Chapter 485

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Brent initially intended to ask his mother for help, but was devastated to discover that she had died, leaving him without support. Furthermore, his only niece was nowhere to be found, leaving Brent alone in his tumultuous circumstances.

Not daring to stay in the town due to his previous misdeeds, Brent sought refuge in Ardlens, disguising himself by neglecting his personal hygiene and adopting the appearance of a beggar.

It was at the entrance of a hotel where Brent unexpectedly saw his long-lost niece Raegan.

Looking at Raegan and Stefan's attire and demeanor, it was evident that they belonged to the well-to-do class.

Rubbing the palms of his mangled hands, Brent felt a surge of hope, believing he could finally get some financial help.

However, his hopes were dashed when he was stopped at the entrance.

Despite his fervent pleas, the security guard stood his ground and denied him entry. «Sir, I beg you to refrain from causing any further inconvenience. Neither his name nor that of his niece appears on our guest list.

Brent had provided the name Raegan Hayes, oblivious to the fact that Raegan had recently changed her last name to Foster.

Reacting aggressively to the entrance, Brent was quickly escorted to the shoulder by the security guard, who sternly warned him of police intervention if he attempted to return.

At that precise moment, Raegan's clarifying press conference was being broadcast on television.

Raegan introduced herself as the director of Crescent Studio, identifying herself as Raegan Foster.

Watching this, Brent muttered curses at the side of the road: “Damn it! The bitch gets rich and abandons me, even changing her last name!

Ranting fervently on the side of the road, he waited for Raegan to appear.

Just at that moment, a shiny silver luxury car was parked nearby. Katie was here to observe Raegan's embarrassment caused by her grooming.

Eavesdropping on Brent's statements, Katie realized that he seemed to have a connection to Raegan. However, it was evident that he harbored nefarious intentions.

With a subtle smile, Katie indicated to Abel: "Help him in."

During the press conference at the hotel, the journalists' questions were remarkably incisive.

"Miss Foster, since this is your first high-profile engagement with Arthen Entertainment, how do you plan to rectify this substantial mistake?"

"Given your distinction as a senior graduate from Astraea University Swynborough, does your academic thesis also involve cases of plagiarism?"

"How do you address the online characterization of Crescent as a mere 'tailor shop', with claims circulating that it merely amalgamates the work of others to pass it off as its own?"

Raegan just listened. Then, he bowed deeply to the audience.

«First of all, I express my sincere gratitude for attending this press conference. I assure you that every finished Crescent creation bears my personal design. I have never delegated this responsibility, thus eliminating any possibility of plagiarism.

Raegan's countenance remained transparent and sincere, his response devoid of any trace of animosity, significantly altering the perceptions of numerous individuals.

Raegan then proceeded to show off her original designs, accompanied by time stamps indicating their creation.

«This 'Heritage' series has its origins in the early phases of my design exploration. I am very grateful to Mr. Franzier of Arthen Entertainment for giving me the opportunity to present the 'Heritage' series at the mid-year gala. As for the supposed similarities with Dream Studio designs..."

Before Raegan could finish, a woman in a hat and sunglasses hurried to the front row, exclaiming, “Don't deny it!

You have plagiarized and I have proof.

Elin tried to move forward, but Raegan held her back.

With a steely glint in her eyes, Raegan asked, "What evidence do you have?"

The woman, brimming with arrogance, stated: “I am an employee of Dream Studio. Her team clandestinely approached us, offering to buy that dress at any price. Isn't that an attempt to destroy evidence?

The woman proceeded to show a video of Elin negotiating with the Dream Studio employee under Raegan's instructions and presented printed records of the transaction on large paper, ready for reporters to capture.

Instantly, the journalists burst into a barrage of questions.

"Miss Foster, is this accusation accurate?"

«Why pay five times the original price for an outdated design? Was it to hide evidence?

"Ms. Foster..."

Journalists from different media asked their questions.

Everyone present had a feeling that a sudden change in the situation was imminent.

Under intense scrutiny, Raegan maintained her composure as she responded, "Yes, I arranged the purchase of the dress, but not to destroy evidence."

“So, we're supposed to believe you just because you say that's not what it was for?” The woman's intentions to create trouble were evident.

Triumphantly, she exclaimed, "If it wasn't to destroy evidence, then show us the dress!"

An electric shock ran through the room.

Raegan's gaze softened slightly.

Assuming Raegan had no answer, the woman raised her voice. «Has it been destroyed, making it impossible to display? Stop resisting. Just confess the plagiarism..."

Before the woman could finish her accusation, Elin quickly pushed a display case onto the stage.

And there it was, the dress, visible to everyone.

The woman's attitude changed instantly, but she immediately shouted: "You haven't destroyed it, thank goodness." Everyone, look at this craftsmanship, this embroidery. Isn't it exactly the same as the gala dress?

Raegan calmly replied, “The ball gown is not present. How can everyone make a comparison? With a gesture, she brought the ballgown onto the stage.

Placing them side by side facilitated a more direct comparison.

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