Chapter 3

Ethan frowned, his voice cold.

"You two really went all out with this lie just to avoid saying sorry, didn't you?"

"I thought two years in prison would teach her a lesson. I guess she’s still as manipulative as ever."

Lily knew exactly what he was referring to.

She wiped her tears and stood up for me.

"Elena never lied to you! The design portfolio Chloe used to win the Grand Plaza bid? Those were Elena’s original designs!"

That happened so long ago. I thought I had forgotten the pain, but hearing it again made my chest ache.

Back then, Ethan’s parents found out about the affair and forced him to apologize to me. They made him promise to cut ties with Chloe.

I knew I shouldn't have forgiven him, but I couldn't let go of our years together.

So, I accepted his apology.

After that, Ethan really did stop seeing Chloe.

I thought we could go back to the way we were.

But reality slapped me hard.

To get promoted to Senior Designer, we had to submit an original portfolio.

I spent six months in the studio, drawing, rendering, and revising.

But right before the submission deadline, the HR manager told me Chloe had already submitted an identical portfolio under her name.

I lost my mind. I cornered Chloe in the office.

I threw the printouts at her face. "Is this how you build your career, Chloe? Stealing my work?!"

Chloe squeezed out fake tears. "Elena, I don't know what you're talking about."

My fists clenched. "You are my intern! Who else had access to my desk and laptop?!"

"I didn't do it! You're just projecting your anger because of Ethan! But Ethan and I are over!"

Before I could reply, Ethan’s voice cut in from behind.

"Elena, have you not had enough?"

"I cut ties with her. Why are you still bullying her?"

"I'm not!" I protested. "She stole my—"

"Enough!" Mr. Davis, the managing partner, walked in.

After hearing both sides, Mr. Davis looked at me. "Elena, where is your proof? Can you prove these files are yours?"

I had the raw CAD files on my USB drive.

But before I could even grab it, Ethan spoke up.

"I can prove it. I saw Chloe working on these designs at my place."

Ethan was a major shareholder of the firm, and everyone knew we were engaged.

With him backing Chloe, no one believed me.

Chloe walked away scot-free, while I was fired for "academic fraud and malicious slander."

I remember standing in the pouring rain that day, screaming at Ethan.

"Why are you doing this to me?! What did I do wrong?!"

Ethan looked at me like I was trash.

"Your mistake was stealing Chloe's work and playing the victim."

That was the moment I realized Ethan trusted Chloe more than me.

I became the most hated person in the industry.

Lily was the only one who believed in me.

And now, two years later, she was still the only one defending me.

But Ethan still didn't believe her.

Lily had no strength left to argue.

She looked at her watch and made up her mind.

"You want to see her so badly, don't you?"

"Come with me."