Plagiarist in My Studio, His Deep RegretChapter 1
I am a world-renowned young architect.
On the very first day I returned to the United States to establish my own studio, my fiancé, Ethan Miller, walked in carrying a contract.
The heir to the Miller Group—the most powerful name in American architecture—was standing before me, bowing his head with unusual humility.
“Sophia, we’ll soon be family. Sign this contract, and from now on, every Miller project will be yours to lead.”
“I’ve also taken the liberty of bringing back your old college roommate, Chloe Davis. Strengthening the team matters, and she’ll be joining your studio. From now on, you’ll never have to face things alone.”
My fingers traced the cool surface of the trophy on my desk as my lips curved into a faint, mocking smile.
“Quite the proposal, Ethan.
But as I recall, the Foster Group is still waiting for my design…”
His smile froze for a moment. His Adam’s apple shifted, but he forced himself to speak in a gentle tone.
“Sophia, don’t be angry. I only want the best for you—I don’t want you overworked.”
I met his gaze, my own eyes devoid of warmth.
“Ethan, have you forgotten? Chloe was already expelled from the architectural community years ago for plagiarizing my design.
And besides, weren’t you just saying that expanding the team was what mattered most? If that’s the case, perhaps I should invite a few of the enemies your Miller Family betrayed back in the day to join as well. Surely that would be better than letting you fight your battles alone, wouldn’t it?”
His hand clenched on the edge of the desk, knuckles whitening.
“That’s different. She’s—”
“The orphan of the man who once helped your family through a crisis, isn’t she? And you need to give her a name, an identity.”
I let out a cold laugh.
“Tell me, Ethan, why must your gratitude be paid with my blood and sweat?
Since you’re so generous, I’ll be generous too. If you insist on pushing Chloe into my studio, then I see no reason not to invite a few of the Miller Family’s old victims to the table as well. Let them all ‘join the project.’”
I picked up a folder and shook a few invoices in the air.
“I heard your father left behind some rather questionable debts in the U.S. years ago. If I dig them up, maybe I’ll find plenty of people eager to ‘help’ you through another crisis. Then you’ll have even more opportunities to repay kindness—how wonderful, don’t you think?”