The Queen's Back

"Exactly! And she seems so confident. Who's giving her that confidence?"

"Confidence? More like arrogance!"

Elara listened to the gossip and wanted to defend Mona, but she struggled to find the right words. "Mona isn't like that," she said, though her voice was quickly drowned out by the laughter around her. Only Vespera, standing nearby, heard her. Vespera frowned in disapproval but chose to remain silent,Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Meanwhile, Mona confidently walked into the manager's office. She explained the situation to Leander and showed him the message from Artemis Rain's assistant.

Leander was initially skeptical, but as he read the message, his disbelief turned to surprise. It was indeed from Artemis's

assistant.

Over the past few days, Leander had heard the rumors about Mona and had unconsciously formed an opinion. Now, faced with this unexpected turn of events, he didn't quite know how to feel.

If the information Mona showed him was true, it meant her design had genuinely been swapped.

For the first time, Leander looked at Mona in a new light. He saw a spark of confidence in her eyes, realizing that the chairman's granddaughter had more talent than he had given her credit for.

Examining the gown design Mona presented, he noted the meticulous attention to detail. With his years of experience in the design department, he was confident that this dress would make Artemis Rain shine.

Without hesitation, Leander contacted Artemis's assistant to verify Mona's claims. Once confirmed, he looked at Mona with newfound respect.

"Mona, take the next few days to prepare, just like Barbara. Find a couple of people from the design department to assist you," Leander suggested.

The competition between Mona and Barbara to have their gown chosen by Artemis was unprecedented. The winner would gain significant recognition in the industry.

Mona nodded, understanding the stakes. If she succeeded in having Artemis wear her design at the awards ceremony, it would boost her reputation in the design world. She might even be promoted from design assistant to designer next month, earning her grandfather's approval.

As Mona left the manager's office, she felt the curious eyes of her colleagues upon her. She responded with a confident smile knowing that soon their skepticism would turn to surprise.

"Hey, Mona, what did you discuss with the manager? And what was that opportunity you mentioned?" Elara asked eagerly as soon as Mona sat down.

Mona glanced at Leander, who had just entered the design department, and smiled. "You'll find out soon enough."

Almost as soon as she spoke, Leander's voice rang out, "Everyone, quiet down. I have an announcement. There's been a development regarding Mona's design being swapped. It turns out her design was indeed switched. However, her trip to Arkenvale wasn't in vain. Artemis Rain has given both Barbara and Mona the chance to create gowns. After seeing them, Artemis will make her final choice."

The room fell silent, the news leaving everyone

stunned.

Leander continued, "Barbara already has two assistants helping her. Mona will need the same support. If you're interested in assisting and improving your design skills, speak directly with Mona."

Elara immediately turned to Mona, excitement in her voice. "Mona, can I help you? This opportunity is incredible!"

Mona nodded, having already considered Elara as a potential assistant.

"And what about Vespera? She'd be great too, right?" Elara suggested, turning to Vespera.

Vespera smiled and nodded, surprised to learn that Mona's design had genuinely been swapped and it wasn't just an excuse.

She couldn't help but wonder if Barbara's design would have been chosen by Artemis if Mona's hadn't been tampered with. The fact that Artemis was giving Mona another chance suggested otherwise.

After Leander left, the design department was abuzz with shock. Many realized that it was Barbara who had spread the rumor about Mona's wasted trip to Arkenvale.

Feeling the weight of their stares, Barbara wished she could disappear. She had never been under such scrutiny and felt embarrassed.

Trying to save face, Barbara approached Mona. "Mona, didn't you say you didn't meet Artemis Rain?"

Mona met Barbara's gaze and nodded. "That's right, I didn't meet her."

"Then how did Artemis give you a chance?" Barbara asked loudly, drawing the attention of everyone around them.

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"Barbara, you're being shortsighted," Mona replied with a cold smile. "Even though I didn't meet Artemis in person, I had someone show her my design and explain the situation. That's how I got the opportunity. Are you hoping I wouldn't get this chance?" Barbara's confidence faltered under Mona's piercing gaze.

Just as Barbara was about to respond, Mona pressed on, "If I hadn't received this opportunity, Artemis would have simply chosen your design, right? There would be no need for a competition. It's quite peculiar how my design was mysteriously swapped. I wonder who could have orchestrated that."

Feeling cornered, Barbara managed a strained smile. "You're joking, Mona. I genuinely hope Artemis chooses your gown. If I weren't already working on my own, I'd gladly step aside and let you take the lead. Please, don't misunderstand my intentions!" Mona's clever retort caught the attention of their colleagues, who began to question Barbara's credibility. Whispers circulated, with some speculating whether Barbara might have been involved in the design swap, especially since she had the opportunity while she was away.