Chapter 161

Chapter 161

Selena slumped in her chair, unable to fathom that Anastasia was anything more than just an average Joe.

She’d been to Anastasia’s home before, nothing but a humble abode. How could it be that the CEO of Elysian Technologies was backing her?

“Victor, you’re pulling my leg, right? Selena’s voice wavered. “How’s that even possible?”

“Do you think I’m messing with you?” Victor asked. “Think about it. Why did Kenny come to apologize to Anastasia with his son in tow?” Selena’s eyes widened, she couldn’t not believe it.

Victor continued, “Even though Anastasia only has a high school diploma, her design skills are far superior to yours. Selena, you can’t judge a book by its cover, or credentials for that matter. Always be humble. In this talent-packed city of Riverdale, one wrong move and you might offend someone important. That’s my last piece of advice for you.”

Selena grumbled, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Ever since you became the Chief Jewelry Designer, was there anyone else in your eyes?”

Victor said, “Besides, Mr. Salstrom doesn’t want Anastasia’s identity exposed, causing unnecessary trouble. You should know what to do. Be smarter next time.”

Selena had messed up this time, underestimating Anastasia and letting jealousy cloud her judgment. Even a half-wit wouldn’t blatantly plagiarize someone else’s work.

The whole design department was buzzing about the plagiarism. Anastasia sat in her seat, waiting for Victor’s decision.

About half an hour later, Selena emerged from Victor’s office, white as a sheet. May was the first to approach her. “You okay?”

Ignoring May, Selena headed towards Anastasia, stopping in front of her desk. All eyes in the office were on Selena. She let out a bitter laugh. “I really underestimated you, Anastasia. I shouldn’t have judged a book by its cover. I admit defeat. I’ve lost everything now. Are you satisfied?”

The office erupted at her words. Selena was admitting to plagiarism.

Anastasia stood up, staring steadily at Selena. “You were too greedy. You brought this upon yourself. I won’t show mercy, nor sympathy.” If she hadn’t struck first, she’d be the one getting fired today. This was the first time Selena’s bullying tactics hadn’t worked.

Selena’s eyes were cold. “You set a trap and waited for me to fall into it”

“If you hadn’t acted improperly, how could I have made you fall into a trap?” Anastasia admitted openly. “Moreover, this isn’t the first time you’ve stolen my work. Remember when you plagiarized a college student’s work five years ago?”

She found out about Selena’s plagiarism and heard from Lauren that Selena had stolen a college student’s work five years ago to become the Chief Designer

Anastasia cleverly found Selena’s works from five years ago. Even though she barely remembered the plagiarism incident five years ago, she still remembered her own work.

She also confirmed with Monica that the work Selena released five years ago was identical to the work she was falsely accused of plagiarizing.

During a school jewelry design competition, she was accused of plagiarism in the final round, sparking a school-wide debate that resulted in school punishment.

At that time, Selena was already somewhat known in the industry. Anastasia, who had never met Selena, couldn’t explain why their designs were the same.

With Anastasia’s reminder, Selena suddenly remembered an incident from five years ago. It was her first time plagiarizing someone else’s work, an unforgettable event in her life. She was vying for the Chief Designer position at the company but was running out of creative inspiration and unable to produce good work.

She went to a beverage shop near the university where she saw a draft left on a table by a female college student. The draft caught her eye and che ‘stole it.

“You were that college student…” Selena was too shocked to speak.

Anastasia said firmly, “You ruined my college career, Selena. The punishment you’re facing now is nothing compared to what I’ve been through.”