Chapter 144

Chapter 144

Everything unfolded as I had anticipated. No sooner had I left the Ferguson Group than whispers began to spread like wildfire through the industry circles.

I called Mark, who hadn’t made a move. It was clear Margaret had been the one to set the rumor mill churning. [The Ferguson Group’s Assistant Director, accused of plagiarism.]

And, as expected, the majority jumped on the bandwagon. After all, Margaret was the first to submit her design proposal.

The disdain for such acts ran deep, and the accusations hurle my way were vile.

[Copycat! You don’t deserve to be in this field. Get out of the de gn world!]

[Stealing someone else’s hard work. Hope your whole family rots.]

[Shameless! You’d dare steal from your own company. What a pace of work this Jane is]

Just as I was about to shut off my phone, the company’s official account posted a notice. It stated that Margaret and I would present ourselves at the headquarters the next day to settle this plagiarism dispute, inviting industry beers to join the spectacle.

The next day, I got up early, ensured my makeup was flawless, and stepped out in my heels.

When I arrived, a crowd of onlookers, and Mark, who was waiting for me, had already gathered at the entrance.

Carrying my bag, I walked over and greeted him with a smile. “Hey, Mark.”

His voice was warm. “All set?”

“Absolutely!” I grinned, about to head to the elevator, with him when a commotion at the entrance caught my attention.

I turned around instinctively, just in time to see a sleek Bentley pull up. The driver stepped

out and opened the door for Margaret, who emerged in a stunning white dress!

The gesture was touching, indeed sending a car to bring Margaret over.

“Jane?” Noticing my distraction, Mark called out softly.

Suppressing the emotions within me, I forced a smile. “Yeah, let’s head up.”

“Jane.” Right in front of everyone there, Margaret suddenly called out to me, her tone full

of feigned confusion. “You were once so talented in design. Why stoop to copying mine?” I scoffed. “Who’s the copycat is still up in the ar.”

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“You’ve done what you’ve done, yet refuse to admit it.” Playing the understanding card, Margaret said, “We didn’t have to escalate it to this. Just apologize to me, and neither Bry nor I will pursue this further.”

ME

I snorted, “Margaret, do you think that, by submitting your design first, the other side’s got no chance to fight back?”

She was taken aback for a second before asking. “What are you getting at?”.

“You know what I mean.” I didn’t bother with her any further, joining Mark as we headed upstairs.

The meeting was in a large conference room, attended by man from our field. Even if not there for the drama, networking was always a plus. Opportunits like that were rare. And no ambitious designer would let it slip by.

Before entering, I caught bits of conversation sealing the verdict:

“Did you see the car Margaret arrived in? That’s one of Mr. Ferguson’s rides from the Ferguson Group!”

“I’ve heard from friends in the Ferguson Group that Margaret’s supposedly Mr. Ferguson’s secret wife.”

“Most likely! In my opinion, she’s the victim. Why would the wife of the CEO stoop to plagiarism over something so trivial?

“Exactly, and she was the head of the Design Department before. Surely, her skills surpass an assistant director’s!”

Bryant wasn’t present, but his influence was implicitly backing Margaret. I didn’t know if Margaret asked for this, or Bryant just went ahead and did it on his own.

Suddenly, Mark strode into the room, and his presence commanded a chilly respect. The room, previously abuzz, fell silent as if fearing him.

“Mr. Larson!”

“Mr. Larson, it’s an honor to meet you!”

And then, they couldn’t wait to shower him with flattery.

I

Though Mark and I hadn’t crossed paths much professionally these years, I knew of his formidable reputation in our field. Yet, it was the first time I’d witnessed firsthand his stature in the circle.

Unexpectedly, he didn’t rush to bask in the adulation. Instead, he turned to me. “Let me introduce you all. My mentor’s favorite student and my junior, Jane Webster.”

I was stunned, completely surprised. Was Mark standing up for me? His complete trust in

my innocence was already more than I could ask for, but I never imagined he would

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publicly defend me.

As the CEO, his introduction was a clear stance. Suddenly, the way changed, becoming more reserved.

y everyone looked at me

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