The Queen's Back

Chapter 37
"Exactly! And she seems so confident. Who's giving her that confidence?"
"Confidence? More like arrogance!"
Elara listened to the gossip and wanted to defend Mona, but she struggled to find the right words. "Mona isn't like that," she said,
though her voice was quickly drowned out by the laughter around her. Only Vespera, standing nearby, heard her. Vespera
frowned in disapproval but chose to remain silent,
Meanwhile, Mona confidently walked into the manager's office. She explained the situation to Leander and showed him the
message from Artemis Rain's assistant.
Leander was initially skeptical, but as he read the message, his disbelief turned to surprise. It was indeed from Artemis's
assistant.
Over the past few days, Leander had heard the rumors about Mona and had unconsciously formed an opinion. Now, faced with
this unexpected turn of events, he didn't quite know how to feel.
If the information Mona showed him was true, it meant her design had genuinely been swapped.
For the first time, Leander looked at Mona in a new light. He saw a spark of confidence in her eyes, realizing that the chairman's
granddaughter had more talent than he had given her credit for.
Examining the gown design Mona presented, he noted the meticulous attention to detail. With his years of experience in the
design department, he was confident that this dress would make Artemis Rain shine.
Without hesitation, Leander contacted Artemis's assistant to verify Mona's claims. Once confirmed, he looked at Mona with
newfound respect.

"Mona, take the next few days to prepare, just like Barbara. Find a couple of people from the design department to assist you,"
Leander suggested.
The competition between Mona and Barbara to have their gown chosen by Artemis was unprecedented. The winner would gain
significant recognition in the industry.

Mona nodded, understanding the stakes. If she succeeded in having Artemis wear her design at the awards ceremony, it would
boost her reputation in the design world. She might even be promoted from design assistant to designer next month, earning her
grandfather's approval.
As Mona left the manager's office, she felt the curious eyes of her colleagues upon her. She responded with a confident smile
knowing that soon their skepticism would turn to surprise.
"Hey, Mona, what did you discuss with the manager? And what was that opportunity you mentioned?" Elara asked eagerly as
soon as Mona sat down.
Mona glanced at Leander, who had just entered the design department, and smiled. "You'll find out soon enough."
Almost as soon as she spoke, Leander's voice rang out, "Everyone, quiet down. I have an announcement. There's been a
development regarding Mona's design being swapped. It turns out her design was indeed switched. However, her trip to
Arkenvale wasn't in vain. Artemis Rain has given both Barbara and Mona the chance to create gowns. After seeing them,
Artemis will make her final choice."
The room fell silent, the news leaving everyone
stunned.
Leander continued, "Barbara already has two assistants helping her. Mona will need the same support. If you're interested in
assisting and improving your design skills, speak directly with Mona." 08:25 Mon, Oct 21
Chapter 37

Elara immediately turned to Mona, excitement in her voice. "Mona, can I help you? This opportunity is incredible!"
Mona nodded, having already considered Elara as a potential assistant.
"And what about Vespera? She'd be great too, right?" Elara suggested, turning to Vespera.
+5
Vespera smiled and nodded, surprised to learn that Mona's design had genuinely been swapped and it wasn't just an excuse.
She couldn't help but wonder if Barbara's design would have been chosen by Artemis if Mona's hadn't been tampered with. The
fact that Artemis was giving Mona another chance suggested otherwise.

After Leander left, the design department was abuzz with shock. Many realized that it was Barbara who had spread the rumor
about Mona's wasted trip to Arkenvale.
Feeling the weight of their stares, Barbara wished she could disappear. She had never been under such scrutiny and felt
embarrassed.
Trying to save face, Barbara approached Mona. "Mona, didn't you say you didn't meet Artemis Rain?"
Mona met Barbara's gaze and nodded. "That's right, I didn't meet her."
"Then how did Artemis give you a chance?" Barbara asked loudly, drawing the attention of everyone around them.
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"Barbara, you're being shortsighted," Mona replied with a cold smile. "Even though I didn't meet Artemis in person, I had
someone show her my design and explain the situation. That's how I got the opportunity. Are you hoping I wouldn't get this
chance?" Barbara's confidence faltered under Mona's piercing gaze.
Just as Barbara was about to respond, Mona pressed on, "If I hadn't received this opportunity, Artemis would have simply
chosen your design, right? There would be no need for a competition. It's quite peculiar how my design was mysteriously
swapped. I wonder who could have orchestrated that."
Feeling cornered, Barbara managed a strained smile. "You're joking, Mona. I genuinely hope Artemis chooses your gown. If I
weren't already working on my own, I'd gladly step aside and let you take the lead. Please, don't misunderstand my intentions!"
Mona's clever retort caught the attention of their colleagues, who began to question Barbara's credibility. Whispers circulated,
with some speculating whether Barbara might have been involved in the design swap, especially since she had the opportunity
while she was away.