CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 366

Chapter 366: Chapter 366 Checkmate

Serena’s POV

I glanced up from the footage playing on my phone, satisfied as the plan unfolded perfectly. Handing the device to Sally, I couldn’t help but smile.

"I was right. Sophie would come back for these sketches," I said, watching Claire’s betrayal play out in crystal clear resolution.

Sally clicked her tongue, shaking her head in disgust. "This Claire is really a backstabber. No wonder Vivi wanted to slap her that day."

My expression hardened as I thought about the bigger picture. "Now we just wait for ART to release similar sketches, then our legal team can sue them for plagiarism immediately." I crossed my arms, my voice dropping lower. "And we can’t let the previous leak go unpunished either."

With a dismissive gesture, I tossed aside the sketches I’d just taken from Claire’s desk. They were never meant for production anyway—just bait for our trap.

"She did work diligently," I admitted, "but disloyalty can’t be tolerated. Elegant Realm can’t keep someone like this."

Sally nodded in agreement. "Let’s proceed as you suggested—wait for Sophie to make her move, then counter."

"Good," I replied, already moving on mentally. "How are our actual sketches coming along?"

"Don’t worry," Sally assured me with confidence. "They’re nearly complete. Your three most capable designers are on it—how could they not deliver?"

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "We can start preparing the pieces, then."

After discussing further arrangements, I returned to my office alone, settling into my chair with a sense of calm anticipation. Though my office had no official surveillance system, I’d installed hidden cameras connected directly to my phone throughout the space. Of course the room with the most confidential files would have security measures—I wasn’t born yesterday.

A few days later, when ART released their new collection, I couldn’t help the satisfied smile that spread across my face. The fish had taken the bait, hook and all.

"We can file the lawsuit now," I instructed coldly.

My assistant immediately contacted our lawyers, and within thirty minutes, news of Elegant Realm suing ART Design Company for plagiarism was trending everywhere.

Author’s POV

When Sophie saw the news, she was absolutely livid. "What’s going on? Serena already had these designs certified? These aren’t her Fashion Week pieces!"

Only then would she realize she’d been played. Serena had deliberately given those sketches to Claire for refinement, ensuring the information would find its way directly to Sophie.

"Mrs. Anderson, I’ve contacted lawyers about the lawsuit. Don’t worry, only one sketch is involved in the plagiarism claim. For the previous batch, there’s no evidence."

Sophie would have slammed her fist on the desk. "You understand nothing! You don’t know this bitch—she definitely has another card to play!"

And right she was. Serena soon released the security footage from her office on her personal account, where Claire’s voice came through crystal clear. Anyone watching immediately understood that Claire was Elegant Realm’s mole, stealing designs for ART. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

This revelation put both ART and Claire in the eye of the storm.

When Claire saw the news, her world must have crumbled. Her colleagues’ glances turned to disgust and contempt. Nobody likes a backstabber, especially not at Elegant Realm.

Vivi returned to the studio with her bag in hand. She marched straight to Claire’s desk and yanked her up from her seat.

"The evidence is clear now. What else can you possibly deny?" Vivi spat out. "I never imagined you’d be this malicious, even pushing all the blame onto me!"

Before anyone could react, Vivi’s hand connected with Claire’s cheek in a resounding slap. The sharp sound froze everyone in place.

Claire’s cheek reddened instantly, but she didn’t dare fight back.

"You ungrateful snake," Vivi continued. "After this, who would ever hire someone like you?"

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