Lena
I stood there smiling, my lips curved in a calm expression that completely betrayed the storm raging inside me. My eyes, however, were far from calm. They glared daggers at my so-called family seated a few rows away. If looks could kill, they would have been long buried by now.
One of the judges, who had remained silent throughout the chaos, finally cleared his throat and spoke.
"Miss Smith," he began, adjusting his glasses, "I must say, your work and its level of detail are impeccable. It is unique, innovative, and completely different from every other design presented here today."
The hall grew quiet.
"After a thorough investigation," he continued,
"Your design has come out clean. There was no plagiarism involved. We sincerely apologize for the earlier insinuations and the distress it caused you."
A soft murmur swept through the audience.
"After much deliberation," the judge concluded,
