Chapter 76: A Joke

"Why not?" Vivian asked, puzzled.

"I didn't copyright the music, and besides, it's been subtly altered. A court case would struggle to prove plagiarism. Don't forget Nathaniel's backing; he won't let her lose."

Stella had acted with impunity for years. Previous lawsuits had all failed. Rainsworth Group's entire legal department was at her disposal. Furthermore, a lawsuit against Cecilia would be international, significantly complicating matters.

"So, we just let her get away with it?"

Cecilia stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the expansive view. Her red lips curved slightly. "We're not letting her get away with it! We need sufficient evidence—something decisive."

She was not one to compromise easily, but recklessness was unwise.

Vivian sighed. "All right, I'll start gathering evidence."

"This adds to your workload again."

"No worries, it's been a while since a legal dispute," Vivian laughed. She knew Cecilia bore the brunt of such thefts; her hard work stolen.

After Vivian's call, Jonathan knocked. "Ms. Kennedy, did you say someone stole Mommy's song?"

Jonathan's early awakening caught Vivian off guard. "Yes, that shameless A-list celebrity, Stella! She's a… She ruined your mother's relationship with…"

Vivian's rising excitement threatened to reveal Nathaniel's paternity.

Jonathan interrupted. "Ms. Kennedy, Mommy said not to use bad language. I don't understand 'mistress'…"

After seeing Jonathan off, Vivian went to the Kennedy family branch company. She also initiated an investigation into Stella's plagiarism. Cecilia remained equally proactive. She instructed her assistant to inform Central Media of the plagiarism and preserve both parties' chat logs as evidence.

Stella's "Ray of Light in the Dark" rapidly topped charts, becoming a trending topic. Online comments flooded in:

• Who said Stella's talent had dried up? This is a slap in the face!
• I'm not a fan of Stella, but I like this song.
• This song is so melancholic…
• Don't you know the story? It's Stella's love confession after waiting four years for Nathaniel. I feel for her; she waited so long, and now, after his ex-wife's death, she finally got what she wanted.

Within a day, over a million comments appeared. Unbeknownst to them, Cecilia had composed the music during her three-year, depression-filled marriage to Nathaniel. It was a song for him, never heard. Now, it was Stella's song for him—a cruel joke.

Central Media celebrated Stella that day.