She shook her head bitterly , her voice dropping to a whisper . " That was all in the past . Now ... now nobody in the industry will touch my designs . My reputation is ruined . " Ruined ? Suddenly , it all came rushing back . Natalia had accused Rita of plagiarizing her work . And at the time , desperate to pay my enormous medical bills , Rita admitted it herself under Edgar's pressure . From then on , she was blacklisted , branded with a stain she couldn't scrub away . " It was all because that conniving witch Natalia framed you for plagiarism , wasn't it ? " Anger flared inside me , my fists clenched so tight my knuckles cracked . Rita stared at me in shock , then her expression crumbled into pure anguish . Silent tears streamed down her cheeks . " How ... how did you know ? I ... I didn't have a choice . Edgar said if I confessed , he would ... " " He'd pay for my treatment , right ? " I finished the sentence for her , my heart aching like it'd been stabbed . This foolish girl . How much had she endured for my sake ? I pulled her into a fierce hug , my voice shaking . " Riri , are you crazy ? That was never plagiarism- she stole your designs and turned the tables on you . We have to clear your name . We WILL clear your name . " I swear , I'll make sure everyone knows the truth . You're innocent . Natalia's the thief , and Edgar's nothing but a bad guy for helping her . " Rita sobbed in my arms , finally letting out all the pain and injustice she'd bottled up for so long . She cried for what felt like forever before she finally calmed down . 0.00 % 09:30 Chapter 4 288 Vouchers We decided to celebrate tonight - with a real meal , to mark my new beginning and Rita's decision to start over . Rita's spirits lifted , she even insisted on going to the nearby supermarket to pick out something special , promising to show off her cooking skills . I watched her leave , a genuine warmth blooming in my heart for the first time in ages . But the minutes ticked by . Thirty minutes . An hour ... Rita still hadn't come back . I tried calling her . At first , no answer . Then , her phone went straight to voicemail . A wave of dread crashed over me . Edgar . Natalia . It had to be them . Without hesitation , I rushed into the kitchen , my eyes landing on the gleaming butcher knife . I grabbed it and stormed out the door , my fury boiling over as I made a beeline for the Sanford Group building . No one dared stop me as I barreled through , kicking open the door to Edgar's executive office . Edgar jumped to his feet , pale as a ghost when he saw me storm in , eyes blazing red . " Stella , what ... what do you think you're doing ? " I leveled the knife at him , my voice cold as steel . " Where's Riri ? Edgar , I swear to God , if you dare touch a single hair on her , I'll carve you up and feed you to the dogs . Talk . Where did you take her ? " Edgar swallowed hard , too scared to put up a front . " W - what are you talking about ? How would I know where Rita is ? " " Cut the crap ! Who else could it be ? " I stepped closer , the knife nearly grazing his nose . " I'll ask you one last time - where's my sister ? " Edgar stared at the knife , sweat pouring down his face , barely daring to breathe . I threatened him again . " Edgar , I'm serious . If Riri is hurt , I'll tear you apart . I mean it . " His eyes darted around , as if he suddenly remembered something . 37.78 % 09:30 Chapter 4 288 Vouchers He made a call , got an answer quickly , and his expression turned strange . " Rita ? Imph . Talia left with some people about an hour ago . Word is ... she went to the Crimson Lounge . There's an auction and a fight night there tonight . Should be lively . " The Crimson Lounge . Auction . Fight night . The words slammed together in my mind , conjuring up the worst possibilities . That venomous Natalia - there's nothing she wouldn't do ! My vision went red . I wanted to rip Edgar to shreds right then and there . But right now , I had to find Rita . " Address ! " I forced the word out through clenched teeth . Edgar , though , leisurely sat back down in his chair , even flashing a nasty smile . " I'll give you the address . " In fact , I'll even give you money to ' buy ' Rita back - but I have conditions ... "