Chapter 5

Stella POV

Two days later, the door finally opened.

Ethan stood outside, looking down at me, curled up in the corner. My hair was disheveled, my face as pale as paper, my entire being exuding a lifeless, withered aura.

"Chloe only suffered a mild concussion; she's not going to press charges." Ethan's voice was cold. "Just stay put from now on, and don't cause any more trouble."

I slowly raised my head, my empty gaze sweeping over his face. No anger, no resentment, nothing at all.

I pushed myself up against the wall, limped to the desk, picked up a pen, and began to draw the shelved engagement ring design.

Ethan watched me, then snorted coldly, and turned to leave.

My dream was shattered, but I became incredibly clear-headed.

Like a soulless machine, I spent three days completing Chloe's engagement ring design. The design was impeccable, so perfect that no one could find fault with it.

A week later, a grand international jewelry exhibition was held in New York.

As the company's assistant designer, I followed my director to set up the exhibition booth.

When I reached the central display in the exhibition hall, my steps abruptly halted.

Under the spotlight, a jewelry set named "Starlight" was showcased. The fluid lines, the unique setting technique. It was clearly the design from my wax model that Chloe had shattered.

And the designer's name below the display cabinet prominently read: Chloe Foster.

My breath hitched. Trembling all over, I pushed through the crowd and immediately saw Ethan and Chloe being interviewed by the media.

"Mr. Lynwood, we hear this jewelry set is Ms. Foster's first piece. What was the inspiration behind it?" a reporter asked.

Ethan put an arm around Chloe's waist, his smile gentle. "Chloe is very talented. This piece is the culmination of a month of her hard work. We hope everyone will support her."

I rushed forward, grabbing Ethan's arm, my eyes blazing red. "Ethan, how could you give her my design? That's my work!"

The camera flashes instantly erupted.

Ethan's face darkened. He roughly shook off my hand and dragged me into a deserted emergency exit stairwell.

"What are you making a scene about now?" Ethan's tone was extremely impatient.

"That 'Starlight' set was my competition piece! The original files are still on my computer!" I gritted my teeth, tears finally streaming down my face. "You'd resort to such despicable tactics just to elevate her?"

Ethan looked at my tear-streaked face, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by coldness.

"Chloe was injured because of you, and she missed her original art exhibition. Consider this design your compensation to her." He stated it as a matter of course. "Besides, you're the adopted daughter of the Lynwood family. What do you need fame for? The Lynwood family will support you for life. As long as you're obedient, you won't starve. It's just a design, why are you making such a fuss?"

Just a design.

I looked at the man I had loved for ten years, and suddenly, a wave of nausea rolled through my stomach.

In his eyes, I was never an independent person, just an object whose dreams could be arbitrarily stripped away, used to please his beloved.