Chapter 8: The Night Brianna Was Exposed
The Bellamy Foundation's emergency presentation was scheduled for seven in the evening.
By six, the auditorium was full.
Fashion journalists, investors, designers, and representatives from major fashion houses filled the rows.
A large screen displayed the competition's finalists.
Brianna Carter's name appeared near the top.
Mine was listed directly beneath it.
Maya adjusted the collar of my black jacket.
"Are you ready?""
I looked at the damaged gown hanging inside its protective case.
"No.""
She smiled.
"Good. Neither am I.""
Daniel approached us.
"The bank has released the original trust records to our legal team. We also have confirmation from the forensic examiner that the signature on your sister's statement was copied.""
I nodded.
"What about the storage device?""
"Authenticated. Your father's recordings are intact.""
I exhaled.
"Then we're ready.""
Across the room, Brianna entered wearing a silver designer dress.
My mother followed.
She looked immaculate.
Her hair was styled, her makeup flawless, and a diamond bracelet glittered around her wrist.
When she spotted me, she stopped.
Then she whispered something to Brianna.
My sister turned.
Her smile disappeared.
She walked toward us.
"Well, look who's here.""
I said nothing.
Brianna glanced at the protective case.
"Did you bring the dress?""
"Yes.""
She laughed.
"That's interesting. I thought you gave it to me.""
Daniel stepped forward.
"Miss Carter, any further statements concerning ownership should be directed to me.""
Brianna rolled her eyes.
"You're not going to scare me.""
My mother approached.
"Nia, can we talk privately?""
"No.""
Her expression hardened.
"Please don't make a scene.""
I looked around the auditorium.
"You're worried about a scene?""
She lowered her voice.
"Listen to me. Whatever you think you know about the past, you're misunderstanding it.""
"Then explain it.""
She glanced toward Brianna.
"Not here.""
"Why not?""
"Because people will get hurt.""
I looked at her.
"People already have.""
Before she could answer, a staff member approached.
"Miss Carter? The committee is ready for your presentation.""
Brianna smiled.
"That's me.""
She walked onto the stage.
The lights dimmed.
A large photograph of my gown appeared on the screen.
The audience murmured appreciatively.
Brianna stood beside the image.
"Good evening. My name is Brianna Carter, and my collection is called The Scarlet Legacy.""
I gripped the edge of the table.
She continued.
"My inspiration comes from my grandmother, Evelyn Carter, whose designs were lost for decades because women in her generation weren't given the recognition they deserved.""
Several people applauded.
My mother smiled proudly.
Brianna clicked to the next slide.
A photograph of my original sketches appeared.
I felt my stomach turn.
She had taken them from my studio.
"These designs represent a journey of rediscovery," she continued.
"Every flower symbolizes resilience, every stitch represents a family story.""
Then she pointed toward the gown.
"And this is the centerpiece.""
The audience applauded.
I looked at Maya.
She whispered, "Wait.""
Brianna smiled at the judges.
"I would also like to acknowledge my mother, Denise Carter, who has supported my work from the beginning.""
My mother stood.
People applauded.
Then Brianna said something that made the entire auditorium go quiet.
"Unfortunately, my sister Nia has attempted to claim ownership of this collection.""
A few people turned toward me.
Brianna continued.
"She's talented, but she has always struggled with accepting that our grandmother's work belonged to our family.""
My mother lowered her head theatrically.
"We've tried to resolve this privately.""
Brianna sighed.
"But some people would rather destroy their family than share a little recognition.""
I stood.
"That's enough.""
The room fell silent.
Brianna looked directly at me.
"See? She can't even let me finish.""
I walked toward the stage.
Daniel followed.
Eleanor Bellamy raised her hand.
"Miss Carter, please allow your sister to speak.""
I stopped.
"Of course.""
Eleanor turned toward Brianna.
"Continue.""
Brianna smiled triumphantly.
She clicked to the next slide.
It showed the forged statement bearing my father's signature.
"My father personally confirmed that these designs belonged to me.""
I looked at the screen.
Then I looked at the audience.
"That's not my father's statement.""
Brianna's smile tightened.
"Yes, it is.""
"No. It's a forgery.""
A murmur spread through the room.
My mother stood abruptly.
"Nia, stop.""
I turned toward her.
"Why? Are you afraid someone will ask how you got his signature?""
Her face went pale.
Eleanor stood.
"Let's pause the presentation.""
Daniel handed her a folder.
"We have independent forensic confirmation that the statement submitted by Miss Brianna Carter contains a copied signature.""
Eleanor examined the document.
Then she looked toward Brianna.
"Would you like to respond?""
Brianna laughed nervously.
"This is ridiculous. My mother gave me that document.""
Every head turned toward Denise.
My mother stared at the floor.
Daniel opened another folder.
"We also have the original trust agreement, signed by Evelyn Carter, establishing ownership of the collection and its associated company shares.""
He handed copies to the committee.
I stepped forward.
"My grandmother didn't create those designs for my sister. She created them with her younger daughter, Claire. My mother took control of their company and concealed the original ownership agreement.""
Brianna shook her head.
"That's a lie.""
I looked at her.
"Your biological mother is alive, Brianna.""
The room became completely silent.
My sister stared at me.
"What?""
My mother stood.
"Don't you dare.""
I continued.
"Her name is Claire Hayes. She lives in London.""
Brianna's face changed.
She looked at Denise.
"Mom?""
My mother didn't answer.
"Mom, what is she talking about?""
Denise reached for her.
"Sweetheart, sit down.""
Brianna pulled away.
"Is it true?""
My mother looked around the auditorium.
Then she said, "This is not the place.""
Brianna stepped backward.
"You told me Claire abandoned me.""
My mother began crying.
"I raised you.""
"That's not what I asked!""
I watched my sister.
For the first time, she looked genuinely frightened.
Then Eleanor spoke.
"Miss Carter, we need to address the ownership dispute. Your application will be suspended pending investigation.""
Brianna turned toward me.
"You did this.""
I looked at her.
"No. I didn't.""
"You destroyed everything!""
I shook my head.
"You destroyed it when you stole my work.""
My mother suddenly rushed toward the stage.
"Stop this presentation!""
Security approached.
But before anyone could move, the auditorium doors opened.
A woman entered.
She was in her early fifties, with dark hair streaked with silver.
She carried a small leather folder.
Brianna turned.
The woman stopped in the doorway.
Then she said softly:
"Brianna?""
My sister stared at her.
The woman took one step forward.
"I'm Claire.""
Brianna's lips parted.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then my mother whispered:
"You're supposed to be in London.""
Claire looked directly at her.
"I was. Until I learned what you were planning.""
May you like
She held up the leather folder.
"And I brought the one document you never wanted anyone to see.""
