Chapter 4: The Signature That Wasn't Mine
“Your stepmother and I have evidence that the original design was never yours.””
My father's words landed harder than I expected.
For a moment, I couldn't hear the crowd anymore. The conversations, the footsteps, the distant music—all of it seemed to disappear.
I stood beside Mrs. Collins, holding the edge of my midnight-blue skirt.
“Dad,” I said quietly, “what did you just say?””
Richard Carter cleared his throat.
“I said we have evidence that Brielle developed the original concept.””
“That's a lie.””
“Watch your tone, Maya.””
I almost laughed.
Even now, standing in front of a competition official, he was more concerned about my tone than the truth.
The legal representative introduced himself as Daniel Brooks. He explained that the competition had received a signed assignment agreement supposedly transferring ownership of my red gown to Brielle.
“Ms. Carter,” Daniel said, “did you sign this document?””
“No.””
“Are you certain?””
“I have never signed an agreement giving Brielle ownership of my work.””
My father interrupted.
“You signed it at home. Vanessa witnessed it.””
I turned toward his voice.
“When?””
“Last month.””
“Last month, I was at the rehabilitation center for three days. I wasn't even home.””
Vanessa's voice appeared behind him.
“You were home on the Thursday before that.””
“No, I wasn't.””
“You're confused, Maya. It happens.””
Mrs. Collins stepped forward.
“Don't you dare.””
Vanessa ignored her.
“Maya, darling, we all know you have difficulty keeping track of things. That's why Richard handles your paperwork.””
I felt my cheeks grow hot.
“My blindness doesn't mean I don't know what I sign.””
Daniel raised a hand.
“Let's remain calm. I need to examine the document.””
He asked Olivia to bring the original submission file.
While they reviewed the paperwork, Brielle approached.
She was still wearing my red dress.
“Can we please stop doing this?”” she asked.
I faced her.
“You mean stop asking questions?””
“It's getting embarrassing.””
“For whom?””
“For everyone.””
I reached for the edge of the table.
“Brielle, tell me honestly. Did you make that dress?””
She hesitated.
Then Vanessa answered for her.
“She designed it. She simply used some of your old techniques.””
“Which techniques?””
Vanessa sighed.
“Why must you turn everything into an interrogation?””
“Because I want to know how my dress became hers.””
Brielle finally spoke.
“I changed things.””
“What did you change?””
“The design.””
“Which part?””
“The whole thing!””
I nodded slowly.
“Then you should have no trouble explaining the construction.””
Brielle said nothing.
Daniel returned a few minutes later.
“We have a problem.””
My father exhaled.
“Finally. Someone sensible.””
Daniel continued.
“The document contains a signature, but the date and electronic metadata don't match the claimed signing date.””
Vanessa became quiet.
“What does that mean?”” Brielle asked.
“It means the document requires further verification.””
My father sounded irritated.
“It's a signed agreement. What more do you need?””
“A reliable record of how it was created and executed.””
I reached into my bag.
“I have something.””
I took out my original notebook.
Then I handed Olivia the registration confirmation email and asked her to retrieve the competition's archived submission.
“Six months ago, I submitted my design under my own name. I included the measurements, construction notes, and photographs of the finished stages.””
Daniel examined the pages.
“These are dated?””
“Yes. Every stage.””
He turned toward my father.
“Mr. Carter, did you know your daughter had been documenting the design process?””
My father didn't answer.
I continued.
“I also have the original fabric receipts. My mother left me a small savings account. I used part of that money to purchase the silk and beads.””
Vanessa suddenly spoke.
“Those receipts don't prove who designed the dress.””
“No,” I replied.
“But they prove I was buying the materials while Brielle was posting vacation pictures.””
A few people nearby laughed.
Brielle snapped.
“You're obsessed with me!””
“No. I'm asking you to explain your own work.””
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Daniel made a decision.
“The competition will proceed with the judging, but the ownership dispute will remain under review. Neither contestant will be disqualified until we have sufficient evidence.””
Vanessa protested immediately.
“That is ridiculous!””
Daniel's voice hardened.
“Mrs. Carter, please understand that submitting false ownership documentation could have serious consequences.””
The silence that followed was satisfying.
But it didn't last.
My father pulled me aside.
“Maya, we need to talk privately.””
“I don't have anything to say to you.””
“Please.””
Mrs. Collins touched my elbow.
“I'll be right here.””
I followed my father a few steps away.
He lowered his voice.
“Vanessa was trying to help Brielle. You know how much this opportunity means to her.””
“And what does it mean to me?””
He sighed.
“You have other ways to pursue your interests.””
“Other ways?””
“You could sell your work online. You could teach sewing. You don't need this competition.””
I felt something inside me break.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
Just enough to make the truth impossible to ignore.
“You watched me sew that dress for six months.””
“I know.””
“You heard the machine every night.””
“I know, Maya.””
“You saw me crying when I finished it.””
He didn't answer.
“And you still let her wear it.””
My father exhaled.
“Your stepmother believed Brielle deserved one opportunity.””
I swallowed.
“What did you believe?””
He hesitated.
Then he said, “I believed it would be easier if you gave it to her.””
I stepped backward.
There it was.
The truth.
My father hadn't been confused.
He hadn't been manipulated.
He had simply decided that stealing from one daughter was easier than disappointing the other.
I turned away.
“Don't call me until you remember what being my father means.””
When I returned to Mrs. Collins, she held my hand.
“Are you okay?””
“No.””
She nodded.
“Then let's get you through tonight.””
A moment later, Olivia approached.
“Ms. Carter, the judges have requested one additional examination.””
“What kind?””
“They want to inspect the inside of Brielle's gown.””
My heart began racing.
The silver crescent charm.
The one I had hidden inside the hem.
I leaned closer.
“Did they find something?””
Olivia lowered her voice.
“Yes.””
May you like
She paused.
“And I think you should be present when they remove it.””
