Hazel finished drawing the last sketch and finally allowed herself to relax.

She stretched lazily, her coffee cup long empty.

Elaina had vowed to stay up and fight alongside her until the end, but within moments she had fallen asleep, slumped on the sofa.

"Elaina, wake up. We can go home now."

She rose groggily, rubbing her eyes. "Hazel, you finished everything? You really worked hard."

"It's fine. Let's go home."

Elaina had rented an apartment for Hazel within their residential complex, so they were heading in the same direction.

The moment they stepped out of the taxi, Elaina received a call from Kathy.

In the quiet of the late night, the excitement in her voice was unmistakable.

"Elaina! The plagiarism scandal has been cleared up!"

Elaina's drowsiness vanished instantly, her hand trembling slightly as she gripped the phone.

"What did you say?"

"Check the news! The design competition judge just issued a statement--he confirmed I didn't plagiarize. My name is finally cleared!"

Kathy wept with joy on the other end. The relentless online abuse over the past few days had nearly driven her to depression.

"That's wonderful, Kathy! If it's convenient, come back to work in the next few days, okay?"

She offered a few more soothing words, urging Kathy to rest.

After hanging up, Elaina grabbed her best friend by the arm.

"Hazel, did you really do it? This is unbelievably fast! How did you manage it?"

Faced with the barrage of questions, Hazel smiled helplessly.

"The process doesn't matter...the result does. Kathy's cleared her name, and the studio can reopen. This is my way of repaying you for taking me in."

"Oh, come on, that's what best friends are for! Hazel, having you around is such a blessing. If it weren't for you, I don't know how I would've gotten through this crisis."

Arm in arm, they shared a quiet laugh under the night sky.

Having stayed up late, Hazel slept in and didn't wake until noon.

When she opened her phone, she found a string of messages from Dark Hunter.

(Miss, I did what you asked. Pretty efficient, huh?)

(Busy? Did you see the news?)

(Miss, what about the exclusive scoop you promised me? You're not bailing on me, are you?)

Hazel tapped her forehead. She had completely forgotten about Dark Hunter.

(Just woke up, sorry about that. What do you want--entertainment gossip or an inside scoop on the city's bigwigs?)

(Wow! I get to choose? Miss, considering how awesome I am at getting things done, can I have both?)

Hazel blinked. Well, why not?

She tapped the black profile picture and quickly forwarded several explosive pieces of gossip to him.

The recipient immediately sent back several "worship the god" emojis. Clearly, as the leader of the online army, he was utterly shocked--something he had never experienced before.

(Miss, you are my one and only from now on!)

(No need for formalities. Thanks for this time, and please keep everything confidential.)

(Rest assured! I have strong professional ethics!)

Though he had lost the scoop about the design competition judge, Dark Hunter had gained far juicier news.

This deal was a total win for him.

Hazel closed the chat history with Dark Hunter and checked the latest updates online.

Although the design competition judge had clarified the plagiarism allegations, to avoid offending Oliver, he took the entire blame upon himself.

Upon verification, Kathy's work is indeed original. Oliver's piece, with its distinctive style, remains the most acclaimed entry in the competition and the undisputed champion.

Hazel scrolled down to the comments section, which was flooded with angry remarks:

Are you kidding me? When Kathy was getting slammed earlier, why didn't you step in to clear things up?

What's so great about Oliver's work? It's just another viral internet piece. Did the judges even look at it?

This is hilarious. Total hindsight. This design competition has zero credibility--it's all rigged!

Exactly! It's rigged! Oliver is clearly manipulative. Who knows what tricks she pulled? Poor designer Kathy!

Online sentiment shifted so easily...one statement could change everything.

It was truly laughable.

Hazel closed Twitter just as a message from Elaina arrived.

"Hazel, Kathy wants to treat you to dinner tonight. Are you in?"

Hazel thought for a moment and agreed, but added one more thing:

"Why not invite the whole studio team? Let's celebrate getting through this crisis! It's on me!"

Elaina replied instantly:

"Where did you get this secret stash?"

Before Hazel could respond, another message popped up:

"Fine, I'll treat. That's settled. Keep your money for chasing handsome guys."

Hazel chuckled at the teasing and dropped her insistence on paying.

Despite the online backlash against Oliver, Rayan would always rush to defend her whenever she played the victim.

Rather than wait for that, Hazel decided to take the initiative--let the "green tea bitch" taste the bitterness of her own downfall.

Only then would Oliver truly feel the sting.

Hazel reopened her phone and messaged Dark Hunter again.

(Do me a favor.)

(Just tell me what you need! I'll walk through fire for you!)

