Chapter 10 – Ashes In The Fire
Noelle’s POV
Curled up on the couch with a warm mug of tea in my hands, I listened as the TV news crackled through the quiet room.
“Breaking news: Fashion designer Jocelyn Nichols faces intense scrutiny amid allegations of plagiarizing the work of an anonymous creator.”
A smirk tugged at my lips. Finally.
The screen switched to Jocelyn, seated in a sleek studio, her eyes glassy with tears as a sympathetic host leaned in.
“My heart is breaking,” she sniffled, voice shaking, mascara streaking down her
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life.”
The screen cut again–to Christopher, now looking stern and angry.
“She’s innocent,” he declared firmly. “People believe rumors too fast. Jocelyn earned everything on her own. She’s talented, passionate, and most importantly- kindhearted.”
I nearly choked on my tea.
“A good heart? Really?”
Christopher’s jaw clenched tight with fury. “My wife is innocent. These anonymous accounts? Just jealous haters. We will sue anyone who spreads lies.”
The volume turned up again as my father’s face appeared on the screen, speaking from
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is study, trying to look intellectual.
“My daughter Jocelyn-” he began, and rage flared inside me.
613
“She could never do something so terrible. She’s sweet, honest, my little angel.”
My fists clenched tight.
“I raised Jocelyn right,” he added smugly. “We will get to the truth of this.”
Vernon walked in then, holding a tablet.
“You watching too?” he asked, settling beside me.
I shook my head, “They’re unbelievable.”
“They’re scared,” he said quietly. “Desperation sounds just like that.”
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“They’re lying–all three of them,” I snapped. “See how fast they defend her, without a single question?”
Vernon smiled softly. “You hit a nerve, love. Jocelyn’s trending for all the wrong reasons.”
He tapped the tablet and slid it toward me.
“Top brands are pulling out of her campaign. Some designers she was set to collaborate with issued statements–they refuse to support fraud. They’re distancing themselves.”
I scrolled through the posts, reading aloud:
“Integrity matters more than influence. We won’t work with Jocelyn.”
“To the anonymous designer–thank you
for
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speaking out. You inspire us.”
“Jocelyn, maybe try creating something original for once.”
Vernon chuckled. “That last one’s
favorite.”
my
I handed the tablet back. “It’s not enough. Not yet.”
“Be careful,” he warned.
I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
His expression grew serious. “You’re playing with fire. If you’re not cautious, it will burn you.”
I stared ahead, voice low.
“My mother died because of this.”
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Vernon was silent.
“She discovered my father had a mistress- a child. Jocelyn. Yet she stayed. Tried to love him, to love us both. But it broke her, slowly. Until one day… she couldn’t get out of bed. Her heart just gave out.”
Vernon reached for my hand, but I gently pulled away.
“Jocelyn took everything–my father, my husband, my baby, my brother.”
“Then let me help,” he said softly. “But don’t lose yourself in the process.”
“I’m not losing myself,” I replied firmly. “I’m finally finding the version of me they tried to bury.”
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A knock came at the door. Vernon rose and opened it to receive a brown package from a maid.
He turned and handed it to me.
“For you.”
“From who?”
“No return address.”
I unwrapped it, revealing a single sheet of paper inside:
You are requested to present yourself for a paternity test. Location, date, and time. enclosed. The requesting party remains confidential.
I stared at the note.
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Vernon frowned. “What is it?”
I handed him the paper.
He read it, then looked up. “A paternity test?”
I nodded.
“What does this mean? Who’s behind it?”
I shrugged. “I have no clue. All I know is there’s a request to appear, along with a ten–million–dollar check.”
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