Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 296

Julian's face was knocked to the side. The stark red handprint on his right cheek was shocking, a testament to exactly how much force she had used.

A dark cloud passed through his eyes. He pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, then lowered his head to look at the petite woman pinned against him, his dark gaze heavy and brooding.

Clara's spine snapped rigid.

But then, she slapped him a second time.

She really couldn't take it anymore!

"Julian Lowell! Get out of my face! I never want to see you again!"

"I gave you three damn years of my life! And I got absolutely nothing in return! You stole everything from me! Do you understand?!"

As the words tore from her throat, the weight of all the injustice she had suffered over the years finally broke her. She covered her face and sobbed, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

It was the first time she had ever shown him such vulnerability.

And it was the first time she had ever broken down in front of him, crying out her grievances so desperately.

Julian froze. He couldn't quite describe the sensation, but it felt as if someone had gripped his heart and squeezed. An unfamiliar, tender ache spread through his chest, making him feel terribly unsettled.

His Adam's apple bobbed. He reached out to touch her cheek, wanting to say something.

Clara didn't want to hear it. She shoved him away with all her strength and ran.

Julian reached out to grab her wrist, but he missed, grasping only empty air.

Just then, the phone in his pocket began to ring.

Frowning at her retreating figure, Julian pulled out his phone and answered it.

It was Arthur Higgins.

"Mr. Lowell, it's true. Someone deliberately suppressed Ms. Vance's scores to eliminate her... You should come to the VIP lounge."

Julian's grip on the phone tightened instantly. He hung up and strode away.

...

After fleeing, Clara received a call from Leo Miller. Leo furiously cursed out the organizers on her behalf, completely outraged by the injustice.

"Did that bastard Julian Lowell pull strings for Seraphina?!"

Clara offered a bitter smile.

Leo was livid.

Clara kept her head down, wiping her eyes. She didn't want to talk about this anymore.

In a very quiet voice, she said, "Leo, I'm planning to leave shortly."

She had originally intended to leave in the afternoon, giving herself plenty of time. But now, she didn't care about the schedule. She just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible.

Leo understood her pain. He sighed softly and said, "Alright. Call me when you get there. Also, I'll keep an eye out for any news regarding The Alabaster Atelier for you."

Clara's eyes welled up again. "Thank you, Leo."

They spoke for a few more minutes.

After hanging up, Clara booked the earliest available flight out.

"Exactly! Release the scores!"

"..."

The venue dissolved into total chaos. The security guards couldn't regain control.

Seraphina's face paled. Mortified, she forced a stiff smile for the cameras.

She desperately tried to comfort herself.

*It doesn't matter! Of course, some people will prefer her design.*

*As long as I hold the first-place title, that's what matters! As long as I secure my spot at The Alabaster Atelier! As long as I keep Clara crushed beneath my heel!*

*Nothing else matters!*

Anna walked toward her with the trophy, her expression impassive. "Congratulations."

Seraphina's mood lifted slightly. She eagerly accepted the award. "Thank you, Anna! I will continue to work hard and I won't let you down!"

Anna gave a faint, unreadable smile. Then she turned to face the unruly crowd.

"I know many of you feel an injustice was done to Clara Vance today. I feel the exact same way!"

"I won't comment further on the scoring of this competition."

"What I will say is that true brilliance should never be extinguished."

"Therefore, I have decided to add one extra internship spot at The Alabaster Atelier! I don't know if Clara would be willing to accept it, but if she is, I welcome her to connect with me shortly."