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Joshua Instantly realized what had happened–Peyton had betrayed him. She had told Caitlin everything of course Cailin would comet
him now.
He bolted toward the front door, only to find Sebastian standing outside, his eyes cold and sharp. A row of black suited bodyguards flanked either side, completely blocking any escape.
Slamming the door shut, Joshua turned around and shouted, “You bitch! You set me up!”
yourself and maybe she’ll let you go!” Peyton pleaded, trying to salvage the
“We were both in the wrong. Caitlin’s here how situation.
explain
“Explain? You think I’m going
beg?” Joshua snarled, his eyes wild. “What did she offer you, huh? You whore! You lured me here!?
His words cut deep. Peyton stared at him, devastated. She had given everything to him, only to realize too late how terribly wrong she’d been.
Joshua lunged and wrapped a hand around her neck. Peyton gasped, struggling for air. “Let go…”
“Joshua! Let her go!” Caitlin’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
But Joshua tightened his grip, then quickly shifted to wrap his arm around Peyton’s neck, holding her in a chokehold.
“Tell your people to back off!” he barked. A flick of his wrist revealed a folding knife, its blade now pressed against Peyton’s neck.
“Please… don’t…” Peyton trembled, tears streaming down her pale face.
He had gone feral. Caitlin’s heart pounded. Things could go very wrong, very fast.
“Joshua, you know what this is now, don’t you? Corporate espionage–stealing company secrets–that’s a serious crime. And now you’ve escalated to kidnapping. If anyone gets hurt, your charges double
Caitlin tried reasoning with him, giving him a way out.
But Joshua was too far gone. He shook his head violently. “You did this! You ruined everything! You took LIG away, pushed me to the edg What else was I supposed to do?”
“You can still fix this. Let Peyton go and we’ll talk.”
“I don’t believe a word you say!” Joshua shouted, his voice hoarse.
Sebastian, listening from outside, kicked the door open. His eyes landed on Joshua, still holding Peyton at knifepoint.
“Let her go!” he barked…
“Get back! All of you, back off!” Joshua screamed.
Caitlin quickly gave Sebastian a signal. “Back off. Let him through.”
Sebastian understood immediately. He signaled his men to stand down and moved aside, opening a path.
Seeing a way out, Joshua began dragging Peyton toward the door.
But just as he crossed the threshold, Caitlin moved in a flash. With one swift, precise kick, she knocked the knife clean from his hand . T
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blade spun through the air and Caitlin caught it mid flight
Before Joshua could even register what had happened, Sebastian lunged and tackled him to the ground.
Their coordination was flawless. Peyton stumbled free and collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably.
Tyler nished in and forced Joshua to the ground, restraining him. The man howled like a wild animal. “Let me go! You bastardes You se me up!”
“You think we’re the schemers?” Caitlin spat. “You were fired. You had no right to sneak back in, use Peyton, and leak our designs to the competition. You’re lucky we don’t throw you out a window.”
With that, she delivered a swift kick to his stomach.
Joshua groaned in pain as Tyler and the others delivered a few him away.”
They stopped, bound Joshua, and dragged him out.
well–placed blows before Caitlin raised her hand. “That’s enough. Take
An hour later, news exploded online: TIG had filed a lawsuit against XEG for copyright infringement.
The legal department had issued a formal cease and desist letter, demanding XEG stop using the “Majestic Elegance” design theme, or face full prosecution.
The news shot to the top of trending searches. According to reports, TIG was claiming ownership of the “Majestic Elegance” theme, originally designed by their in–house talent, Justin.
Justin had submitted multiple concept drafts and sample sketches. Internal meeting records showed TIG had selected the theme weeks in
advance.
In an interview clip, Justin expressed his anger, stating his creative work had been shamelessly stolen. “All I want is justice,” he said, clearly
emotional.
As reporters and guests recalled the eerily similar themes from both companies‘ launch events, the pieces began falling into place.
Public opinion swung hard. Netizens rallied behind TIG, demanding answers from XEG.
At XEG headquarters, the public relations team scrambled. Ximena was unreachable, her phone turned off. Zora, currently acting CEO, was nowhere to be found either.
The PR director had tried to reach her, but Zora and Jillian were relaxing at The Peninsula Spa. Her phone was in her locker.
Faced with the crisis, the team followed emergency protocol and issued a vague statement: “XEG has never engaged in plagiarism or design theft. Any claims to the contrary are baseless slander. Legal action will be taken if these attacks continue.”
At the spa, Zora and Jillian were being pampered in luxury.
Jillian had been holding something in for a while. Finally, she worked up the courage to
yours?”
ask, “Zora, were the Majestic Elegance designs really
“Of course,” Zora replied breezily. “I just wanted to promote you, so I told people you did them. They belong to the company anyway – don’t
worry.”
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“ But Caitlin said their designer came up with the same theme. How’s that possible ? ”
zora laughed it off, “ignore her. She’s just bitter because we outshined them. Now she’s trying to stir up trouble .
Jillian wasn’t totally convinced, but let it go.
Back at XEG, with no response from leadership, an assistant was sent to the hospital to find Ximena.
After being briefed, Ximena immediately turned her phone back on–and saw the incoming storm. Furious, she called Zora
Zora and Jillian had just finished dressing and were heading out for shopping when her phone buzzed,
She answered casually. “Hey Mom, what’s up?”
“You idiot! Get your ass back to the office now!” Ximena barked, her voice filled with icy fury.
Zora’s heart dropped. Something was very, very wrong.
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