Lilah's grandfather had introduced him there, where, together with her grandfather's concepts, they had created a luxurious, landmark building in Rivendell, earning him acclaim as a prodigious young architect. The Dillon Group also rose to fame in the industry because of that building.

Yet, here he was, a shadow of his former glory.

“Who are you?" he asked, scrutinizing Lilah.

She waved off the question. "Just a passerby. But, how did a top architect from the Dillon Group end up in this situation?"

His response carried a bitter edge. "It's been ages since anyone recognized me for that..."

He seemed to ponder how he had fallen from grace, tracing back to the time the company had introduced a new female architect under his mentorship.

Ewing Happer had devoted himself to mentoring his apprentice, imparting every nuance of his expertise. When she rose to fame for a building they both knew was his brainchild, she turned the tables, claiming he was the copycat, resulting in his ousting.

The company he had built his reputation with turned its back, blacklisting him, making him a pariah in the architecture world.

No firm would employ a man tarred with allegations of plagiarism.

Ewing, as it turned out, hadn't had a real conversation in quite some time. He shared his story to Lilah, indifferent to whether she believed him.

Curious, Lilah asked, "Could you show me the design you originally created?"

Seeing no harm in indulging her curiosity, Ewing scrolled through his phone, eventually displaying the design.

Lilah recognized it instantly-the Double Towers of Rivendell, two majestic structures symbolizing opulence and allure, now a magnet for tourists.

Rising to leave, Ewing patted his pocket, saying, "Thanks for the bread and water. Should I find myself with money again, I owe you a meal."

Lilah smiled. "Who knows, that ‘someday' might be closer than you think," she teased.

Ewing's brow creased as he studied her.

"Aren't you curious about who I am? I'm Lilah Phillips, Robert's granddaughter," she introduced herself, and then added, "I want you on our team."

Ewing was taken aback. "You're Lilah? But... I can't. I'd rather not risk your reputation."

“I don't believe you're a plagiarist," Lilah said firmly.

Ewing was visibly taken aback, evidently not used to such trust.

She continued, "Your designs, especially the Double Towers, carry your signature style. It's evident that the Dillon Group exploited my grandfather to build their empire, and once they achieved success, they discarded him. Since my grandfather introduced you, it's clear they never intended to fully embrace you. The moment they extracted all they could, they were ready to let you go."

Lilah had pieced together the entire scenario, understanding the schemes that had led to Ewing's current predicament.

Ewing's eyes glistened. “You're spot on. They're ruthless!"

The Dillon Group had shown no leniency. Despite the obvious origin of the work, they had cast him out ruthlessly.