However, this detail immediately struck me with the realization that my design had slipped into Susan's possession, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Don't stress too much," Brandon said gently, his tone reassuring. "I'll keep this confidential until you find a way to prove it's your design."

"There's no need to conceal it," I said, tucking my hair behind my ear with a smile. "Let it circulate. The more attention it gets the better."

I hadn't fully grasped how much Susan ...