She Turned Her Grief Into Wings novel Chapter 58

"If we release the scores right now, it won't just prove my innocence; it will protect the integrity of this entire competition. If there's an issue with my scores, I will accept whatever penalty you deem fit. But if there isn't, I am begging you to give me a fair chance to clear my name."

"I completely understand how stressful this is for you, but rules are rules. I don't have the authority to bypass them. However, if you leave your contact information, I will escalate your request to upper management."

"Thank you. I'll be waiting for your call."

She hung up and slumped back against the sofa, absolutely exhausted. She rubbed her temples, her heart pounding against her ribs.

She had no idea if her request would actually get approved. If someone at the top decided to block it, she had no backup plan.

The minutes ticked by agonizingly slowly. She had never felt time drag like this before.

Nearly an hour later, her phone finally rang. She snatched it up instantly.

It wasn't the committee. It was Zena.

She sounded like she was on the verge of tears. "Shera, Mrs. Winston just called to cancel her order. Then Mrs. Larson, and Ms. Sanford... We've already lost four major commissions."

Shera closed her eyes, her voice gravelly. "I understand."

"And... Ms. Dawson said she's quitting. She claims she needs to move back to her hometown."

Moving back to her hometown was an obvious lie; she was terrified the brand's toxic PR would ruin her resume. Shera couldn't blame her.

"Tell her to hand over her files. We'll pay her out through the end of the month."

"Shera..."

Shera let out a heavy sigh. "It's going to be okay."

She sat alone in the dimming living room, staring blankly out the window.

Her phone buzzed again. A text from Yara Yorke.

Yara: [Shera, are you okay? Do you want me to pull some strings and get the trending topics taken down?]

Shera: [I'm fine, really. No need. If I need help, you'll be my first call.]

Taking it down now would be the worst possible move. The scandal was massive—a major design competition accused of rigging. The entire fashion industry was watching. If the search terms mysteriously vanished, it would only confirm everyone's suspicions.

Whenever there was a competition, there would always be whispers of unfairness. Now that this had blown up, anyone who had ever felt slighted in the industry was hyper-fixated on it. Any shady moves on her part would just hand them more ammunition.

The room had gone completely dark, the glow of the phone screen casting a harsh, cold light across Shera's face.

She had zero evidence, but her gut screamed that this wasn't just petty industry rivalry.

A horrifying thought pierced through the chaos, turning her blood to ice.

Could it be *him*?

Caden.

He knew she was in the competition. He had even seen her sketches.

Factor in how much she had been pushing his buttons lately, constantly testing his limits—and the fact that she had just sent Aiken an ultimatum regarding their divorce.

She knew the theory sounded insane, but if it wasn't him, who else could it possibly be?

Whatever was happening, Caden's fingerprints were all over it.

Whether it was the smear campaign or the stolen documents, she needed to look him in the eye and demand answers.

She instantly changed her clothes and bolted for the estate.