Chapter 433 Unveiling the Truth
Riley raised an eyebrow, a clear look of admiration flashing across his eyes.
Patricia, ignoring the pale-faced Grace, allowed a subtle smile to grace her lips, her eyes holding a hint of amusement.
"What logo?" Riley asked. "I have scrutinized the contested piece repeatedly, yet I failed to detect this so-called logo."
Patricia asked the host, "Would you please display mine and Entry Number Five's pieces on the screen?"
It was a reasonable request; the host didn't seek Riley's permission and promptly displayed Grace and Patricia's designs.
Patricia, pointing out the figures in the pendant, smilingly said, "My name is Patricia Watson; the initials of my name are P and W. If you look at this figure alone, it's shaped like a 'P.' When you combine the two figures, you can make out a 'W' between them."
Initially, no one had noticed, but with her explanation, the audience turned their attention to the pendant.
When designing this piece, Patricia separated the necklace to reveal details more clearly, planning it in a way that it could transform into a ring as well. So, when looking for the LOGO that Patricia mentioned, it was immediately noticeable.
Patricia, concerned that they couldn't see it clearly, pointed it out to them. A 'P' was positioned between two figures at the lower half. When the ring came together, a capital 'W' appeared between the two figures.
Without a close look, you'd never detect it. But once you did, it stood out unmistakably.
"Wow, it really spells out the letters P and W! Does that mean contestant number twenty was telling the truth? Is this design really hers?"
"Obviously. She stamped her LOGO on it."
"Oh my God! Contestant number five didn't just copy someone else's work but even slandered her brother of having an affair. That's just despicable!"
"Can you believe it? Ms. Koch would stoop so low!"
"Seriously! She stole someone's work and then had the nerve to turn around and accuse them. Shameless!"
The shockwave of disbelief rippled not only through the live audience but also among viewers of the broadcast.
"This disgrace has gone national."
"She's not just embarrassed herself, but she's tarnished the Koch family's reputation, too."
"I've never seen anyone so shameless. It's like a whole new level for me."
The live chat was flooded with messages, almost filling up the entire screen.
Even the Koch Group executives who had supported Grace were losing their composure, their internal scales tipping towards Patricia.
With Patricia as a witness and undeniable physical evidence in the form of the LOGO, the balance of credibility tilted heavily in Patricia's favor.
Unfortunately, Grace saw things differently.
Standing on the stage, she could hear the unabridged murmur of the crowd. She couldn't make out every word, but she knew they were siding with Patricia. Things were progressively turning against her. This couldn't go on.
Biting her lip, she quickly regained her composure and sneered at Patricia. "So, a few curves become a LOGO just because you say so? When two people stand side by side and close together, their bodies can create the outline of a 'W.' That is the shape you get. You're calling that evidence? It's a bit of a stretch, don't you think?"
Patricia had sensed that admitting defeat wouldn't come easily for her opponent. Nonchalantly, she reached into her pocket and handed a flash drive to the host.
"Could you please bring up the contents of this on the screen?" she asked confidently.
The host glanced at Riley for approval. Riley nodded without hesitation.
Swiftly, the host projected the contents of the flash drive onto the screen.
In no time at all, the two previously displayed designs vanished, replaced by Patricia's entire portfolio.
Among the showcased pieces were her preliminary competition entries, concept sketches from Mr. Benise's class assignments, and casual creations from her free time.
With painstaking detail, she pointed out the logo in each design.
To preserve the aesthetics of her work, every logo was subtly integrated, almost imperceptible unless deliberately pointed out.
The logos on each piece were incredibly consistent—not just the initials "PW," but the font and shape.
As Patricia highlighted the assignment from Mrs. Benise, emotion, she explained, "Not only can Mrs. Benise attest to this being my work, Shane and my dear friend Susie can vouch for it, too. You can see the invisible 'P' embedded on the left side of the 'Emotion' design, alongside my signature logo."
"Though I may be a newcomer to the scene, I am bold in branding my creations with my logos, for every artist's work deserves a unique signature. Mine happens to be 'PW.'"
However, Patricia's works were not just marked with logos – they bore the timestamps of their creation, providing undeniable chronology.
The evidence presented was irrefutable.
If anyone thought Patricia's contest entry had been a last-minute scramble, her earlier works confirmed her statement.
Grace's heart sank as she realized the gravity of her situation. It felt as if she had plunged into an abyss with no escape.
Grace's accusation had inadvertently showcased the breadth of Patricia's talent.
"Could she really have emerged in this field in under six months? Her talent is simply unreal!"
"As a professional myself, I feel overshadowed by this newcomer. It's embarrassing."
"Sometimes, natural talent surpasses relentless effort. It's a wake-up call."
"How come every piece she designs is just so... right?"
"Absolutely! Each of her pieces could've clinched the title today!"
The crowd buzzed with chatter for a while. Then, suddenly, the conversation took a dramatic turn.
"People like Grace don't deserve to compete; she should be banned for life," someone exclaimed with disgust.
"A rotten apple spoiling the barrel, tarnishing the entire industry's reputation," another chimed in bitterly.
"Thank goodness contestant number twenty was able to clear her name today. Otherwise, Grace would have gotten away with it."
"How can you shamelessly stand there using someone else's work? It's utterly disgraceful."
"She even dragged her brother into this mess just to frame contestant number twenty. She has no humanity."
Jeers and curses rose from the crowd, setting the air ablaze with scorn.
Grace's face was flushed with embarrassment; she wished she could burrow into the ground to hide away from judgmental eyes forever. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked toward Riley, making one last desperate plea.
"Big brother, I—I only wanted to make you and Grandpa proud. Mom was so talented; her designs were incredible, and as her daughter, I failed to carry on her legacy. I'm ashamed, frightened... I just wanted to prove myself."
The tears began to fall, her pitiable demeanor painting herself as a reluctant victim.
Everyone seemed to be against her, cornering her, confining her.
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