Chapter 9 I knew exactly what she meant - the plagiarism scandal . While I was recovering , I didn't just sit around . Even though my body couldn't handle much , I relied on the knowledge and memories I'd carried over from my previous life . I started guiding Rita through some basic fitness routines and self - defense techniques . " Riri , this world only respects strength . We won't go looking for trouble , but we have to be ready to face it and fight back . If anyone ever tries to mess with you and you can't win , you bite a chunk out of them and then run home to me . " Rita laughed at my words , but she took the training seriously . She actually had a solid foundation - she'd just been held back for too long . Life was humble and full of uncertainty , but with my sister by my side , I felt more at peace than ever before . The future looked bright . During this time , Edgar somehow managed to track down where we were staying . He showed up several times , trying to worm his way back in . Sometimes he'd put on a magnanimous act , saying he was willing to " forgive our immaturity , " offering to invest in Rita so she could " dabble " in design . He even hinted that if Rita came back , he'd let Natalia " take a back seat . " Other times , he'd switch to manipulative tactics , belittling Rita and claiming she was nothing without him . He'd say the design world had no place for her , that she'd never measure up to Natalia's " talent and kindness . " If this had happened before , Rita might have been devastated , plagued by self - doubt . But now ? Before I could even grab the broom to chase him out , Rita beat me to it , her face cold and unyielding . 0.00 % 09:31 Chacros She walked straight to the door and , looking Edgar dead in the eye as he stood onde chache a tacky bouquet of roses , she scoffed . " Edgar , keep your money and investments for fan drama queen Natalia - the one who steals designs and plays the victim . I don't need them " Edgar's face froze . " Rita , don't be ungrateful Without me , what are you ? You fuck you can go back to the way things were ? " Rita smiled , her eyes filled with contempt . " What I am doesn't matter . What matters in Edgar you're blind and foolish - treating glass like pearls , tossing away real gems as if they're trash butt Natalia your so - called genius ? " She paused , her gaze suddenly sharp and confident . " The World Design Competition is coming up soon . I'm entering . I'll make sure you - and everyone else see for yourselves mão the reall plagiarist is , and who the true designer is . " Now , take your flowers and get out of my sight . The very sight of you makes me sick * With that , she slammed the door in his face . Leaning against the doorframe . I couldn't help bu give Rita a thumbs - up . " Riri , you were awesome ! " She let out a breath , a blush rising to her cheeks , but her eyes sparkled " Honesty on fr pretty amazing . " We exchanged smiles . I knew Rita was finally starting a new chapters Three days later , the World Design Competition arrived right on schedule Rita had been preparing for ages , and she brought out her most treasured sketches It was a jewelry set called " Firebom . " The design was bold and bursting with life , as if it had been created just for bet I went with her to the competition venue . She wore a crisp , tailored suit , light makeup to hide the scars on her face , her eyes steady , ber presence commanding . Edgar and Natalia were there too , seated in the front row Natalia's gaze flickered with jealousy and unease when she saw Rita , though arrogance quickly replaced it . Edgar's eyes followed Rita , complicated and unreadable 39.76 % 0937 The competition Ware interes When the model stepped out woning it's " Finstorm " the eme erupted in pass wwwwww From concept to craftmanship to muttalle oprematon , her piece mured above the reat including Natalia's , which looked limey but was hollow at its core There was no anapewa Rit's work earned the highest score , Inking the championship . When the judges announeed the results , Rita covered her mouth in shock , tema glimmering in her I hugsed her tight " Riri , you're incredible " But just before the award ceremony . Natalia suddenly stood up B6.00 %