"Stop!"

Rosalynn turned to find Cedric and Adalyn emerging from the private room.

“Mr. Perez, is there something else?" she asked.

Cedric drew up to her and accused, “My girlfriend's diamond ring has vanished. Are you the thief?"

He was insinuating she'd stolen it?

He'd set her up for this?

Calmly, Rosalynn denied, "No, I did not."

“No? That's not for you to decide."

Without ceremony, Adalyn snatched Rosalynn's bag from her grip, spilling its contents onto the floor. She lifted a diamond ring triumphantly.

“You claim innocence. What's this then?"

Rosalynn's features hardened. They'd orchestrated this.

She remained silent, anticipating their next move.

The spectacle quickly drew a crowd.

Cedric turned to Rosalynn with a sneer.

"Is this your idea of discussing business? Submitting subpar designs? Attempting to entice me, hoping I'll foot the bill? When that doesn’t work, you resort to theft? Shameless!"

His tirade elicited whispers among the onlookers, their gazes turning frosty.

30, she's a designer? It's no wonder the profession has a bad name."

“Absolutely. If she lacks talent, her only recourse is exploiting her looks to Lure clients."

“These kinds of unscrupulous women tarnish our entire industry.”

The murmurs grew louder, their words biting.

Those unaware of the true situation harbored disdain for Rosalynn.

Cedric caught Malcolm's eye, signaling him to step in.