Gemotions

The antique desk felt cold beneath Anya’s trembling fingers. Before her, the final, devastating sentence of the online article: “Author Beatrice Bellweather denies all accusations of plagiarism.” Anya's cheeks burned.

Bellweather, the woman she’d practically worshiped, had stolen from her. Specifically, from Anya’s unfinished novel, “The Gilded Cage.” A novel Anya had labored over in secret, dreaming of publishing it and becoming a famous author.

The article provided screenshots, side-by-side comparisons of passages. The similarities were blatant. Rage burned in her throat. But beneath the anger, a curious sensation. A sense of… opportunity.

She pictured Bellweather, the publicist, the book sales. All of it now felt within reach. Anya closed her eyes, picturing the accolades, the magazine covers.

She opened a new document, titled "Bellweather's next book". She had a feeling she knew exactly where to start.