CHAPTER 4 Plagiarism

　　The days since leaving Blake's home had crawled by painfully slow. She had used the time to painstakingly unpack each box, placing her belongings with meticulous care into the new space that felt more like a hideout than a home. Now, surrounded by walls that echoed back her every step, Camila steeled herself for the battle that awaited at U.U.E Accessories.

　　"Time to show them what you're made of, Camila Martinez," she murmured to her reflection in the hall mirror. The woman staring back at her had eyes that sparkled with defiance, her posture straightening with resolve.

　　With that promise to herself, Camila spent the remainder of the day sorting through fabric samples and sketching new designs, each line drawn with a vigor that renewed her sense of purpose. When Monday came, she would walk through those company doors with her head held high, armored with sass and sophistication- the quiet power she had always possessed now burning brightly for all to see.

　　The moment Camila Martinez stepped through the sliding glass doors of U.U.E Accessories, a knot tightened in her gut. But she steeled herself, chin up and shoulders squared as she navigated through the maze of cubicles to the design department. Her first day back was about reclaiming her space, her identity beyond the tarnished title of Blake Ward's ex-fiancée.

　　"Welcome back, Camila!" greeted Janet, the receptionist, with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "You've been missed."

　　"Thanks, Janet," Camila replied, offering a tight-lipped smile as she continued past without breaking stride. The pleasantries felt hollow, but she wouldn't let them see how frayed her nerves were.

　　As she entered the familiar creative hub, buzzing with the sounds of keystrokes and muffled conversations, it was a poster on the far wall that halted her mid-step. Her breath hitched, heart thumping against her ribs.

　　"Isn't it just divine?" cooed a voice from behind her. Camila didn't need to turn around to recognize the self-satisfied drawl of Layla Martine.

　　"Divine doesn't quite capture the betrayal," Camila said coolly, her gaze locked on the poster. Prominently featured was the bracelet – *her* bracelet – the delicate intertwining of silver and gold, each curve a testament to the love she once thought eternal.

　　"Betrayal is such a strong word, darling," Layla purred, sidling up beside Camila. "I prefer 'inspired' by a former colleague."

　　"Is that what we're calling theft these days?" Camila quipped, allowing her deep brown eyes to finally meet Layla's smug blue ones.

　　"Camila, you should know the design world is all about evolution. It's adapt or die," Layla said, flicking her platinum blonde hair over a shoulder draped in designer silk. "Besides, it looks like this little beauty has done wonders for my career."

　　"Chief Designer, I heard. Congratulations are in order, then?" There was a venomous edge to Camila's sarcasm, her hands balling into fists at her sides.

　　"Thank you," Layla beamed, oblivious or indifferent to the sting. "It's amazing what one can achieve when not... distracted by personal drama."

　　Camila felt the jab, the reminder of her very public breakup with Blake. Yet, she held Layla's gaze with unyielding poise, letting the silence between them grow heavy.

　　"Enjoy the title while it lasts, Layla," Camila said, her voice low and steady. "Titles come and go, but talent- that's forever. And that bracelet," she gestured toward the poster, "is my talent on display. Not yours."

　　With those words left hanging in the air, Camila pivoted on her heel and walked away from Layla, from the lies plastered on the wall. She had designs to create, a reputation to rebuild. And this time, nothing would stand in her way.

　　Camila's steps were measured as she drew closer to the poster, her gaze meticulously tracing the contours of the "Eternal Love" bracelet – her bracelet. Each gemstone that she had selected with painstaking care now glinted under the showroom lights, a testament to her love turned into a mockery of her talent.

　　"Can you believe it?" a voice murmured not far from her. Camila's ears perked up despite the turmoil brewing within her.

　　"Travis Turner's firm on board for the new project? That's huge," another colleague replied, his tone laced with excitement.

　　"Exactly," the first nodded. "Blake really pulled some strings to land that deal."

　　The name 'Blake' was like a pin to a balloon, and the swell of emotions inside Camila deflated enough for curiosity to take its place. She edged closer under the pretence of admiring her stolen design, all the while her attention firmly on the conversation unfolding beside her.

　　"Turner's one of the best in the biz," the second colleague continued, oblivious to Camila's eavesdropping. "If his team is behind the next U.U.E flagship store, we're looking at hitting gold with the launch."

　　"Is that so?" Camila interjected, her voice steady but tinged with an edge sharp enough to slice through the tension she felt.

　　The two colleagues jumped slightly, turning towards her with a mix of surprise and guilt as if they had been caught gossiping by the subject of their conversation.

　　"Camila! We didn't see you there," one stammered, his eyes flickering to the poster before settling uncomfortably back on her.

　　"Apparently, a lot happens when I'm not around," she said dryly, her gaze fixed on them. "So, tell me about this project with Travis Turner. He's quite the catch for U.U.E, isn't he?"

　　"Absolutely," the other colleague chimed in, eager to recover from the awkward pause. "His vision for real estate is revolutionary. It's the perfect synergy for our brand's expansion."

　　"Revolutionary, huh?" Camila mused aloud, a wry smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "And here I was thinking it's just concrete and glass."

　　"Maybe," the first colleague agreed with a cautious chuckle, "but when you add Travis Turner's touch, it becomes something special- like adding the perfect accessory to complete an outfit."

　　"Speaking of accessories," Camila pivoted back to the topic that burned at her heart, her finger tapping lightly against the poster. "This bracelet- how does Layla's 'original creation' fit into all this?"

　　"Ah, well," the second colleague hesitated, casting a wary glance at the other. "It's the centrepiece of the campaign. Layla's been working closely with Blake to make sure it represents the essence of U.U.E."

　　"Interesting," Camila's voice was icy calm, her mind racing as she absorbed every word. "Because to me, it looks awfully familiar. Almost like something I would have designed myself."

　　"Camila, you know how it is," the first colleague began, but she cut him off.

　　"Actually," she interjected, her dark eyes flashing with fierce determination, "I do know. And I also know that sometimes, what glitters on the surface hides something much less appealing underneath. It seems I have some digging to do."

　　With that cryptic remark, Camila stepped away from the group, leaving her colleagues to exchange confused, uneasy glances. Her heart pounded with a mix of betrayal and resolve; it wasn't just about reclaiming her work anymore. There was a bigger picture, and she intended to expose every pixel.