Chapter Thirteen
Celeste’s POV
I was about to slap the smugness off Vanessa’s face when Grace stepped between us.
+25 BONUS
“Don’t act so high and mighty.” Grace glowered. “The only reason you rocked up here in a designer dress is because you stole Celeste’s husband.”
There were audible gasps around us.
It was my turn to pull Grace back before she hit that obnoxious woman.
“Oh please,” Vanessa cackled. “It takes skill to seduce a man.”
I was speechless. This bitch broke my family and spoke about it like it was an achievement.
“Damien took little persuading. You clearly weren’t doing enough to satisfy him.” She raised her chin and smirked at me. “And your daughter was even easier. All it took was a handful of candy to win over.”
That was the last straw.
My eyes flashed. “It’s pathetic. You got where you are in life by stealing from others.” ”
The room was silent as every ear listened.
“What are you talking about?” She lifted an eyebrow.
“You plagiarized your way into this school.” I stepped closer, my blood boiling. “You only studied here because you stole other designers‘ work”
“Do you really expect anyone to believe that story?” Vanessa asked, cocky as ever.
Now it was my turn to smirk.
“It’s easy to believe when you have proof.”
The crowd edged closer as I pulled a folder from my bag. I was going to give it to the dean tonight, but Vanessa forced my hand.
I held it out, and Dominique eagerly snatched it from my hand. The professor’s eyebrows shot into her hairline as she flipped through the documents.
The room collectively held its breath.
“It’s true.” She said at last. “It’s Miss Abrams‘ application portfolio and the original designs she plagiarized.”
The color drained from Vanessa’s face.
Hard work never goes in vain. My hours spent calling in favors and digging through her past were worthwhile.
“There’s also an email chain with an admissions officer she had ahem… a questionable relationship with.” Dominique tutted.
Whispers erupted around us as our classmates looked at Vanessa with contempt.
“This event is for real designers, not frauds.” I smirked.
Vanessa’s gaze flitted through the sneering crowd before she turned tail and ran out.
I was on cloud nine,
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Chapter Thirteen
“That was glorious.” Grace squeezed me into a side hug. “You never fail to amaze me, Celeste.”
+25 BONUS
“I can’t take all the credit.” I said as I watched Vanessa retreat. “I wouldn’t have known to look if you hadn’t told me what James said.”
Grace beamed at me. “We’ll all remember tonight as the greatest takedown in history.”
Dominique tapped my shoulder.
“You two always knew how to make a party interesting.”
We laughed together.
“Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Celeste.” She lifted the folder. “I’ll be submitting these to the disciplinary board to investigate further.”
I smiled. “Thanks, teach.”
“You girls enjoy the reunion, but don’t have too much fun. We don’t need a repeat of your graduation party.” She said with a wink.
I giggled at the flashbacks of pink foam and table top dancing.
Grace shouted as she left. “No promises!”
Gradually, the atmosphere in the hall eased. I grabbed drinks from a passing tray and handed one to Grace.
“To you, Celeste.” Her eyes crinkled with warmth.
I clinked her glass and sipped my drink.
“Let’s catch up with the others at the exhibit.” I said
We headed to the adjoining room. Glass displays showcased the best pieces produced by students over the years.
I felt inspired as we browsed the work.
“Celeste,” Grace bumped my shoulder and tilted her head to a display in the center of the room.
My breath caught as I recognized the necklace instantly.
“This is the one you won that award for, remember?” She asked.
I nodded.
On a board behind the display, my sketches and notes were artfully arranged. My maiden name gleamed where it was engraved on a silver plate.
“Celeste Sinclair”
“It’s surreal seeing the work I did in college. It feels like another lifetime.”
Grace teased. “I’m sure we’ll see a lot more awards soon, just under a different name.”
“I’d be over the moon.”
We walked through the entire exhibit, seeing a few more of my pieces and even one of Grace’s.
As we headed back into the banquet hall, I frowned.
“I wonder where Savannah and the others are.”
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Chapter Thirteen
Grace shrugged. “We must have missed them.”
“We’ll probably bump into them again.”
She nodded, peering into the crowd. “I’m going to hunt down a server to get us drinks. Wait for me here, okay?”
Happy to rest my aching feet, I agreed.
“Sure, thanks.”
I was rifling through my handbag for my phone when a husky voice called my name. I glanced up and my breath caught.
“Celeste, I’ve been looking all over for you.” The man said with a dazzling smile. “Long time no see.”
