He Gave Her Strawberries, Gave Me Hives (Ford and Sylvia) novel Chapter 207

hapter 8

‘pon hearing this, Melody’s face turned pale, while Liam’s eyes filled with astonishment.

he spotlight flared to life, illuminating the display stand in the center of the stage. The host’s voice boomed through the microphone, “Next, ler’s welcome ontestant Melody Croft, presenting her work–Starlight.”

or the moment, Liam could only suppress his emotions and return to his seat.

[elody walked onto the stage, holding the hem of her dress, a perfectly composed smile on her face. As her gaze swept over the judges‘ panel, she deliberately voided Seraphina’s eyes. “Good day, esteemed judges. I am Melody Croft. The name of my design is ‘Starlight.”

he gestured, and the large screen behind her lit up, displaying the details of the necklace.

platinum chain was entwined with delicate blue sapphires, and at its center was a white diamond cut into the shape of a starburst, refracting a brilliant light,

stars represent hope. ‘Starlight‘ is dedicated to everyone who perseveres in the darkness. I was inspired by someone I once saw struggling through adversity, et never giving up their longing for the light.”

s Melody finished, a murmur of admiration rippled through the audience.

The design concept is exquisite, and the meaning is very moving. Ms. Croft is very talented.”

he judge next to him nodded in agreement. “Indeed. The starburst–cut diamond and the sapphires complement each other perfectly, and the Starlight theme is nterpreted beautifully.”

You can see the meticulous attention to detail. This concept is a very heartfelt expression in the world of jewelry design.”

he judges nodded and exchanged comments, clearly quite impressed with the piece.

ust then, Professor Sterling, from the judges‘ panel, suddenly spoke up. “Ms. Croft, you claim this is your original work?”

Melody’s heart tightened, but she kept the smile fixed on her face. “Of course. From choosing the theme to drawing the sketches to overseeing the production, I

ompleted every step myself.”

Hah.”

‘rofessor Sterling let out a sharp, cold snort. The sound carried through the microphone across the entire venue, instantly silencing the crowd. “I highly doubt

hat.”

Melody’s face instantly paled. “What do you mean by that? I don’t understand…”

You don’t understand?”

‘rofessor Sterling picked up the judging booklet, flipped to a page, and pointed at the design sketch. “This initial draft of ‘Starlight, Seraphina showed it to me ast winter. From the initial decision to use a ‘star‘ as the core element, to modifying the cut of the gemstones, to adjusting the curvature of the chain–every ingle detail, I watched her polish and perfect it bit by bit.”

His voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable authority. “So I’d like to ask, how did a design that she poured a year’s worth of her soul into suddenly become your original creation? Ms. Croft, in the world of jewelry design, plagiarism is the one line that cannot be crossed. You are trampling on the dignity of this entire industry!”

Liam took a step forward, about to speak.

“Liam,” Seraphina cut him off. “Before you open your mouth, why don’t you take a look at the evidence?”

Seraphina picked up a file and placed it gently on the table. “Melody, you say this work is your original design. Can you produce any design drafts that predate these? Can you provide any communication records with the manufacturer?”

Lonise G

07206

}

Chapter 8

Melody’s lips trembled, unable to utter a single word.

She had stolen this design from Seraphina, where would she get earlier drafts or records?

3

“I… I just…” She tried to argue, but couldn’t form a complete sentence and could only look to Liam for help.

Looking at the irrefutable evidence on the table, a strange panic rose in his heart. He had no choice but to brace himself and say to the judges, “Perhaps it’s just i coincidence. After all, designs based on ‘stars‘ are very common.”

A coincidence?”

‘rofessor Sterling sneered and stood up. “Mr. Blackwood, you may not understand design, but you cannot be unreasonable. The angle of the chain’s wrap in era’s design was something she calculated repeatedly based on ergonomics. The sapphires she chose were custom ordered from a specific mining district in Sri anka. These are details that cannot be replicated. And you’re telling me this is a coincidence?”

le turned to the head of the organizing committee, his tone filled with dissatisfaction. “I seriously suspect there are flaws in the committee’s review process. If plagiarized work can pass the preliminary selection, it’s not only disrespectful to the original designer, it’s a desecration of the entire competition. A ompetition like this, my student and I would rather not participate in.”

After saying that, Professor Sterling picked up his bag and gestured to Seraphina. “Sera, let’s go.”

eraphina stood up. Without another glance at Liam or Melody, she turned and followed Professor Sterling out of the venue.