Lilah's response was calm, her tone resolute. "I don't recognize the work of a plagiarist."

Her words sliced through the tense silence of the packed venue.

Plagiarist?

Did Adaline actually pilfer her design?

A wave of mixed reactions swept through the crowd.

Caught off guard, Adaline hadn't anticipated such a blunt accusation from Lilah.

Yet, she had a contingency for this. Lilah lacked proof. Without it, her charges were baseless slander!

Tears brimming, Adaline played the victim. "Lilah, how dare you cast such groundless aspersions? I poured two exhaustive hours into this design. Where's your proof?"

Lilah surveyed Adaline's theatrical dismay with a mix of disdain and profound disappointment.

Somewhere within, a pang of nostalgia struck her. She remembered Adaline from years past: the affectionate, compliant younger sister.

But the person who'd returned after going missing was unrecognizable.

She was self-centered, callous, and now, seemingly a plagiarist.

Lilah's reticence only emboldened Adaline further.

In the absence of tangible proof, Adaline wouldn't hesitate. She was poised to tarnish Lilah's standing!

"“Lilah, critique my work if you must, but baseless plagiarism charges?

That's a severe affront to any designer, potentially career-ending!

If you fail to substantiate your claim, I'll have no choice but to pursue legal action for defamation!" Adaline professed, the picture of righteous indignation.

Suddenly, the tide of opinion seemed to turn in Adaline's favor.

"Her assertiveness doesn't fit the profile of a plagiarist, right?"

"An accusation of plagiarism isn't a trifle for designers. It casts a shadow over one's entire career. Lilah, if you're so certain, produce the evidence. Without it, your claims are baseless."

"Seeking proof, are you?" Lilah's voice dripped with sarcasm.

“Adaline, you're well aware of the origin of ‘your’ design. You even resort to scavenging through my discarded sketches. Your audacity is truly enlightening!" Her gaze was scathing.

A shiver coursed through Adaline, starting from the soles of her feet, yet she maintained her facade of conviction. “Lilah, cease your unfounded accusations. I've never once set foot in your room! This design is solely the fruit of my labor!"

“Miss Lilah Phillips, we require proof of your claim, failing which we must request your withdrawal from the competition," intervened a middle-aged man, stepping forward authoritatively.