Former Foster Kid To Trusting Like

My heart pounded.

This was it – the final presentation for the American Innovators Architectural Prize.

My design, "The Phoenix Initiative," was my masterpiece, my future.

Then, Blake Sterling, my rival, strode onto the stage and began presenting my project.

Every line, every concept, every innovative detail.

Mine.

My blood ran cold, but the nightmare deepened when he publicly accused me of plagiarism.

Gasps filled the room, and all eyes turned to me.

Then Tiffany, my fiancée of seven years, stood up beside him.

Her voice trembling, she voiced her "disappointment," her tears sealing my public disgrace.