Chapter 3

I quickly shook my head, trying to shake off this unrealistic thought. I even used my phone's flashlight to search for hidden cameras, but found nothing.

It was like a mystery that lingered in my heart, refusing to go away. My classmates behind me looked at me with concern. "Kendra, we all saw it with our own eyes. If there's any dispute, we'll all testify for you!" A warmth spread through my heart.

But thinking about the cyberbullying, I didn't want to drag them into it.

For a moment, I even considered withdrawing from the competition.

Maybe if I quit, there wouldn't be so much trouble.

My parents and brother wouldn't get hurt because of me.

Just as I was thinking this, my phone suddenly rang. It was Ethan. "It's my birthday tonight. Bring a gift and come over. All my buddies are here. Don't embarrass me!"

There was a lot of noise on the other end, making it hard to hear clearly. "Hey, Ethan, who are you calling?" It was Emma.

In my previous life, they had celebrated his birthday, but I was preoccupied with the competition and didn't attend. Of course, Ethan got drunk, made a scene, and tore up my painting. "You're just a lousy artist. Why are you acting so high and mighty?" "Do you think you can compare to Emma?"

Because he tore up my painting, I almost missed the submission deadline.

My eyelid twitched, and I decided to attend the party.

It's just a birthday party, after all. I put on a stunning bodycon dress and did my makeup in the latest trendy Asian style, completely different from Emma's look.

When Ethan saw me, he was momentarily stunned.

"Why did you come looking like this? Where's my gift?"

At the table sat his four buddies, and Emma was practically glued to Ethan's side.

"Just being here is the best gift I could give you. What more do you want?"

Kristopher, one of the guys, burst out laughing.

Ethan's face turned visibly awkward, and he turned away with a huff.

"You're amazing, girl. I can't even do makeup!"

Emma looked at me with innocent eyes, but her words were full of mockery.

I wanted to tear that mouth of hers apart, but I didn't indulge her.

"You've got foundation, eyebrows, eyeshadow, and lipstick, but still look like this?"

Her face turned red with anger, and she glared at me fiercely.

Ethan grumbled, "What are you talking about? Emma has always been naturally gorgeous and never relied on those external things. I can't believe you're accusing her like this." The two of them were so in sync that anyone would think they were the couple. Logic told me I should leave, but I stubbornly sat down under everyone's gaze.

I didn't have her private contact information, and this was my only chance to get close to Emma.

After a few rounds of drinks, everyone was clearly tipsy.

Ethan was even more out of it, protecting Emma from drinking too much while ignoring me, his girlfriend.

The crowd egged them on to kiss.

Emma blushed and said shyly, "What are you guys talking about? Sis is still sitting here!"

The guy who had been egging them on quickly sobered up, patted his head, and apologized to me. "Sis, it's not my fault. Ethan is just too protective of her..." I smiled and nodded, not blaming him, but instead, I looked coldly at Ethan.

Emma took the opportunity to grab my hand tightly. "Sis, I heard you're into art too. Are you participating in the art competition?" "I am, but someone plagiarized my work. I wish I could catch them right now."

Emma looked at me with a challenging smile, her eyes full of provocation. I understood perfectly—she was declaring war, trying to make me back down.

The competition had preliminary and semi-final rounds, with national live broadcasts and international judges evaluating the artworks.

The preliminary round was over, and the semi-finals were about to begin.

Emma had studied painting, but her skills were far below mine.

If I withdrew, she would undoubtedly win the scholarship for the combined master's and doctoral program. In that moment, my competitive spirit ignited, and the thought of quitting vanished completely.

I smiled lightly. "I also entered the competition. Coincidentally, someone released a work identical to mine. I'm just worried about not having evidence to sue them." "If I catch them, I'll make sure they face serious consequences."

Emma's face changed, and Ethan's previously dazed eyes suddenly became clear. He swallowed awkwardly.

I took the opportunity to add her contact information.

The meal was unappetizing, and I observed Emma openly and secretly.

We didn't look alike at all and had no similarities.

How did she manage to create an identical piece of art to mine?

During the meal, Emma casually mentioned the art exhibition, encouraging her friends to follow her on Instagram.

They scrolled through the comments and messages.

Suddenly, the guy who had egged them on earlier voiced a question. "Wait a minute, Emma and Kendra's paintings are the same?" "So they..."