Chapter 4

The plane landed in City A.

My classmate Ryan Cross was already waiting for me at the exit.

He saw the injury on my face and froze for a moment.

"Holy crap, did someone hit you? Who was it? They must be blind."

"My mom," I said flatly.

Ryan's expression instantly became indescribable.

He didn't ask any more questions. He just took my luggage and led me outside.

"I got your ticket sorted. VIP section, front row. I also set up a meeting with someone. We'll have dinner together later."

"Who?"

"Lewis Hart. He's a famous sharp-tongued critic in the industry. This guy is notorious for not giving anyone face. Doesn't matter who you are - if your work sucks, he'll tear it apart. But his eye is sharp and his professional skills are solid."

I understood what Ryan meant.

He wanted to find me the strongest ally possible.

"Thanks."

"Don't be so formal with me." Ryan patted my shoulder. "You were so amazing in college. Even our department head said you were the most spiritually gifted student he'd ever seen. Why did you disappear after graduation? I thought you'd changed careers."

I didn't say anything.

I hadn't disappeared.

I had been hidden away.

The restaurant was an elegant private dining place.

Lewis Hart was already there.

He looked to be in his forties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses. His gaze was sharp, carrying the scrutiny and pickiness of an intellectual.

When he saw the injury on my face, his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Ryan introduced us.

I didn't waste time with small talk. I pulled out a USB drive from my bag and handed it over.

"Mr. Hart, please take a look at this."

The USB contained all my work from my four years in college.

Every healing gem design had detailed creation dates, sketches, and final versions.

Especially that piece "First Light" - I had even kept a video of the creation process.

Lewis looked through everything very carefully.

The longer he looked, the darker his expression became.

Finally, he pulled out the USB and placed it on the table.

"This person called Susan Winters - what is she to you?"

"My sister."

He looked at me, his eyes showing understanding and sympathy.

"What do you want to do?"

"I hope you can give me a chance to ask questions at the finals." I looked at him with determination. "A chance to let the truth come to light."

Lewis was silent for a moment.

"Do you know what the consequences will be?"

"I know."

"You might destroy her, and you might also find yourself in the eye of the storm."

"I don't care."

I just wanted back what belonged to me.

Justice, and dignity.

Lewis looked at me and finally nodded.

"Alright. I'll help you."

Things went more smoothly than I had imagined.

After dinner, Ryan drove me back to the hotel.

On the way, he couldn't hold back anymore.

"Jade, tell me honestly - has your sister been stealing your work this whole time?"

"Yes."

"And your parents..."

"They're accomplices."

Ryan fell silent.

The air in the car became oppressively quiet.

As we neared the hotel, my phone rang.

It was my dad.

I hesitated, then answered.

"Hello."

"Jade, where are you?" My dad's voice sounded exhausted.

"What's wrong?"

"Your mom... she's been hospitalized. She was so angry."

My heart sank suddenly.

But then it was wrapped in coldness.

"What's wrong with her?"

"High blood pressure. The doctor said she can't handle any more stress."

My dad sighed.

"Jade, come back. Your sister's competition is important. Don't go cause trouble for her. I'm begging you, okay?"

His voice carried pleading.

In my twenty-plus years of memory, this was the first time.