyes red and swollen. Her pitiful expression was directed squarely at the camera. "But my sister hasn't given me a chance. She won't answer my calls or messages!"