Rural Belle & Three Heirs

"""Chloe, don't be upset. Not winning this time doesn't mean anything. Honestly, your design was really excellent. It's just that the people from the Martin group don't have good taste. Don't feel sad, okay? As long as you're not sad, I'll give you my prize later," Philip, who'd been Chloe's classmate for years, tried to cheer her up like a big brother.

Chloe shrugged it off. "Oh, please, it's just an award. I'm not that upset. Besides, both you and Rena won an award. What do I have to be unhappy about? We agreed that whoever wins will treat us, so you two better get ready to treat me to something delicious! I want steak, and make sure it's the kind I can take home..."

Seeing Chloe wasn't too bothered, Philip felt a bit relieved. If he'd known she wouldn't win, he wouldn't have pushed her to come today.

Just when everyone thought the design competition was over, Grant suddenly spoke up from the stage, "Ladies and gentlemen, after reviewing the entries, we found many outstanding works and decided to create a special grand prize. The winner of the grand prize is Chloe Davis from Quest University."

Grant led the applause, his eyes scanning the audience.

The unexpected surprise left Chloe stunned. She hadn't expected that the design she whipped up in one night would win the grand prize.

Next, a staff member took over from Grant on stage. He said, "Due to the excellence of the grand prize-winning work, the Martin Group will soon hold a special analysis session for this piece. We hope everyone can attend. Now, let's welcome the grand prize winner, Chloe Davis, to the stage to receive her award..."

The grand award ceremony concluded, and Chloe, holding her prize, was ready to leave with Philip. Just as they were about to go, Stanley approached her.

He said, "Miss Davis, Mr. Martin would like to see you."

"What does he want with me?" Chloe had been avoiding Grant lately. He always seemed to kiss her when no one was around, making her very nervous.

Stanley shook his head. "I'm sorry, Miss Davis, Mr. Martin didn't say."

"Well, then... tell him to talk to me at home." Chloe said, grabbing her prize and preparing to leave.

Stanley seemed to have anticipated her reluctance. He said, "Miss Davis, Mr. Martin mentioned that if you don't come, your grand prize will be considered plagiarized." Hearing this, Chloe was furious and was about to jump up and curse. She clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with anger. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the frustration and resentment inside made it difficult for her to find peace.

She shouted, "That's nonsense! I designed it myself. How could it be plagiarized? Where's the proof?"

Stanley touched his nose and smiled slightly. Chloe's fiery temper was just as expected.

He didn't argue further. Instead, he gestured for Chloe to follow him. "Miss Davis, this way to the conference room."

Chloe, fuming, followed Stanley towards the conference room.

Before they even entered, they could hear Sophia's voice inside. "Mr. Martin, I didn't plagiarize. My design is my own work. How could I copy someone else's? We've known each other for years. You know I'm an honest person. I would never plagiarize. Please, check again."

When Sophia said this, her voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of coquettishness. Her face was full of anxiety and innocence, as if she truly believed she was the wronged party.

Chloe couldn't help but roll her eyes.

As she and Stanley reached the door, she peeked through the crack and saw Sophia leaning forward, flaunting her assets in front of Grant.

Stanley didn't hesitate and pushed the door open.

Sophia jumped back in surprise. When she saw Stanley and Chloe, her eyes filled with anger towards Chloe.

Chloe glanced at Sophia's chest, then at her own, admitting Sophia's were more impressive. No wonder Sophia had insulted her, saying her chest was only good for telling front from back. Sophia knew how to hit where it hurt.

Since Sophia dared to insult her, Chloe wasn't going to let it slide. Seeing Sophia act like a desperate woman clinging to Grant, Chloe seized the opportunity to strike back. "Oh, Stanley and I must have come at a bad time. Almost saw something we shouldn't have. Grant, your employee is quite something. Did she take some kind of aphrodisiac? Acting all frisky in a conference room. Does she do this with clients too? Such dedication..."

Chloe's sharp words painted Sophia as a shameless slut.

Sophia's chest heaved with anger, her previous facade of gentleness and vulnerability vanishing.

Grant chuckled.

Chloe's mouth wasn't just good for kissing; her insults were pretty effective too.

He had been wondering how to deal with Sophia's plagiarism. Now, Chloe had given him an out.

"You... stop slandering me. I was discussing business with Mr. Martin." Sophia's eyes reddened as she tried to defend herself.noveldrama

Chloe smirked, staring at Sophia's chest. "Business? I've seen plenty of meetings, but never one where a woman shakes her chest like that. Sophia, you're so overdeveloped. Next time, make sure to tuck them in; you might lose one without noticing. And stay away from Grant-he's not into slut."

Chloe's harsh words were payback for Sophia's earlier insult about her small chest. Sophia was livid.

She pointed a trembling finger at Chloe. "You... you're bullying me..."

Chloe stuck out her tongue, smugly saying, "Damn right I am. Maybe this will teach you not to badmouth people behind their backs."

The conference room, meant for serious discussions, had turned into a battleground of insults.

Grant, seeing Chloe had the upper hand, cleared his throat to interrupt. "Alright, enough. Let's get back to the plagiarism issue. Sophia, you claim you didn't plagiarize. Where's your proof?"