Chapter 11: Secrets Exposed
555 Words
The morning after the birthday gala, every major newspaper carried the same headline:
"Unknown Designer Stuns the Fashion World."
Cinta stared at the front page in disbelief.
Her photograph stood beside Mrs. Clatford, both smiling proudly in the emerald gown that had captured everyone's attention.
Her phone wouldn't stop ringing.
Fashion bloggers wanted interviews. Boutique owners wanted to meet her. Even television stations requested appearances.
She smiled through happy tears.
"My dream is finally coming true."
Just then, Emmanuel walked into the studio carrying a bouquet of white lilies.
"Congratulations, Lead Designer," he teased.
Cinta laughed.
"I still can't believe all this is happening."
"You earned it."
Before she could reply, Daniel rushed into the room.
"Sir... the police are here."
Everyone exchanged worried glances.
Two detectives entered the studio.
"Good morning," one of them said. "We're investigating the theft of Mrs. Clatford's original birthday gown."
Vanessa, who had arrived moments earlier, forced a smile.
"Officer, surely this misunderstanding is over."
The detective looked at her.
"Actually, we've discovered new evidence."
He placed a transparent evidence bag on the table.
Inside was a silver butterfly bracelet.
Vanessa's face turned pale.
"We found this hidden inside the display cabinet," the detective continued. "Security footage also shows the thief wearing an identical bracelet."
Daniel stepped forward.
"I knew it!"
Vanessa quickly tried to defend herself.
"That proves nothing! Thousands of people own bracelets like that."
The detective nodded.
"You're right."
He held up another evidence bag.
"But this fabric sample does."
Everyone leaned closer.
"The fibers found on your clothing match fibers taken from the stolen gown. They are an exact match."
Silence filled the room.
Vanessa's hands trembled.
"I..."
Before she could finish, another officer entered carrying a large garment bag.
"We recovered this from a storage unit rented under Vanessa Laurent's assistant's name."
The officer unzipped the bag.
Inside was Cinta's original gown.
Cinta gasped.
"My dress..."
The detective turned to Vanessa.
"Miss Laurent, you are under investigation for theft, evidence tampering, and professional misconduct."
Vanessa's confident expression crumbled.
As the officers escorted her toward the exit, she stopped in front of Cinta.
"I underestimated you," she admitted quietly.
Cinta met her eyes.
"I never wanted to compete with you. I only wanted a chance."
Vanessa lowered her head and walked away without another word.
After the police left, the studio fell silent.
Then everyone erupted into cheers.
Daniel laughed.
"Justice finally won!"
Mrs. Clatford embraced Cinta warmly.
"I knew there was honesty behind your talent."
Emmanuel smiled proudly.
"I told you your light would shine."
Cinta looked around the studio, overwhelmed with gratitude.
For the first time, no one questioned whether she belonged in the fashion world.
She had earned her place.
But just as the celebration began, Emmanuel's phone rang.
His expression changed as he answered.
"What?... When did this happen?"
He ended the call and looked at everyone.
"I have to leave immediately."
"What happened?" Cinta asked, her heart racing.
Emmanuel took a deep breath.
"Our biggest investor has pulled out."
"The company is on the verge of bankruptcy."
The room fell silent once again.
Just when everything seemed perfect, a new storm had arrived.
End of Chapter 11
Cliffhanger: Can Cinta and Emmanuel save Clatford Fashion House from collapse, or will their dreams fall apart just as they begin to soar?
- Writer
