Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1175

"Why is Otto here? Is he trying to get a piece of the jewelry business too?"

"It doesn't look good. Let's wait and see!"

Otto stood like a stabilizing force, calming most of the crowd. The atmosphere quieted for a moment as he raised his eyes to briefly examine the "C&S Signature Jewels" sign carved in cursive, then glanced at Snow's work.

"So this is what everyone is arguing about?" Otto asked.

Aurora knew who Otto was and shifted to a more measured tone and said softly, "To Mr. Sheridan, this might be just a trivial item, but to a designer, it's like our child."

"Child?" Otto's lips curled in a businesslike smile as he changed the subject, "If it's your child, why didn't you protect it better and allow it to fall into someone else's hands?"

Aurora's expression froze. If she knew the design was for a competition, she should have safeguarded it properly.

"Mr. Sheridan, isn't that a classic case of victim-blaming? According to your logic, those who commit crimes are not to blame; rather, the victims should reflect on themselves?" someone spoke up, defending Aurora. "Besides, how could one guard against someone who is intent on stealing?"

"Guard against?" Otto glanced at Kendrick and then at Aurora, his tone laden with meaning. "One is a highly celebrated designer sponsored by Cunningham Jewelry, while the other is from a nearly bankrupt small company struggling to pay salaries.

"What means do they have to bypass the multi-layered security of Cunningham Jewelry to steal design drafts?"

The person who had spoken earlier fell silent. C&S Signature Jewels seemed out of its depth against Aurora.

"Frankly, if I were with C&S Signature Jewels, I wouldn't choose the most high-profile designer to copy. If the design was exposed right away, it's no different from announcing it to the world. What would be the point?" Otto's words were precise, leaving no room for argument.

His expression remained calm, but his cold eyes conveyed an unapproachable demeanor. No one dared to challenge him.

"Mr. Sheridan, are you threatening me? Is it appropriate to treat a victim like this?" Aurora forced a smile, trying to deflect, "I was wondering how an obscure company dared to openly oppose me. Now, given Mr. Sheridan's attitude, I understand."

Her skillful manipulation of words shifted the blame onto Otto.

Otto's eyes darkened for a moment, but he didn't engage further with her.

"Well then, I'll accept it. When the judges review the works, they'll see who the real victim is."

"Is anyone else interested in watching the drama?"

The last statement carried a clear threat. Perhaps spurred by Aurora's provocations, Otto became even more resolute in defending C&S Signature Jewels.