Katelyn’s demeanor was sharp, filled with deep suspicion.

It seemed her eyes could see through any deception, causing Lise to feel a surge of fear, as though her secrets were exposed to Katelyn.

She tried to maintain her composure, offering a calm, collected smile.

“If it’s not me, then who? You?”

Her response was clever, deftly shifting the focus back onto her accuser.

Though the confrontation between the two was hidden beneath the surface, the air was thick with tension. Everyone present could feel the undercurrents, and the sound of camera shutters clicking filled the room.

Katelyn said slowly and purposefully, “I know Iris’ work well. And I’ve reviewed everything shown today. At best, these are mere imitations—or better yet, cheap copies.”

Her statement resounded like thunder, leaving everyone in shock.

The terms “imitations” and “cheap copies” stunned the crowd, especially those who had been admiring Lise’s designs moments earlier. Their expressions turned to disbelief.

Could the designs they had admired actually be flawed? Did this mean Lise had copied someone else’s work?

The word “imitation” triggered another question—had Lise copied someone else’s work?

Katelyn’s critique struck a painful chord with Lise.

Neil quickly intervened to defend Lise, his gaze icy as he confronted Katelyn.

“Do you not see the irony in your words? Everyone acknowledges Lise’s work as flawless, yet you, who have appropriated someone else’s identity, dare to criticize her? You label her creations as imitations and substandard—so what does that make your own work?”

: g?ν

Katelyn didn’t even look at Neil. Instead, she turned straight to the large screen behind her and pressed the play button to continue the slideshow.

The full design drawings, previously interrupted by Neil, were now displayed prominently for all to see.

Katelyn allowed each design to linger on the screen for a full half-minute, giving everyone ample time to scrutinize them closely.

The artistry and care captivated the audience, plunging them into stunned silence.

The room fell quiet, everyone deeply engrossed in the visual display.

Exceptional design always delivered a powerful impact, leaving viewers speechless with its sheer beauty and flawlessness. While Lise’s designs didn’t achieve that effect, Katelyn’s work did.

Standing next to the screen, Katelyn made sure she wasn’t blocking the view. Vincent, watching her with a slight smile, admired her quietly, his eyes conveying deep appreciation. His fingers tapped softly on the table, reflecting his belief that Katelyn had yet to be fully recognized.

For nearly ten minutes, the audience was mesmerized by the breathtaking designs being showcased.

Eventually, someone whispered in amazement, “Such beautiful designs.”

This remark eased the room’s tension, prompting a round of applause from several attendees.

In a side-by-side comparison, it became evident that Katelyn’s designs, both in concept and execution, outshone Lise’s.

While Lise’s designs were notable, they seemed lackluster in contrast.

The difference was starkly obvious when placed side by side.

Katelyn had Samuel adjust the timing, ensuring that Lise’s and her designs were displayed simultaneously on the screen. This unavoidable comparison highlighted the disparities even more clearly.

Lise’s face grew paler by the second, and her growing sense of dread was clear. Danger was on the horizon.

Katelyn faced Lise and Neil calmly, her voice steady. “These are my designs. So, when I say her work is a mere imitation, do you still have a problem with that?”

Her voice was soft but carried a confidence so bold it almost seemed arrogant. It was as if she had slapped both Neil and Lise across the face.

Lise, claiming to be the brilliant designer Iris, was clearly outmatched by Katelyn, a relatively unknown designer.

If the Adams Group had not recently announced Katelyn as the new head of their design department, her name might have remained obscure. But now…

After this press conference, Iris would be dethroned from her pedestal once and for all.

Neil and Lise were visibly shaken, clearly not expecting this turn of events.

Just then, someone in the audience exclaimed, “Katelyn’s designs really resemble Iris’ style!”

.

.

.