Yet, the anticipated pain never came. Instead, she felt herself being lifted off her feet, as if someone


    had scooped her up and twirled her around.


    Startled, Loraine opened her eyes and discovered herself in the protective embrace of Marco.


    He blocked the camera with no regard for his own wrist, shielding


    Loraine from its intrusion.


    Casting a chilling look at the crowd, Marco’s intense demeanor cowed the reporters into retreating a


    step.


    However, the reporters, driven by their eagerness to uncover a major scoop, refused to put down their


    cameras despite being somewhat intimidated by Marco.


    A bold reporter probed, “Miss Torres, we need your confirmation. Is it true that your design is a copy of


    someone else’s work? Did you independently create your previous works, or did you employ a ghost


    designer?”


    A throbbing ache seized Loraine’s temples, and she felt her head spinning amidst the blinding


    shlights.


    Unrelenting, the reporters continued their offensive, cornering the duo.


    “Are you the giarist that Professor Zizka mentioned? Did you audaciously submit giarized work


    for Professor Zizka’s review?”


    Guarding Loraine, Marco began to back away. His voice low and stern, he warned, “That’s enough!


    This is Universe Group’s premises. Leave immediately, or I will have security evict you!”


    Undeterred by Marco’s threat and bolstered by their numbers, the journalists fired back, “Mr. Bryant,


    are you privy to Miss Torres’ giarism? Can you share anything with us?”


    “Absolutely not. Leave!” Marco said firmly, his tone cold and resolute.


    But this only served to fuel their excitement.


    “Mr. Bryant, why do you defend Miss Torres amid giarism allegations?


    ninjanovel


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Is it an attempt to win her over? Are you nning to reunite with her?”


    Caught off guard, Marco held his tongue, ncing down at Loraine.


    Loraine gently extricated herself from Marco’s grasp and stood upright.


    Her icy gaze Landed on the reporter who had been the most vocal.


    “You seem familiar. You’re the one who pursued us in the parking garage, aren’t you? Quite


    courageous of you.”


    The reporter in question, a bespectacled man with a cropped haircut, had been bellowing in the crowd.


    But when singled out, he visibly paled and receded two steps.


    “I… I have no idea what you’re referring to. I merely seek answers on behalf of the public!”


    Smirking, Loraine snatched the microphone from his hand. The resulting feedback from the


    microphone ushered in a moment of silence, settling the chaotic scene.