Chapter 158
Xavier Delmar never expected their request to be more than just a live sketching demonstration. It was a meticulously planned ambush, designed to expose him for the fraud he was.
His face drained of all color.
The crowd caught on quickly, their murmurs escalating into a frenzy.
“Look! That sketch the young man is holding—it’s identical to the one Xavier just drew!”
“No one’s seen it before. Only the original artist would know those details.”
“It’s obvious who the real talent is.”
“Compared to that, Xavier’s work is amateurish at best.”
“Who would’ve thought? The world-famous Xavier Delmar, stealing someone else’s work to build his reputation.”
“Disgusting! How does he even have the audacity to stand here?”
Just moments ago, he had been boasting about his so-called genius. Now, the accusations flew like daggers.
“So, the young man’s mentor is the true creator of the comic?” The reporters, quick to piece it together, swung their cameras toward Ethan Blackwood.
“Mr. Blackwood, were you aware of this? Didn’t you just publicly vouch for him as CEO of Blackwood Group? And Mrs. Blackwood even stated Xavier struggles with drawing in front of crowds. Were you all in on this deception?”
“Why would Blackwood Group endorse someone like him? If you were deceived, doesn’t that call your judgment as CEO into question? Can you guarantee your company’s products aren’t involved in any infringements?”
Ethan hadn’t anticipated the backlash would reach him. Desperate to distance himself, he scrambled to disassociate from the disaster.
“Our company was misled as well. Effective immediately, we’re terminating our contract with Xavier Delmar.”
But his earlier, unwavering endorsement had already tied Blackwood Group to Xavier. His sudden backtracking only made him look weak.
No one believed him. The crowd sensed his desperation.
He had dug his own grave.
Ethan’s expression darkened, his voice icy. “Suggesting we colluded with Xavier is completely baseless. Spread these lies, and you’ll be hearing from our lawyers.”
Sophia Kensington, equally humiliated, glared at Xavier with venomous hatred. In that moment, she wished he would vanish entirely.
But what infuriated her most was the bitter realization—Isabella Sinclair was the true artist behind the comic.
Isabella, watching from the sidelines, allowed herself a small, satisfied smile.
Within two hours, this scandal would dominate the city’s headlines.
She turned and walked away, indifferent to the chaos she had ignited.
As she left, she texted Gabriel Sterling: A publisher will be in touch about your work. Thank you for your trust and courage. If you ever need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Gabriel had talent, but more importantly, he had integrity. She was willing to help him.
In the underground parking lot, Isabella was about to unlock her car when she heard soft sobbing.
She turned to see Sophia, her makeup smeared, tears streaking down her face.
Sophia’s eyes locked onto Isabella’s, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “How can you be so heartless? Xavier just made a mistake. He’s not a bad person. Even if he plagiarized, we could’ve handled this privately. Why humiliate him—and us—in public? Are you trying to ruin Blackwood Group? The negative publicity could destroy us. Why didn’t you come to us first?”
Isabella clicked her tongue, eyeing Sophia with open disdain. “Did someone in your family die? Is that why you’re crying so dramatically?”
Lately, Isabella’s words had grown sharper. Spending too much time around Alexander Kingsley, she supposed. She didn’t hesitate to strike with her words, especially when it came to Sophia and Ethan.
“Isabella, how dare you speak to me like this?” Sophia’s sobs halted abruptly, her expression twisting with fury.
Just as she was about to lash out, Ethan stormed over.
Her voice instantly softened, turning pitiful. “Even if you hate me, there’s no reason to insult my mother-in-law. Eleanor treated you like her own daughter. You could’ve resolved this privately. You didn’t have to disgrace us in front of the press.”
Ethan’s face hardened at her words. “Isabella, how dare you insult my mother?” His voice seethed with rage. “I haven’t even confronted you about failing to save her last time she was in danger. And now you provoke me again?”
He stood there, stunned by how cold Isabella had become. He never imagined she could be this ruthless.
“Exactly,” Sophia chimed in. “Even if Xavier was wrong, you should’ve come to us first. Instead, you humiliated Ethan in front of all those reporters. This could tank Blackwood Group’s stock!”
Isabella’s gaze remained unwavering.
“And how, exactly, is that my problem?”