Surprised by Dark Hunter's loyalty, Hazel laid out her plan: team up with RK Corporation to hype Oliver.

(Why promote her? She's just an internet-famous designer at best. What if she becomes too big and overshadows you?)

Hazel was momentarily taken aback. He actually considered her interests--he genuinely cared.

(Ever heard of killing someone with flattery? Don't worry. I'm not afraid of people without real talent.)

With that, Dark Hunter understood immediately and agreed without hesitation.

He didn't even need Hazel to explain the details.

He contacted RK Corporation directly and presented his proposal.

The water army leader's account carried considerable clout, and collaborating to hype and praise Oliver's work promised lucrative returns.

"We'll split the profits 40/60. I'll take the smaller share. How about it? Online sentiment toward Miss Howard isn't exactly favorable right now."

The other party had already sensed the situation turning sour and was looking for a solution.

Dark Hunter's timely offer was like finding a pillow when you're sleepy!

"Deal! Profit isn't the priority--making Miss Howard a sensation is what matters most!"

The person on the other end nearly burst out laughing. If they could truly make Oliver a sensation, the President would surely reward him handsomely.

"Bro, relax. I'll work with you perfectly. Let me show you the power of the Internet!"

Each harbored their own hidden agenda, calculating their own gain.

That very night, Dark Hunter deployed a massive army of paid commenters to hype the popularity of Oliver's work.

They even gave her a clever new nickname--"the ghost designer."

The implication was clear: her ever-changing style marked her as a genius whose talent others could only envy.

With Dark Hunter's overwhelming army of trolls, the negative reviews were suppressed for the time being.

Netizens, prone to herd mentality, quickly spread the hype from person to person.

A wave of imitation designs inspired by Oliver swept across the Internet, unexpectedly becoming the hottest trend of recent days.

As Oliver watched the flood of praise online, she quickly became carried away with pride.

"You handled this well."

Oliver glanced at her male assistant, knowing RK's operations were behind it.

"Miss Howard, you're too kind. I'm simply doing my duty."

He had earned a substantial sum from this project.

"Your bonus for this month will be doubled. You can leave early today...I need to go see Rayan."

Oliver waved her hand dismissively, her mood visibly lifted.

"Thank you, Miss Howard. I'll take my leave then."

After the assistant left, Oliver sat before the mirror, touched up her makeup, and dressed beautifully before heading to meet Rayan.

She had completely transformed from her usual innocent image, adopting a style reminiscent of Evelyn.

She even applied fiery red lipstick, blending innocence with a touch of allure.

It was precisely this quality that had kept Rayan thinking of Evelyn all these years.

Rayan was busy at the moment. Upon hearing that Oliver had arrived, he merely instructed his assistant to let her in--without so much as an extra glance.

Oliver moved closer, addressing him affectionately, "Rayan!"

"Rayan, have you seen the recent news? Everyone online is calling me a genius designer! My career has truly reached its peak!"

She deliberately opened her phone and held up a widely shared Twitter post in front of Rayan, hoping for his praise.

Rayan frowned slightly, clearly displeased, but he still offered a couple of perfunctory compliments.

"Hmm, not bad."

The praise was there, but it lacked sincerity.

Oliver didn't let it dampen her spirits. She tossed her phone aside, feigned a stumble, and landed right on Rayan's lap.

Her arms wrapped around his neck like vines.

She mimicked her sister's mannerisms, radiating charm before his eyes.

Her eyes narrowed seductively, her breath light and fragrant.

"Rayan, don't you think I look beautiful today?"

Rayan froze for a moment. After all, they were sisters, and from certain angles their aura was strikingly similar.

But he quickly snapped out of it, roughly yanking her arms away and pushing her off his lap.

"Oliver, what are you doing?"

She pouted, looking slightly aggrieved.

"Rayan, don't you like me like this? Sister once said you and I are a perfect match!"

Her true intentions were becoming painfully obvious.

Rayan slammed his fist on the table, his anger boiling over.

"Enough! Do you even know what you're saying?"

"Rayan, my sister really said that! If she ever left, she told me to keep you company..."

Rayan slammed the table again. "I said enough! I never want to hear such words again. Out of respect for you being Evelyn's sister--get out!"

Oliver remained motionless, her mouth opening as if to speak.

She had meticulously planned everything...how could it all fall apart like this?

Whatever she did, Rayan always tolerated it. Wasn't that love?

As Oliver stood frozen, Rayan abruptly called out to his assistant.

"Simon, escort Miss Howard out! She is forbidden from entering my office without permission from now on."

After dismissing Oliver, Rayan's mood soured.

He set aside his work, intending to take a brief break.

