Noah Valentine stood frozen as a swarm of reporters descended upon him.
The organizers had promised only two media outlets would attend. Yet the crowd before him stretched endlessly.
He turned to Chloe Evans with a practiced smile. "Miss Evans, your team has outdone themselves."
Noah knew exactly who had orchestrated this media circus.
Chloe blinked, then seized the opportunity.
"This was all Liam's idea," she beamed. "Since we're collaborating, we wanted to give you the best possible exposure."
Her fingers discreetly tugged at Liam Winston's sleeve.
Liam remained silent, playing along.
Tears welled in Noah's eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Winston! Without you, I'd be facing false accusations today!"
Camera flashes erupted like fireworks, bathing Noah in blinding light.
Reporters shouted over each other.
"Which masters inspired your creative process?"
"How are negotiations progressing with Winston Group?"
"As the crown jewel of graphic novels, what advice do you have for young artists?"
Surrounded by admirers, Noah's ego swelled.
"Every piece is my original work," he declared. "Our partnership with Winston Group is still under discussion—stay tuned!"
He never imagined such acclaim for his creations.
"During my studies in Italy, I lived in a shoebox apartment eating cheap sandwiches while working day and night." Noah offered a humble smile. "Those hard times became my greatest treasure."
Fans gasped in sympathy.
"Every success story has its struggles. Talent always rises to the top." His voice rang with conviction.
Then came the pivot.
"Just this morning, another woman accused me of plagiarism. These opportunists are nothing new—I pay them no mind."
Noah projected his voice across the room.
He had to strike before Sophia Sullivan could expose him.
The crowd erupted in outrage.
"How dare she! Master Valentine would never steal ideas!"
"If she had real talent, she'd be famous already!"
"We stand with you!"
Chloe reveled in the condemnation.
"Brother Noah is too kind," she interjected softly. "He's already forgiven that poor woman projecting her marital troubles onto him. Let's not dwell on it."
Her words pretended mercy while revealing Sophia's identity.
Chloe imagined tomorrow's social media crucifixion with glee.
Then a young man stood abruptly.
"If that's true, why not create new artwork now to disprove the rumors?"
Caleb Sullivan overcame his social anxiety and stepped forward.
"Many note the stark contrast between your early and recent styles. If there's no plagiarism, demonstrate your originality live?"