Rewriting My Heart's Fate

I could hear someone snicker in the crowd as if they were just waiting for me to screw up.

Ethan held my hand firmly. I gave him a grateful look, feeling a rush of warmth inside.

Just then, Lianne leaned in close and whispered, "Evelyn, I just had an idea. We might still have a chance!" I shot my head up. "What's the idea?"

Lianne gave me a bright smile. "Trust me, we've got this! Just hold down the fort, and I'll be back in no time!"

Without saying another word, she bolted out of the venue, leaving Ethan and me scratching our heads.

Meanwhile, a tall guy was making his way toward us from the other end of the venue. His hairstyle was perfectly styled, his features were sharp, and he carried himself with undeniable confidence.

Ethan leaned in and whispered, "That's Austin Hall, one of the founders of Lendora Fashion Week. He's a legend in the Erudian fashion world. He was a brilliant designer back in the day, but then he moved into running Fashion Week.

"He turned Lendora Fashion Week into one of the biggest fashion events in the world. We were working out of a small studio and wouldn't even make it here if it weren't for him."

I almost choked when I realized he was the one behind half of Lendora Fashion Week's success. He was heading straight for me with a mysterious smile I couldn't figure out. Was he here just to watch me fail?

I gulped. I had to take this on, no matter what. This was my final shot to prove myself I couldn't let it slip by!

Austin reached me and scanned me from head to toe.

I straightened up.

After a long pause, he smiled and said in his smooth Lendora accent, "Interesting. You're pretty fascinating."

"Mr. Hall, d-did you need something?" I asked cautiously.

Austin lifted his hand in a welcoming gesture. "What do you say we move somewhere quieter? Fewer chances for interruptions."

I shared a quick look with Ethan

before following Austin into a nearby lounge Austin sank into the couchNôvelDrama.Org © content.

and gracefully sipped his champagne.

I sat across from him and was so tense that I almost held my breath.

"Ms. Wiley, do you know what this is about?" Austin cut to the chase.

I shook my head. "I-I don't know. Is it because of the plagiarism accusation?"

Austin gave a small smile. "No, quite the contrary."

"You're here to help me?" My eyes widened in disbelief. "I'm being falsely accused, and my future's uncertain. So why would you want to help me?"

"I can tell you're a truly talented designer," Austin said without a doubt in his voice. "Your designs have so much creativity and soul-something no other designer could replicate. I believe this incident

is someone's way of sabotaging you

from the shadows."

I felt a rush of warmth in my chest. I never imagined that someone like him would come forward to defend me when I was at my lowest.

"But everyone's against me now. Even if I prove I'm innocent, who would even believe me?" I let out a bitter laugh.

"Who says no one will believe you?" Austin winked. "I do."

I froze. "Y-You actually believe in me?"