The Legend of Cinderella's Counterattack

The housekeeper's words sent a storm of emotions racing through my mind. Stepmother? How could this be possible? Why would she do this? Was it simply jealousy? Or was there a deeper motive behind this?

I forced myself to calm down and think carefully about what had happened during this period. Ever since I founded my own brand, my stepmother's attitude towards me has become more subtle. On the surface, she seems kind and friendly, but behind my back, she is always deliberately or unintentionally prying into my design concepts and even trying to win over my team members...

"Lolo, don't worry, I will get to the bottom of this." Lawrence Lu held my hand, his eyes firm and gentle, "Whoever is behind this, I will make him pay the price."

I looked at him gratefully, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart. During this period of time, he has always been by my side, encouraging me, supporting me, and being my strongest support.

A few days later, at a grand press conference, Lu Yuxuan and I stood under the spotlight. Below the stage, reporters from various media outlets, armed with cameras and long guns, were eager to capture every word and every expression.

I took a deep breath and opened the file bag in my hand. Inside was all the evidence that Lawrence Lu and I had collected during this period, including evidence that competitors had plagiarized my design drafts and that they had colluded with gangs to maliciously suppress other brands.

"Everyone, I'm standing here today because I've been treated unfairly." My voice was clear and powerful. "My competitor not only copied my design, but also used despicable means to discredit my brand and try to eliminate me!"

As I finished speaking, a series of videos began to play on the big screen. They were evidence of my competitors copying my designs, as well as footage of them trading with gang members.

There was an uproar in the audience. Reporters raised their cameras and flashes of light went off one after another, lighting up the entire venue like daylight.

Looking at the shocked, angry, and disdainful eyes in the audience, I felt no joy, only endless sadness. I had always believed that in the business world, competition should be fair and based on strength, but I never imagined that someone would resort to such despicable tactics.

"We have reported the case to the police and believe that the law will give us a fair explanation." Lawrence Lu's voice was cold and majestic. "At the same time, we also reserve the right to pursue the matter to the end!"

After the press conference, the competitors' brand image collapsed instantly, consumers boycotted their products, major shopping malls removed their goods from the shelves, and their market share dropped sharply, almost to the brink of bankruptcy.

However, this victory didn't bring me relief, but rather a heavy weight. I knew this was just the beginning. The true mastermind had yet to be revealed, and greater challenges awaited me... I thought revealing the truth would usher in a long-awaited peace, but life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get. Defeating the competition is only the first step. To gain a firm foothold in this cutthroat fashion world, I need to put in even more effort.

I began working tirelessly, dedicating myself to the new season's designs. Inspiration flooded in, and I incorporated the experiences and insights I'd gained during this period into a series of bold, innovative pieces. Lu Yuxuan also offered me immense support, leveraging his connections and resources to build momentum for my brand, securing the best models and runway shows, and ensuring my designs were perfectly presented.

On the day of the launch, I stood backstage, my palms dripping with sweat. This was a crucial battle for my brand's rebirth; success or failure would determine my future.

"Don't be nervous, you will definitely succeed." Lu Yuxuan held my hand, his palm was warm and dry, which gave me great strength.

I took a deep breath, composed myself, and walked onto the runway with a resolute stride. Under the spotlight, models adorned with my designs confidently showcased their unique charm. From the audience, applause and cheers echoed. I saw many familiar faces: editors-in-chief of fashion magazines, purchasing managers from department stores, and my ever-supporting fans. Their eyes were filled with admiration and anticipation, which only strengthened my resolve.

The show was a resounding success, and my brand once again became a hot topic in the fashion world. Orders poured in like snowflakes, and sales quickly rebounded, even surpassing their previous peak. I finally breathed a sigh of relief. The stress and exhaustion of the past period vanished, replaced by a deep sense of accomplishment and happiness.

“Congratulations, my queen.” Lawrence Lu held me in his arms, his voice low and sexy, “You are the best.”

I leaned on his chest, feeling his warmth and heartbeat, my heart filled with sweetness and happiness. I know that my success is inseparable from his support and help. He is my lover and the strongest backer of my career.

However, just as we were immersed in joy, the butler suddenly appeared in front of us. He looked solemn and seemed to be hesitant to speak.

"What's wrong, Uncle Liu?" I noticed something strange and asked.

The housekeeper looked around and said in a low voice, "Miss, there's something... I've noticed that Miss Chenxi and her team have been acting a little strangely lately..."

My heart tightened, a bad feeling welling up inside me. Chenxi is my best friend and my right-hand man. What did the housekeeper mean? Could it be that... my success also made her feel threatened? The housekeeper's words were like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring ripples in my heart. Chenxi, my best friend, my comrade-in-arms, could she also... No, I didn't want to believe it.

"Uncle Liu, can you tell me specifically what happened to Chenxi and the others?" I tried to remain calm, but there was a hint of trembling in my tone.

The housekeeper sighed and said, "Miss, I don't mean to doubt Miss Chenxi. It's just that recently, she and her team have been working overtime until very late. I also noticed that they often hold private meetings with Mr. Lu behind your back, and their expressions are very mysterious..."

My heart sank. The butler was always observant, so if he said that, there must be a reason. Could it be that Chenxi had really betrayed me? But why would she do this? I've treated her well, like family, so why would she betray me?

“Lolo, don’t worry, maybe it’s just a misunderstanding.” Lawrence Lu held my hand and gave me strength, “Let’s find out first.”

I nodded and forced myself to calm down. Lawrence Lu was right. I couldn't jump to conclusions without solid evidence. I decided to observe secretly and see what Chenxi was up to.

