Even Adaline's jaw dropped; the gall of Lilah to cross Bernard was staggering.

"What's eating you, Mr. Stein? Did I misspeak?" Lilah's face was the picture of innocence.

A fire lit in Bernard's eyes. “You're not doing yourself any favors by being this combative, Lilah!"

"I'm not in it for favors. Just looking for a level playing field.

This industry shouldn't be rotten to the core."

“Rotten? Watch your mouth, Lilah. You're not going to drag our Design Association's good name through the mud! And don't get cocky just because you've got some trophies. We're swimming in talent here.

You're not irreplaceable!" The icy daggers in Bernard's glare said it all.

Adaline, smirking from behind Bernard, sent a challenging gaze Lilah's way.

So what Lilah was a judge? It was clout that counted here, not titles!

“Looks like you're not so irreplaceable yourself!"

Out of the blue, a livid male voice filled the venue, and all eyes turned to a man, likely in his sixties, stepping into view. He was the picture of class but boiling over with anger.

"Look, it's Mr. Damon Schultz!"

Recognizing him instantly, the designers knew him as the big boss of the Design Association.

Bernard caught sight of him and an icy chill raced down his back.

Before he could even open his mouth, Damon was tearing into him. "I backed you for this spot. Was it all just so you could throw your weight around? As of today, we've got no use for you at the Design Association!"

"Mr. Schultz!" The words barely escaped a stunned Bernard.

"Save it and just leave!" Damon didn't hide his disdain. "And you, Adaline, copying someone's design is the lowest of the low. We've got no room for your kind. You're out of the association, effective immediately !"

Adaline was still reeling when the competition's chief coordinator stepped up. “We've dug deep into this. Our contests have zero tolerance for theft. It's not just a slap in the face to us but a kick to the original creators. So, here's the deal: Adaline Phillips is banned from future contests and kicked out of the Design Association for good!"

Jaws dropped all around.

Adaline felt like she was crumbling.

How had this happened?

She thought she'd played her cards right!

Kicked out? This was a career-ending shame! She'd never design jewelry again!

Yet, the crowd felt a wave of relief. This kind of cleanup was just what the industry needed. But confusion was there, too. Damon hadn't meddled in association stuff for ages. Why jump in now?