The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows novel Chapter 145

Chapter 145 Causing

Trouble For Her

Brenna’s phone buzzed with a string of messages from the studio manager. She lowered her head, typing out replies with practiced speed, seemingly oblivious to the fact that Rosie was talking to Ethan.

In reality, Brenna was keenly aware of everything going on. She knew what Rosie was up to. It was clear that Rosie had probably been eyeing Ethan long before she had even stepped back into the Harper family’s world. And if her instincts were anything to go by, there would be some drama soon.

Ethan kept his face unreadable as he stared straight ahead, pointedly ignoring Rosie.

Rosie felt a twinge of embarrassment after her previous question. Ethan’s blunt reply had hit her like a slap, landing right where it hurt most.

She forced a smile and said, “No, how could I have seen the design drafts? Ethan, I just wanted to ask which designer you think has the best chance of winning.”

Ethan glanced briefly at Brenna, who was still glued to her phone, her fingers swiftly tapping across the screen, clearly too occupied to notice his conversation with Rosie.

“No matter what, the winner won’t be you,” Ethan responded, his tone unhurried.

Rosie’s smile faltered, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. Ever since Brenna’s return, Ethan’s attitude toward her had turned cold, lacking even the faintest trace of kindness.

This was all because of Brenna!

Rosie couldn’t hide the resentment building inside her as she watched Brenna, certain that she was only pretending to be busy while hiding her nerves. Rosie smirked to herself, thinking that if Brenna didn’t make it into the top three or failed to win an excellence award, it would show she wasn’t good enough. Maybe then Ethan would finally realize that Brenna didn’t deserve him.

With a light, almost mocking laugh, Rosie said to Brenna, “Brenna, you graduated in mechanical engineering and have been designing with the Barrett family for years, winning countless international awards. You must be brimming with confidence for this competition, right? Maybe you will even take first place. Do you have anything you would like to say?”

Rosie looked at Brenna coldly, intentionally showering her with exaggerated praise, hoping she would become overconfident and make it obvious to everyone that she believed she would win first place.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open, arriving on the 33rd floor of the Harper Group’s massive auditorium—an exclusive venue that saw little use except for the company’s annual employee meetings.

The space was enormous, capable of holding about three thousand people. Outside, a red–carpeted event hall stretched out, surrounded by various promotional banners and materials. The Harper Group’s employees

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Chapter 145 Causing Trouble For Her

efficiently guided the participating designers into the auditorium.

With a bit of time left before the announcement, many designers milled around outside, discussing who might walk away with the coveted first–place prize.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Rosie crossed to the other side, linking her arm warmly with Brenna’s. She raised her voice and said, “Brenna, with your talent, winning first prize should be easy. You are from the

Harper family, a mechanical design major, and have won numerous international awards. The judges clearly admire your skills. I have high hopes for you.”

Rosie maintained a charming, graceful smile as she spoke, warmly greeting the people milling about the hall.

Still preoccupied with messages and juggling multiple tasks, Brenna was nevertheless keenly aware of Rosie’s deliberate choice of words. She could sense that Rosie was trying to stir up trouble for her.

Despite their usual rivalry, Rosie was now being unusually friendly to her. If Brenna pulled away from her, it would make her seem difficult to get along with.

Rosie was certainly playing her cards right this time.

Brenna glanced around, her sharp gaze catching the unfriendly stares from the crowd. Some eyes even glinted with open hostility.

A casually dressed designer in his thirties voiced his frustration loudly, saying, “Why are we still waiting here for the results? She is the Harper family’s daughter. Maybe they decided the winner a long time ago!”

Rosie’s expression darkened when she heard this. She turned sternly toward the designer and demanded, “What’s your name? Which design firm are you representing? And what gives you the right to say that?”

The designer held up his badge to Rosie and replied, “I’m Zeke Webster from Horizon Design. What do you mean by saying those things earlier? Were the top three prizes already decided before the competition even started? If the winners have already been decided, why bother inviting the rest of us? Are you just playing with

us?”

Rosie stayed composed, unaffected by his sharp words or the growing attention from the other designers. Her voice remained steady and clear as she replied, “That’s not what I meant. I was simply pointing out that Brenna is from the Harper family.”