For the next few days, I pretended to know nothing and continued to chat and laugh with Chenxi, but secretly I was keeping a close eye on her. I found that what the housekeeper said was right. Chenxi was indeed a little abnormal. She often called me evasively and her attitude towards me had become a little cold.

My heart is growing colder and colder. Did I really misjudge her?

Just when I was feeling discouraged, something happened that completely changed my view of Chenxi.

That day, I was in the office revising a design when I received a call from an unfamiliar number. The person on the other end of the line introduced himself as "Mr. X" and said he knew who was behind the framing of me and had all the evidence.

I immediately became excited and demanded, "Who are you? What evidence do you have? Please tell me!"

"Don't worry, I will give you the evidence, but not now." Mr. X's voice was low and mysterious. "You just need to know that I am on your side and I will help you."

After saying that, he hung up the phone.

I held the phone, my mind filled with confusion and anticipation. Who was Mr. X? Why was he trying to help me?

Before I could sort out my thoughts, the office door was suddenly pushed open and Chenxi rushed in in a panic.

"Lolo, this is bad! Something's happened!" she gasped. "Someone told the media that your design is suspected of plagiarism..." Chenxi's words were like a bolt from the blue, and my head was buzzing. "What did you say? Plagiarism? How is that even possible?" I grabbed her hand and asked anxiously, "Who said that? Do you have any evidence?"

Chenxi's face was grave as he handed me his phone. On the screen was an article titled "Fashion Rising Star Suspected of Plagiarism: Truth or Hype?" The article listed the similarities between my entry and that of a foreign designer, and included several comparison photos. At first glance, the similarities did appear to be quite striking.

"This is a farce!" I angrily slammed my phone on the table. "Those so-called 'evidence' are all taken out of context. My design inspiration comes from..." I suddenly remembered Mr. X's reminder and stopped talking. "Anyway, the innocent will be cleared. I won't let such baseless accusations affect me."

Lawrence Lu had been standing beside me silently, and when he heard what I said, he held my hand firmly, his eyes gentle but firm: “I believe you.”

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. Since they dared to frame me so blatantly, they must have come prepared. I couldn't lose my composure.

"Chenxi, help me contact a lawyer. I want to sue them for defamation!"

"Don't worry, I'm already doing it," Chenxi replied calmly. "I've already contacted the most authoritative intellectual property lawyer in the industry. He will help us collect evidence and protect your rights."

Over the next few days, I actively cooperated with the lawyer, providing evidence to prove my innocence, including the source of my design inspiration and the creative process. At the same time, Lawrence Lu also used his connections and resources to help me investigate the mastermind behind the incident.

As expected, the instigator of this farce was the competitor I had defeated before. He was unwilling to accept his defeat, so he came up with such a despicable method to take revenge on me.

In court, my lawyer clearly explained my design concept and creative process, and used a large amount of evidence to prove that my work was original and had nothing to do with the other party's accusations. Ultimately, the court ruled in my favor, and the other party was not only required to make a public apology but also compensate me for the loss of my reputation.

As I walked out of the courtroom, the bright sunshine shone upon me, dispelling the haze that had enveloped my heart for days. I turned to look at Lawrence Lu, who had always been by my side, giving me support and strength.

"Thank you, Yuxuan." I said emotionally.

"Silly girl, we are husband and wife, why thank you?" He ruffled my hair lovingly. "You've been wronged by this incident. To make it up to you, let's hold a grand wedding and let everyone witness our happiness."

I gladly agreed, feeling infinite sweetness and happiness in my heart.

On the eve of my wedding, I received a mysterious gift. When I opened it, it turned out to be a photo album that recorded my time-travel journey. On the last page of the album, it read: "True happiness is companionship across time and space."

Lu Yuxuan and I smiled at each other. We knew this was our legend and our eternal happiness. I carefully flipped through the album. Each photo was like a fragment of time, piecing together this incredible journey of time travel.

From the initial panic, to the courage to face it later, to the happiness and fulfillment today, my mental journey seems to be condensed in this photo album.

In the photos, there’s my lost and helpless figure standing on a bustling street when I first arrived in this other world; there’s the surprise and curiosity that flashed in Lu Yuxuan’s eyes when we first met; there’s my confident and radiant demeanor on stage when I participated in a design competition; there’s also the sweet silhouette of Lu Yuxuan and I hugging each other in the sunset…

Every photo carries a lot of my memories and also bears witness to the love between Lu Yuxuan and me that transcends time and space.

"Who sent it?" I stroked the line of words on the last page of the album, my heart filled with confusion and emotion.

“I don’t know,” Lawrence Lu shook his head, “I asked the housekeeper, and he said it was delivered by a courier and didn’t leave any information.”

"Could it be..." A thought suddenly flashed through my mind, but I quickly shook my head and denied my guess.

Impossible, he has already...

I suppressed the emotions surging in my heart, closed the photo album, and held it tightly in my arms.

"What's wrong?" Lawrence Lu noticed my abnormality and asked with concern.

"Nothing," I forced a smile, "I just feel like this is all a dream."

“Silly boy, this is not a dream, this is our real life.” Lawrence Lu held me in his arms and stroked my hair gently, “Lolo, we will be together forever and live happily.”

I closed my eyes and snuggled into his arms, feeling his warmth and love.

Yes, we will be together forever, and no matter what challenges we encounter in the future, we will face them hand in hand.

Because true happiness is companionship that transcends time and space.

However, deep down in my heart, there is always a lingering sense of uneasiness.

Who sent me this photo album? What did he or she want to tell me?

Could it be that my journey through time and space is not over yet?