I Fell for the Man Who Ruined Me, Then He Forgot He Ever Loved Me Back novel Chapter 44

Displayed on the screen were the two designs that Liam Carter had stolen.

Sienna pressed her lips together and remained silent. When those initial drafts had first taken shape, she had submitted them to Leona for review.

"I wouldn't say they are completely identical, but this level of similarity... don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

"Director Langdon, just give me two more weeks. I guarantee I will deliver a design that surpasses your expectations."

"Oh..." Leona leaned back leisurely in her chair. "So, does that mean you really plagiarized it?"

Sienna had no intention of clinging to those old designs, but she wasn't going to let herself be smeared with baseless accusations.

"I didn't."

Leona offered a faint smile. "You know, Sienna, I think very highly of you. To have such a unique aesthetic sense at your age is rare. You need to protect your reputation."

Sienna had always respected Leona, viewing her as an older sister figure who played the role of a supportive mentor in her career.

Ever since Sienna was scouted by Syllable Studio, Leona had undeniably looked out for her. Within just a year, she had been handed full control of the most critical strategic project of the year.

Originally, a senior designer with over a decade of experience was supposed to lead it—a project Yardley had confidently sworn he would secure. Instead, it was handed to a rookie like her.

From assembling the team to finalizing the drafts, coordinating procurement, and overseeing the technical processes, the ultimate decision-making power rested solely on her shoulders.

That immense trust used to warm her heart, but now, it felt like a crushing weight.

"Alright, let's drop it. If you say you didn't, then you didn't. I trust you have your reasons."

"As for your request, you have half a month. I look forward to seeing this superior design of yours."

Sienna gave a brief nod.

"Go on back to work," Leona said, waving a hand dismissively.

Sienna returned to her desk.

Kelsey was immediately concerned by her grim expression. "Did she give you a hard time? Or is this about the project?"

Sienna shook her head. "Just pushing me for progress."

Kelsey breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh... well, you still have half a month. Try not to stress too much. Honestly, I think Director Langdon is great. She never loses her temper, she's sweet, she's gorgeous, and she always buys us afternoon tea."

With red-rimmed eyes, he gripped her shoulders. His pupils trembled with the devastating realization of being abandoned, unable to focus. His utterly pitiful state triggered an overwhelming wave of guilt within her.

His voice quivered, and his lips parted slightly as he spoke with a thick, tearful congestion, unable to mask a single ounce of his misery.

"Why did you lie to me... Darling, why didn't you come find me? I waited and waited for you..."

"I..." Sienna was so consumed with guilt she couldn't even form words.

But before she could invent a decent lie, the man standing before her completely transformed.

His expression morphed into something entirely devoid of warmth, his eyes narrowing into cold, glacial slits. He stared down at her with the chilling, murderous aura of a grim reaper straight from hell, making her shiver uncontrollably.

Jorrod raised a hand and gently traced her cheek—a gesture that was infinitely tender, yet accompanied by a smile of absolute mockery.

When he spoke, his voice sounded like a ghost, completely stripped of the docile sweetness he had shown over the past two days.

"Which hand copped a feel this morning?"

"Since it was so unruly, we should just chop it off."