Chapter 39 What you fear most is me?

Alina couldn't help but laugh coldly at Emma's words. "Emma, do you think the world will bow down to you just because you're with Caleb? You have such a princess mentality."

"Have you ever participated in a competition like that? The contestants are talented designers from various countries, and the judges come from all over the world. Even without me, do you really think you can win? Or perhaps you're most afraid of competing against me?" Alina rolled her eyes, realizing that this woman had no limits ever since she got involved with Caleb. She did whatever she pleased.

She hadn't realized it before, but this woman had everything except for a brain. "It's impossible for you and Caleb to be together. Don't you understand that?"

"Does my career have anything to do with him? What is he?" Emma's scattered thoughts after attending three parties in one week made Alina's patience wear thin.

Emma interjected, "What do you think people will say when we both show up at the same event?"

"That's what you're worried about," Alina replied. Public opinion had labeled her as despicable during this period of time, and it was only through attending parties with Caleb that her reputation had been somewhat restored. The Collins family didn't officially endorse their relationship, and people weren't as hostile as before. However, if they both appeared at the same event, Alina could only imagine the scandalous scenes that would unfold. Emma was self-aware enough to know that, at this point, everyone would sympathize with Alina. Hence, she suggested that Alina not participate in the competition.

"In that case, you don't have to participate," Alina nonchalantly remarked. After all, it wasn't her who would face any consequences, so why should she say she wouldn't participate?

"Alina, you truly don't care about our relationship at all."

"Stop it. There is no relationship between us." Alina felt a sense of disgust as she wondered how she could have said such things.

"Fine, I understand," Emma's tone, once pretentious, instantly turned icy. Without giving Alina a chance to respond, she hung up.

Alina slammed her cellphone on the table in frustration. She immediately made another call, and the voice on the other end answered, "Hello, this is the police station."

"I would like to inquire about the progress of the investigation into the medical malpractice of the old Cook. Have there been any updates?" Alina felt thoroughly annoyed. If it weren't for overseeing her grandmother's affairs here, she wouldn't want to spend another minute in this city. Apart from this place, where her grandmother and mother had lived, she was fed up with everything else.

Later in the afternoon, Brandon called. "We encountered some issues with the exhibit at Oklens."

Alina asked, "What's the problem?"

"When we were reviewing the works we sent over, they mentioned that one of the designs resembled the work of a designer from Barron. The people there..." Brandon paused, and Alina knew exactly what the reason was without him needing to say it.

The Oklens competition, held once a decade, carried immense authority, and the rankings were highly regarded in the industry. If a designer's work was suspected of plagiarism, the worst outcome would be disqualification from the competition. Being unable to participate was one thing, but tarnishing one's reputation in the industry could have far-reaching consequences.

"Send me that artwork," Alina requested in a calm tone, as composed as ever.

"Okay," Brandon replied, and promptly sent Alina's entry, a sketch she had made long ago. She made some final touches to create the wedding dress she named 'Tomorrow'. When she designed it, she had envisioned wearing it on her own wedding day in the future. However, her marriage had been entirely arranged by the Collins, leaving no room for her own choices.

Alina dialed Brandon's number again and requested, "Send me the information on that designer's work."

"Okay, I'll get right on it," Brandon acknowledged before ending the call.

Shortly after hanging up with Brandon, Caleb's call came in. Irritated by his number appearing on her screen, and still annoyed from Emma's earlier call, Alina decided to simply hang up. The silence that followed made her think that he had given up.

However, half an hour later, the sound of an engine outside signaled Caleb's arrival. Lucy, who now held a negative opinion of Caleb, greeted him with a less than pleasant attitude.

"Mr. Collins," Lucy said, her tone not hiding her displeasure.

Caleb frowned and glanced upstairs. "Is she sleeping?"

Lucy was unhappy with his question. How did he think Alina achieved all her accomplishments over the years? Did she rely on using men like Emma did? The hardworking people were never treated poorly.

In a sour tone, Lucy replied, "Lady Alina stayed up for several nights preparing for the Oklens competition."

Caleb didn't say anything further and headed straight to Alina's studio.

Inside the studio, Alina was on the phone, her voice filled with frustration. "This is clearly Emma's doing. Find out what happened for me."

Upon seeing the designer's work that Brandon had sent, Alina realized it was her original sketch without any modifications. Emma and Hope were with her when she drew that sketch, and they had both complimented it at the time.

"Okay, I'll take care of it. Don't get too upset," Andre reassured her.

Alina couldn't contain her anger. "Why is she so shameless?" Despite her usually calm demeanor, her temper was now out of control. Emma was becoming increasingly shameless, bringing up this incident right before the competition, clearly trying to force Alina to withdraw.

Alina had been wrong to say that Emma had no brain. It wasn't that she lacked intelligence; she simply didn't use it in the right way. Her relentless scheming never ceased.

"What do you want to do about it?" Andre, sensing Alina's fury, attempted to calm her down.

Fuming, Alina made a decisive statement, "Let's disqualify her from the competition."

As soon as the words left her mouth, the drawing room door swung open forcefully, slamming against the wall. Alina nearly dropped her cellphone in surprise and turned her head to see Caleb standing there.