Chapter 12
Hearing about plagiarism, the crowd erupted in murmurs.
Plagiarism was a serious offense–once labeled a plagiarist, one’s reputation in the industry would be ruined.
Originally intended to be handled privately, the organizers yielded to attendee demands
and displayed the two allegedly plagiarized works on the screen behind them.
Looking over, Emma was shocked to discover they were her work and Sophia’s.
Emma turned to look at Sophia and Talon in disbelief.
Sophia met Emma’s gaze with a triumphant expression.
Ryan quickly asked, “Emma, did you show your designs to anyone else?”
he would plagiarize. In this
Ryan had absolute faith in Emma and couldn’t believe situation, he could only assume her designs had been leaked.
Just as Emma was about to stand and defend herself, Sophia stood up first, twisting the facts:
“Emma Pierce plagiarized my design.”
“You’re the one who plagiarized mine.”
Emma was about to present her design sketches when Sophia said: “I have the original sketch for this design.
་་
Sophia handed her sketch to the competition staff, who passed it to the judges.
Emma could only submit her own sketch as well. This was her design; she had never plagiarized.
Ryan placed his hand on Emma’s shoulder, softly reassuring her:
“Don’t worry. The judges will sort this out. I believe in you.”
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Everyone waited for the judges‘ verdict.
The host read the judges‘ conclusion: “After examination, Miss Sophia Chen’s initial design predates Miss Emma Pierce’s.”
This statement essentially declared Emma guilty of plagiarism.
Emma couldn’t believe it and rushed to the judges‘ table, taking both sketches.
The moment she saw Sophia’s submission, Emma was certain it was from her own hand–likely something she’d left behind at Sullivan Group when she resigned.
The venue buzzed with whispers as people criticized Emma’s plagiarism.
Emma looked desperately toward Talon. Only if he acknowledged the sketch as hers could she clear her name.
Talon saw Emma’s pleading gaze but said nothing, nor did he offer any explanation.
“Talon, you gave my sketch to Sophia, didn’t you?”
Emma could no longer contain her emotions and brought the sketch directly to Talon, her tone filled with disbelief.
Talon seemed pained and was about to speak when Sophia grabbed his arm.
The judges were also waiting for Talon’s response.
“This design sketch belongs to Sophia.”
With Talon’s statement, the tiny spark of hope Emma had nurtured was extinguished. She felt all her strength leave her body, nearly collapsing.
Ryan quickly moved forward to support her.
Sophia, seeing Emma’s state, was filled with triumph. As the drama concluded, she approached Emma and Ryan to mock them:
“Morgan Industries involved in plagiarism–how does that headline sound to you?”
Chapter 12
Talon, hearing Sophia’s words, made no move to stop her, merely observing coldly
Ryan didn’t want to argue with Sophia and instead addressed Talon:
‘I never expected Mr. Sullivan would help a plagiarist twist the truth.”
Talon barely glanced at Emma:
‘Is there a problem with defending my girlfriend?”
Seeing his attitude, Ryan wanted to punch him but was held back by Emma.
Emma thought Ryan feared this would affect the company’s stock price.
‘I’ll resign from the company and take responsibility for this. It won’t affect Morgan
Industries‘ stock.”
Ryan quickly explained: “I’m not worried about the company’s stock. I’m angry on your
behalf.”
rálon had no interest in listening to Ryan’s sweet talk to Emma and was about to leave with Sophia when Emma called after him:
‘Talon, I’ll take responsibility for my past pursuit of you.”
‘But you pushing me into the lake, leaving me in the fire, including today’s plagiarism accusation–let’s call it my karma. We’re even now.”
Calon paused, eventually uttering a single word: “Fine.”
Though Ryan believed in Emma and was willing to risk the company’s stock price to defend her, Emma didn’t want to put him in a difficult position. She resigned voluntarily, taking full blame for the plagiarism incident.
While packing her things in the design department, her colleagues expressed their reluctance to see her go.
They completely trusted Emma regarding the plagiarism incident.
With Emma’s abilities, she had no reason to plagiarize.
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Ryan returned from the board meeting to find Emma packing and rushed over to stop her.
“I’ll explain to the board. You’re the victim here–how can you shoulder the blame? With a plagiarism label, how will you establish yourself in this industry?”
Emma deeply appreciated Ryan’s defense and was moved, but she genuinely didn’t want to
burden him.
Because of this incident, despite being the second son of the Morgan family, Ryan had been
questioned by the board multiple times and had spent several nights working late to handle
the situation.
“Ryan, thank you. I’ve saved some money from work over the years. I’d like to take a break
for a while.”
Ryan still wanted to persuade her, but Emma refused all his attempts.
“Take some time off then. When this blows over, I’ll bring you back.”
Seeing Emma’s exhausted face, Ryan thought a break might actually do her good.
Worried that Emma might overthink things alone at home, Ryan visited her every few days, forcing her to go out and clear her mind.
Emma couldn’t resist Ryan’s persistence, and since her parents were concerned about her moping at home, she didn’t refuse his invitations.
As time went on, Emma’s attitude toward Ryan softened.
Today was no exception. Ryan had reserved a restaurant and invited Emma to dinner.
The restaurant was on the top floor of a high–rise overlooking the river. As Emma ate dinner while enjoying the view, her mood improved considerably.
Emma was about to comment on how empty the restaurant was when she saw Ryan approach with flowers and a jewelry box, kneeling on one knee.
“Emma, I love you. Will you be with me?”
Ryan opened the box to reveal a diamond bracelet.
Chapter 12
“I designed this for you, Emma. Please don’t reject me, okay?”
