CHAPTER 26: CHAPTER 26 CLASH OF DESIGNS

Serena’s POV

I arrived at the venue three hours before our scheduled launch, determined to make sure everything was perfect.

The elegant exhibition hall had been transformed with our minimalist aesthetic—soft lighting highlighting glass display cases where our jewelry pieces waited to make their debut.

"They’re setting up right across the hall," Maya muttered, glancing through the doorway. "Ivy’s people look frantic."

I smiled coolly. "Let them panic. We’ve got this."

Walking through our display area, I adjusted the positioning of a few pieces, making sure each creation caught the light just right.

Our centerpiece—a stunning sapphire necklace with my signature flowing lines—commanded attention at the heart of the collection.

Julian stood nearby, making final adjustments to his contributions—intricate cuff bracelets that complemented my designs perfectly.

We’d worked night and day to perfect this collection, and seeing it displayed so beautifully made all the sleepless nights worth it.

"The press is starting to arrive," he noted, checking his watch. "And I’ve spotted at least three major fashion editors."

"Good. The more witnesses to this showdown, the better."

By the time our doors officially opened, the contrast between the two events was impossible to ignore.

Our side of the hall filled quickly with excited guests, champagne flowing as critics and buyers alike marveled over our collection.

The buzz was electric, with phones constantly out as people captured images of our pieces.

Across the way, Ivy’s launch seemed oddly subdued, with scattered attendees moving without enthusiasm between displays.

Despite her aggressive marketing campaign leading up to this event, the reality was falling painfully short of expectations.

"She’s staring daggers at you," Maya whispered, nodding toward the entrance where Ivy stood, arms crossed tightly across her chest.

She’d dressed in an overly dramatic black gown that seemed desperate for attention—all feathers and sequins, like she was attending an awards ceremony rather than a professional launch.

I pretended not to notice, focusing instead on explaining my design philosophy to an influential jewelry blogger.

"The essence of true luxury isn’t ostentation," I explained, guiding her toward our showcase. "It’s about emotional resonance—creating pieces that feel like they’ve always belonged to the wearer."

Just as the blogger was photographing our signature sapphire piece, a commotion erupted near the entrance.

Ivy was marching directly toward us, her face flushed with fury, two nervous assistants trailing behind her.

"You did this on purpose, didn’t you?" she demanded, her voice carrying across the now-quieting room. "Scheduled your pathetic little launch at the exact same time as mine?"

I turned slowly, keeping my expression neutral despite the scene she was creating. "Ivy. How nice of you to visit our exhibition."

"Don’t play innocent with me," she hissed, stepping closer. "You knew my launch was today. You deliberately set this up to steal my spotlight!"

The room had gone silent, everyone watching this unexpected drama unfold. I could see phones discreetly recording the confrontation.

"Actually," I replied calmly, "we booked this venue three months ago. Perhaps you should check your calendar more carefully."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "You’ve been jealous of me from day one. Jealous that Ryan sees my talent while he couldn’t care less about yours."

That struck a nerve, but I refused to let it show. "Is that what this is about? Ryan?"

"He believes in me," she sneered, glancing around at our displays. "Unlike this derivative garbage you’re passing off as design."

Julian stepped forward protectively, but I placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. This was my battle.

"If you’re so confident in your designs," I said, voice steady, "why are you over here causing a scene instead of attending to your own guests?"

"Because you stole them!" she shrieked, voice cracking slightly. "You’ve been sabotaging me from the beginning!"

I raised an eyebrow. "Interesting accusation from someone who tried to destroy Julian’s reputation just last week."

Her eyes widened slightly—she hadn’t expected me to know about that.

"I have no idea what you’re talking about," she stammered, but her confidence was visibly faltering.

"Don’t you?" I stepped closer, dropping my voice. "The fake photos? The fabricated scandals? Did you really think no one would trace that back to you?"

A flash of panic crossed her face, quickly replaced by rage. She suddenly lunged forward, grabbing our centerpiece sapphire necklace from its display.

"You call this design?" Ivy spat, dangling my creation disrespectfully between her fingers. "This basic, uninspired piece? It’s amateur work at best!"

The crowd gasped as she swung the delicate necklace carelessly. My heart raced—that piece represented countless hours of meticulous craftsmanship.

"My worst sketches have more originality than your entire collection," she continued, voice rising hysterically. "Ryan was right about you—all packaging, no substance!"

Just as she raised her arm, seemingly ready to throw my precious creation to the floor, a commanding voice cut through the tension.

"Put that down. Now."

The crowd parted like the Red Sea as Ryan Blackwood strode into the space, his tall figure imposing in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit. His face was a mask of controlled fury.

Ivy’s expression shifted instantly from rage to triumphant smugness. "Ryan! Perfect timing. I was just showing everyone how mediocre—"

"I said," he repeated, voice dangerously quiet, "put it down."

Her smile faltered. "But I was just—"

"Now, Ivy." The ice in his tone was unmistakable.

Confusion flickered across her face as she reluctantly placed the necklace back in its case. "Ryan, you don’t understand. She deliberately scheduled this against my launch to—"

"Did you?" Ryan turned to me, his gray-blue eyes unreadable. "Did you deliberately schedule your launch to coincide with Ivy’s?"

The entire room seemed to hold its breath. I could feel everyone watching us. Maya edged closer protectively. Julian’s stance shifted subtly, ready to intervene if needed.

I met Ryan’s gaze unflinchingly. "Would it matter if I did or didn’t? Is that what you’re here to determine? Who deserves punishment this time?"

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "I’m simply asking a question."

Before I could answer, Ivy’s face lit up with vindictive satisfaction.

"She’s admitting it! She’s actually admitting she did this deliberately! Ryan, you can’t let her get away with this kind of sabotage—"

"Sabotage?" I laughed, the sound brittle even to my own ears.

"Look around, Ivy. Our launch was planned months ago. Your designs are failing on their own merit, or lack thereof. I didn’t need to sabotage anything."

Ryan’s expression darkened as he surveyed the room—the crowd clearly gathered around our displays, the phones capturing every moment of this confrontation, the uncomfortable truth evident to everyone.

"So this is what it’s going to be now?" I continued, addressing Ryan directly. "Every time your precious protégé fails, you’ll show up to accuse me?

Are you going to demand I apologize for my success? Make me take care of her wounded ego too?"