EMILY

Chapter Eight: The Missing Designs

The scandal began on a rainy Tuesday morning.

Several designs from Steele & Grace's upcoming winter collection appeared on a competitor's website. Among them were sketches Emily had submitted privately to the creative department.

By noon, the company was demanding explanations.

Victoria summoned Emily to the conference room.

“These files were accessed through your department account,” she announced.

Emily stared at the screen.

“That isn't possible.”

“The records indicate otherwise.”

“I never shared those designs.”

Victoria folded her arms.

“Then perhaps you can explain why they appeared online.”

Emily asked to see the access records.

Victoria accused her of questioning the company's security procedures.

By the end of the afternoon, Emily had been suspended pending an investigation.

She left the building carrying a small box of personal belongings.

Outside, rain soaked the pavement.

Jake arrived within twenty minutes.

“They're accusing me of stealing my own work,” Emily said.

Jake took the box from her.

“Then we'll prove them wrong.”

Ryan Mitchell joined them that evening. He examined the leaked designs and noticed that they contained a tiny pencil mark Emily had corrected in her final versions.

It was evidence that the copies had come directly from her original working files.

Ethan called later that night.

“I heard about the suspension,” he said. “I'm sorry.”

Emily was too exhausted to pretend she was fine.

“I don't know what to do.”

“Have they shown you the full security report?”

“No.”

“Then I think the first step is making sure you get access to the evidence.”

He did not promise to fix the situation. He did not tell her to stop worrying.

He simply listened while she explained what had happened.

Before they ended the call, he said, “You shouldn't have to face accusations without a fair investigation.”

“Thank you.”

“Try to get some sleep, Emily.”

She almost laughed.

“I'll try.”

After the call, she sat at her kitchen table and opened her laptop.

There were dated sketches, emails, photographs, and drafts scattered across several folders.

She began organizing everything.

The work was tedious, but it gave her something she could control.

And as she sorted through the evidence, she decided that no matter what happened at Steele & Grace, she would not abandon Everlight.