Chapter 89
Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Chapter 19 However, Jean didnât expect that the project she thought would go smoothly would encounter issues during settlement, being accused of plagiarism.
âThe Snow family hot spring resort is suspected of copying a Croatian project!â
As the news broke, the Snow familyâs stock plummeted, and shareholders demanded a meeting.
Outside the villa, countless flashes lit up as Duke and Jean stepped out.
It was unclear how the media had gotten their address, but they crowded at the entrance.
Duke shielded Jean behind him, and amid the pushing crowd, they struggled to get into the car.
Her friend called, advising Jean to lay low for a while.
Jean knew hiding wouldnât solve the problem.
At the shareholdersâ meeting, Berton faced intense criticism from Winniâs father, demanding he terminate the collaboration with Johnâs team immediately.
Besides withholding the final payment, they would also sue Jean for exorbitant damages.
Berton felt overwhelmed by the old manâs relentless accusations.
In the office, Winni approached, wanting to massage Bertonâs temples, but he grabbed her hand.
âWho let you in here?â
Winni looked hurt. âBerton, donât blame my dad. Heâs just looking out for the companyâs interests. But Iâve already pleaded for Jean. Even if she did copy, we wonât sue her.â
Bertonâs anger flared at her words. âJean wouldnât plagiarize!â
âI know, Berton, but all the evidence points to her. As the main designer for the hot spring resort, she canât escape responsibility.
All we can do is ensure Jean doesnât face huge compensation fees. Donât worry; my dad listens to me. Iâll plead for her.â
Berton contemplated for a moment, still suspicious of Winniâs intentions. âHow do you know about this? Why are you being so kind?â
Losing to My Substitute 90.7%
He vividly remembered Winniâs previous insults toward Jean, convinced that her animosity hadnât faded.
Tears welled in Winniâs eyes as she feigned innocence. âBerton, I just want you to be happy. I donât want anything else. Do you really have to doubt me?â
Berton, seeing her willingness to help, pretended to be anxious as he held her hand. âThen Iâll rely on you to manage the public relations and control the narrative.â
Winni, watching Bertonâs attitude shift due to Jeanâs situation, felt a surge of resentment. Why was Berton so focused on that deaf girl?
Outwardly, she maintained her understanding demeanor, nodding in agreement.
âDonât worry, Iâve already instructed people to handle it. Weâll have Jean write an apology statement, and this will blow over quickly.â
But behind the scenes, Winni bribed numerous media outlets, eager to escalate the situation, wanting to see if Jean would have the face to stay in the country.
Jean pushed open the office door to find Berton and Winni huddled together.
âThank you for your kindness, Miss Byron, but thereâs no need for your concern. An apology statement isnât necessary because I didnât plagiarize at all.â
âWe have thirty minutes until Johnâs press conference, and I would appreciate Mr. Snowâs presence. If Miss Byron is interested, sheâs welcome to join.â
Winni froze for a moment before regaining her composure. âOh, Iâll be waiting for Miss Collinsâ
clarification at the press conference.â
She wanted to see how Jean would turn the tide on what was already a done deal.
Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
ï¤Substitute 88 Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
ï¤Chapter 420 At the press conference, media questions flew in one after another.
âMiss Vivian, are you involved in the plagiarism of the Croatian hotel design by the female architect Cathy in the hot spring resort project?â
âHow did you secure this opportunity among so many designers?â
âYouâve been called the youngest and most talented designer. Is that reputation undeserved?â
Losing to My Substitute.