"Simon, brew me a cup of coffee."

"Okay, Sir."

Rayan moved to the nearby sofa and closed his eyes to rest.

The coffee was brewed quickly. Rayan took a sip but frowned.

"What brand of coffee beans did you use? The flavor's off."

The assistant, noticing his boss's unsettled expression, could only tell the truth.

"I used the beans from the cabinet. Let me make you a fresh cup."

"Forget it. You can't even make a proper cup of coffee."

Rayan set the cup down, feeling unexpectedly irritated.

It suddenly dawned on him that, in the past, Hazel had personally ground the beans and stored them in his office.

Whenever she came by, Rayan would always pretend not to notice her--yet he took her care for granted.

Like the perfect temperature of his coffee, or the incense she lit during breaks.

Hazel had quietly taken care of these things without ever seeking recognition.

"Sir, would you like to take a break in the lounge?"

Simon, noticing his boss's weary expression, spoke up carefully.

Rayan responded with a grunt. "Go tidy up the break room for me."

"Understood."

This time, the assistant dared not make another mistake and meticulously arranged everything in the lounge.

Rayan stepped inside, but the incense by the bed remained unlit.

An inexplicable wave of irritation washed over him.

"What's wrong with you? Can't you even handle basic tasks properly?"

Simon looked slightly aggrieved. "Sir, previously, Madam personally handled these matters. I--"

"Is that your excuse? Couldn't you have asked?"

Simon paused, then pulled out his phone and dialed Hazel's number, deliberately putting it on speaker.

Hazel was chatting with the staff in a studio when the call came in. Seeing the caller ID, she answered anyway.

She stepped aside to avoid being overheard.

"Simon, what is it?"

"Madam, I wanted to ask where the items commonly used in Sir's office are stored. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Hazel hummed in acknowledgment, then proceeded to describe every detail of the routine she had performed countless times before.

At the end, she emphasized one point:

"Don't call me Madam. I'm divorced now."

Simon cautiously looked at his boss's expression. Initially melancholy, it darkened immensely upon hearing the word divorce.

He dared not say another word, lest he face another scolding after hanging up.

"Oh, and his stomach isn't great. After social engagements, make sure someone prepares hangover soup for him. Add extra sugar...he can't stand bitterness."

Hazel gave a bitter smile. The past version of herself had really been like a personal maid.

Even so, it hadn't earned her a shred of his genuine affection.

"That's all. If you have any questions, feel free to call me again."

"Alright, thank you. Madam--thank you."

The moment the word left his mouth, Hazel decisively hung up--without a trace of hesitation.

Simon tucked his phone away, the air growing heavy.

Rayan's frown deepened. Why had he never noticed that woman's quiet concern before?

"Sir, I've taken note of everything Madam mentioned. I'll be mindful from now on."

Simon immediately realized his slip in addressing her.

To his surprise, his boss didn't seem to mind. Instead, he muttered under his breath:

"That woman walked away with nothing. I wonder if she can even afford to live now."

Simon, ever the astute observer, immediately seized the opportunity.

"Sir, shall I check on the lady?"

"Transfer the downtown apartment to her name and give her some money."

Simon nodded at once.

"I'll handle it immediately."

"Alright, you may leave."

Rayan dismissed his assistant, pulled out a lighter, and lit the incense himself.

Only when the familiar scent filled the air did he finally drift off to sleep in the lounge.

****

Kathy had already returned to the studio, appearing much more withdrawn than before. The plagiarism incident had hit her hard.

Everyone understood she needed time to recover.

"Let's go. Dinner's on me tonight!"

Elaina gathered the staff for dinner. With the studio's bankruptcy crisis averted, it was time to celebrate properly.

Hazel temporarily set aside her gloomy mood and joined the group in drinking and chatting.

By the end of the meal, the atmosphere was cheerful and harmonious.

Hazel hadn't drunk much and remained perfectly sober.

After the gathering ended, she prepared to head home with Elaina.

As soon as they stepped outside, they spotted a familiar figure--Simon.

"Madam, do you have a moment? I'd like to discuss something with you."

Hazel frowned slightly. "Don't call me 'Madam.'"

"My apologies. I haven't quite adjusted to the new form of address yet."

"If you have something to say, just say it here. It's getting late."

Simon looked at Elaina standing nearby, her eyes sharp with curiosity, and could only agree.

He pulled out a set of property transfer documents and handed them to Hazel.

"Miss Foster, this is per Sir's instructions. There's an apartment downtown he wishes to transfer to you, along with a blank check. You may fill in the amount you desire."

The blank check bore Rayan's signature--it was fully valid.

Hazel didn't even take it. "What does Rayan mean by this?"

