As soon as they walked into the mall, they noticed a crowd gathered around the central stage.
Juliette whispered, “It’s not a holiday today. What’s with the crowd? Is there a celebrity here?”
Stella glanced in the same direction and spotted a large poster off in the distance, featuring Devyn.
It turned out Devyn was holding a promotional event at the mall.
Stella suggested leaving, but Juliette caught sight of the name on the poster and asked, “Devyn Padilla? Someone with the same name? Oh, isn’t she the one who betrayed you?”
“Let’s just leave,” Stella urged, trying to keep the peace.
Juliette held her ground. “You’ve done nothing wrong. Why should we leave? I want to hear what this copycat has to say to everyone!”
Resolute, Juliette dragged Stella closer to the stage. Since Juliette was pregnant, Stella didn’t resist. She just let Juliette lead the way.
(EagleNovels) ‘s (EagleNovels)
Once they reached a good spot near the stage, Stella could hear reporters bombarding questions. “Miss Padilla, your online shop has lots of new designs. How do you come up with such great ideas? Can you share your secrets with us?”
The reporters threw question after question. Before Devyn could respond, another reporter cut in sharply, “Miss Padilla, several designers have noted that your style closely resembles Stella’s. Did you copy her designs?”
Devyn’s face flickered with emotion, but she quickly smoothed her features into a composed smile for the camera. “When I was at Prosperity Group, Stella guided me. That’s probably why my designs remind people of hers.”
Only Stella caught the brief strain in Devyn’s smile.
Stella stayed quiet, her expression unreadable.
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As Devyn spoke with the reporters, Juliette’s frustration boiled over.
Devyn hadn’t brought up any of her underhanded actions.
“She should be ashamed!” Juliette burst out, unable to contain her anger. “How can she show her face at a publicity event after stealing someone else’s work? Does she really want everyone to learn she’s a plagiarist?”
Juliette’s cheeks flushed red with rage. Stella gently grasped her hand, trying to calm her. “Let it go,” she urged softly. “You’re pregnant, and getting upset over someone like her isn’t worth it. We’re surrounded by people. Let’s just leave.”
As they turned to leave, a reporter caught sight of Stella.
“Isn’t that Stella?” the reporter called out, causing heads to turn.
“It’s really Stella! Is she here to support Devyn? They must be close,” someone in the crowd murmured, stirring more whispers.
“Ms. Anderson, since you’re here, why not come up on stage and take some questions?” the reporter suggested eagerly.
Caught by the crowd’s attention, Stella found herself unable to just walk away.
She reluctantly made her way onto the stage, accepting the microphone someone handed her.
Devyn seemed upset when she heard the reporter shout “Stella”, but she kept quiet since she was on camera.