Chapter 3
Even Edward was shocked.
That I, Charlotte, went all out for revenge against a rookie.
Frank's savage review totally destroyed Sophie's reputation at the banquet.
By the next morning, the whole industry was buzzing about it.
"This is just a pile of cheap imitations. You can't even explain the theme of your own work."
"Your skills are so basic. Even a grade-schooler sewing doll clothes could do better than this."
"Is this a prank? You can't be serious about design, right?"
Those harsh words got blown up and went viral, turning into the latest running joke in the design world.
Edward's whole star-making plan, along with those major deals he was about to lock in, all fell apart in an instant.
Edward was scrambling, totally at his wits' end.
He knew I was the one behind it, and I was just waiting for him to show up and call me out.
But the next afternoon, he turned up at my door.
He was carrying an exclusive gift box from a high-end jewelry brand, wearing a bright smile.
I shot him a cold look for a moment.
"Come in," I said.
He set the box down on the coffee table and opened it. Inside was a diamond necklace, sparkling and dazzling.
"I was wrong yesterday. I made you embarrassed. This is my way of making it up to you," he said.
I sat on the couch, didn't spare the necklace a glance. My eyes were fixed on him.
He stood there, a bit lost, then sighed, and sat down next to me.
He reached out for my hand, but I pulled away.
He didn't seem bothered. He just kept talking to himself.
"Charlotte, why are you making things so hard for a young girl?" he said.
"If you keep this up, you'll destroy her future," he added.
I gave him a sardonic smirk.
I cut straight to the point, no beating around the bush.
"Is it really just Sophie's talent you care about?" I challenged.
"You graduated from the Royal College of Arts. Don't pretend you don't see it," I added.
Edward's expression shifted.
"Charlotte, do you not trust me anymore?" he asked.
"She's seven years younger than me. I honestly just see her as a kid, nothing else," he said.
"Yesterday really knocked Sophie down. She's still young, and you know how talented people can be. She's proud and sensitive. I'm afraid she can't handle such a blow," he said.
He watched my face, his voice growing even more earnest.
"So, I was wondering... Could I use your art gallery on Aria Street?" he asked.
"I want to put together a solo show for Sophie as soon as possible. I'll take care of all the expenses," he added.
I finally looked up at him.
Sunlight fell across his face, and he was still as devastatingly handsome as ever.
But he was the Edward I once loved.
My Edward would never have stood up for someone else right in front of me.
And he definitely wouldn't have those kinds of dirty thoughts about a so-called "kid."
"She ruined my engagement party," I said.
"She humiliated me in front of everyone and destroyed my dress."
I looked at him. "And now you want me to use my venue, my reputation, to throw her a show and back her up?"
His smile faded a little.
"Charlotte, it was just a misunderstanding. Sophie already said sorry, and I paid for the dress," he said, brushing it off.
"What matters now is sorting this out. Are you really just going to stand by and watch a talented rookie get trashed by gossip? That's bad for my company and for me," he pressed.
"Can't you just cut me some slack and help me out this once? Come on, we're basically family anyway," he said.
"Family?" I almost burst out laughing.
Just as I was about to speak, the living room door burst open.
Sophie stormed in.
Her eyes were swollen and red, streaked with tears, and her hair was a little disheveled.
She didn't even look at me. She just marched straight up to Edward.
"I can't take this anymore!" she shouted.
"I've won so many awards I've lost count. My professors all say I'm a once-in-a-decade prodigy! I've never been humiliated like this before! Now I'm the laughingstock!" she screamed.
"Do you even know what people are saying about me behind my back?" she cried.
Edward sprang to his feet, trying to soothe her.
"Sophie, calm down. I'm working on it, okay?" he said.
Sophie yanked her hand away from his, tears streaming down her face.
"Working on what?" she shot back.
"Edward, let me tell you. No matter how much money you throw at me, I don't want to stay here anymore! You people make me sick!" she shouted.
She jabbed a finger at me, her eyes burning with resentment, and then turned back to Edward.
"Don't ever come looking for me again! I'm not in your league!" she cried.
With that, she covered her face and ran out, her posture defiant as she left.
"Sophie!" Edward blurted out, his expression shifting in a heartbeat.
Without a second thought, he was about to chase after her.
"Edward," I called, my nails digging deep into my flesh.
He turned back to look at me.
His face was tight with urgency, impatience sharp in his eyes. I had never seen him like this before.
My voice came out soft and slow.
This was the last chance I'd ever give him.
"If you walk out that door, it's over for good between us," I said.
He stood there for a few seconds and then pulled a bitter, disappointed smirk.
"Did you know? She's never cried in front of me," Edward said, his voice cold.
"Do you have any idea how messed up that was?" he snapped.
"Like it or not, that show is happening!" he threw out.
Without another word, he strode out after her.
The living room fell into total silence.
I slowly, almost numbly, leaned back into the couch.
I unclenched my fists.
The pain in my palms seemed to spread, reaching all the way to my heart.