"Sir said that since you left with nothing, you probably don't have much money. This is a form of compensation."

Hazel let out a soft snort, her face flushing with disdain. "I already said I don't want anything from him."

"Miss Foster, please accept it. The transfer papers are complete. You can move in immediately. I'll handle the relocation for you."

Simon had thought through every detail. If Hazel refused, his task would remain unfinished.

As the two stood in awkward stalemate, Elaina stepped in and took the documents and check.

"Why refuse? Hazel, you're being foolish! For three years, you worked like a housekeeper for the Knight family. With all the assets Rayan possesses, what's this small amount of money?"

Simon, seeing his chance, quickly added,

"Miss Foster, please accept it. It's a token of Sir's goodwill."

"Men are all unreliable, but money is the most dependable thing. Money will never betray you." Elaina crossed her arms and snorted. "Mister, go back and tell Rayan that Hazel has accepted it. Tell him not to bother her anymore. Hazel will definitely find a better man in the future."

Simon rubbed his nose awkwardly. He certainly wouldn't dare to repeat those words.

"Elaina, I really don't want to take it."

"Are you stupid? This is what you deserve. Just accept it and keep the check safe. Don't be a fool and let yourself get cheated again!"

After Elaina's persistent persuasion, Hazel had no choice but to give in.

"I'm free tomorrow. I'll help you move and pick out some furniture you like. Soon you'll be a rich lady with a downtown apartment...just don't forget to spoil me!"

The two women laughed and joked as the night grew brighter.

After moving into her new home, Hazel threw herself into developing her career.

Dream High Studio was small, so she invested the money Rayan had given her.

She compiled her previously unpublished design sketches into a cohesive collection, preparing to launch her own jewelry brand.

Dark Hunter sent daily updates on the progress--everything was proceeding smoothly.

Oliver, meanwhile, was still riding high, selling her designs at even higher prices.

Launching a jewelry brand required substantial capital. While Elaina fretted over funding, Hazel had already devised a solution.

That solution was to fleece someone--and that someone, naturally, was Oliver.

When the timing felt right, she and Dark Hunter devised a public relations strategy aimed at leveraging Oliver's alleged plagiarism.

Designers feared offending RK Corporation and dared not speak up.

Creating public opinion required only anonymity--there was no fear of being traced.

Leveraging her connections, Dark Hunter secured cooperation from several designers.

When the incriminating materials were anonymously sent to Oliver's phone, she nearly smashed it to pieces.

"What the hell is going on? Didn't we already settle the plagiarism issue with money? Why is there still so much evidence left behind?"

Her male assistant looked utterly bewildered, unsure why his boss was suddenly losing her temper.

"Miss Howard, I was extremely careful. What happened?"

"You have the nerve to ask me? Look at this yourself!"

Oliver flung her phone across the room. The assistant picked it up and froze in shock.

Such detailed evidence--backed by overwhelming public opinion--was laid out clearly, even the potential consequences after exposure.

"Miss Howard, should we inform Mr. Knight? Maybe he can handle this--"

Oliver grew even angrier. "Idiot! Tell Rayan I'm a plagiarist?"

She needed to maintain her image in front of Rayan. There was no way she would let the man she liked know about such sordid affairs.

The assistant fell silent, deciding to say nothing more to avoid further scolding.

"What are you still standing there for? Go investigate who sent me that message! They had the guts to do it but not the guts to own up to it!"

The assistant uttered a quick "Oh," then hurried away.

Oliver looked at her reflection in the mirror, her face twisted with fury.

She had planned to dress up and meet Rayan for lunch, but now she couldn't even summon the energy.

Minutes later, another anonymous text arrived:

(Ten million dollars. These documents won't be exposed. You have two days to prepare. Not a moment more.)

Oliver cursed under her breath, this time actually smashing her phone. The screen shattered into pieces--a clear sign of her fury.

If the plagiarism scandal broke, the carefully cultivated "genius designer" persona she had built would crumble completely.

She hadn't reaped enough benefits yet--how could she accept that?

But ten million? Surely the other party's demand wasn't that excessive.

Dark Hunter waited patiently for her reply, not rushing her.

If Oliver wanted to maintain her current status, she'd have to swallow her pride.

After some deliberation, he messaged Hazel to inform her that the matter was settled and she need only wait for the funds to arrive.

They had already agreed on a ten-million-dollar deal, to be split 40/60.

Dark Hunter would provide an offshore account, making it untraceable for Oliver--a foolproof arrangement.

Giving Dark Hunter 40% was more than reasonable.

Hazel replied with a simple "OK" and settled in to wait for the payment.