Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 125

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Jealousy Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 125

They had no idea. Not even a clue. A surge of satisfaction ran through

1. me.

“For those unfamiliar with my work as Aurora, I’ve been designing

under this pseudonym for the past three years,” I continued, clicking

to show a montage of my most recognized pieces. “My work has been

featured in Artisan Quarterly and Modern Design, and has been

commissioned by several prominent galleries.”

From my peripheral vision, I could see Megan’s face losing all color.

Her expression morphed from smug certainty to horror as she

realized who she’d stolen from–not just an intern, but a respected

designer whose work she’d probably studied.

“Today, I’ve submitted two designs to this competition,” I explained,

moving to the next slide. “One under my birth name, Iris Stone, and

one as Aurora. I did this to prove that my design aesthetic and quality

remain consistent regardless of the name attached to them.”

I began walking the judges through my official Aurora submission, a

delicate platinum and sapphire piece inspired by winter frost

patterns. With each detail I explained, I could see their admiration.

growing, their nods becoming more enthusiastic. This was the

reception of equals, not the condescending approval they’d given

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Chapter 125

Megan.

After thoroughly presenting my Aurora piece, I paused, taking a sip of

water. The next part required perfect delivery.

“Now, I’d like to discuss another piece,” I said, clicking to a new slide.

“one that might look familiar to you all, as Ms. Claire already

presented it during her time on stage.”

The room went completely silent. I could practically hear hearts

stopping.

“While I’m unsure how Ms. Claire came to possess my design,” I

continued calmly, “I’d like to correct some misinterpretations of the

piece.”

I pulled out my original sketches, dated and signed, and placed them

under the document camera. “First, the curved lines don’t represent

water waves as Ms. Claire suggested. They’re actually inspired by the

protective curves of a mother wolf sheltering her cubs–symbolizing

protection and nurturing.”

My eyes found Megan in the audience, her face now flushed with

anger and embarrassment. “Second, the placement of the diamonds

doesn’t represent water droplets, but rather stars in the night sky,

visible through the canopy of trees. This speaks to guidance and

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Chapter 125

finding one’s way in darkness.”

I continued my explanation, providing details only the true creator

could know–the exact proportions I’d calculated to balance the piece,

the specific type of setting I’d planned to use, even the custom alloy

I’d formulated to achieve the perfect shade of silver with enhanced

durability.

“Of course,” I added with just a hint of sharpness, “it’s understandable

that someone presenting another’s work might misinterpret these

elements, given that they weren’t part of the creative process.”

The judges were now looking at Megan with undisguised disapproval.

I hadn’t directly accused her of theft–I didn’t need to. The evidence

spoke for itself.

“I have one final piece of evidence,” I said, reaching into my portfolio.

“My original concept sketches, dated three weeks ago, with Marcus

Foster’s signature as witness. As my mentor at Crescent Design, he

can verify the authenticity and timeline of this work.”

A murmur ran through the audience as I displayed the dated sketches.

The head judge leaned forward, studying the documentation with

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