Chapter 16
Everyone sat waiting for the host on stage to announce the competition results. Lily felt a little nervous.
Just as the host opened the envelope to read the results, someone suddenly approached and whispered in his ear.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the host announced, “a plagiarism incident has been reported. To ensure fairness, we will reassess the entries involved.”
The word “plagiarism” sent a ripple of shock through the audience.
Plagiarism was a career–ending stigma in their industry.
Though initially handled privately, the organizers yielded to demands and projected both contested designs onto the screen.
Lily stared in disbelief–her work and Sophie’s were displayed side by
side.
Her eyes darted between Sophie and Victor.
Sophie met Lily’s gaze with a triumphant smirk.
Benjamin leaned close to Lily. “Lily, did you show your drafts to anyone?”
Benjamin trusted Lily implicitly, he knew she’d never plagiarize. He suspected her sketches had been stolen.
As Lily rose to defend herself, Sophie stood and declared, “Lily copied my design.”
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“It was you who stole from me!” Lily countered.
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When Lily reached for her portfolio, Sophie produced her own sketches. “I have the original drafts.”
Sophie handed her pages to the staff for the judges.
Lily submitted hers too–every stroke was her own creation.
Benjamin steadied Lily with a hand on her shoulder. “The judges will uncover the truth. I believe in you.”
The entire hall held its breath.
“The judges have verified,” the host announced, “that Ms. Sophie Harrison’s initial drafts predate Ms. Lily Cooper’s.”
The verdict hung heavy–Lily stood condemned.
Stunned, Lily rushed to the judges‘ table and snatched both sets of
sketches.
One glance at Sophie’s submission confirmed Lily’s suspicion: these were her own abandoned drafts, left behind when she’d departed the Scott Group.
Whispers of condemnation swirled around her.
Lily’s desperate eyes found Victor. Only his testimony could clear her
name.
Victor saw the plea in her gaze but remained silent.
“Victor,” Lily demanded, thrusting the sketches before him, “you gave my work to Sophie, didn’t you?”
Her voice trembled with betrayal,
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Victor’s expression flickered with pain, but Sophie tugged at his arm before he could speak.
The judges waited for his answer.
“This design belongs to Sophie.”
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Victor’s words extinguished Lily’s last shred of hope. She felt drained of all strength, legs buckling beneath her.
Benjamin hurried forward to steady Lily.
Sophie watched Lily’s state with immense satisfaction. Only when the commotion subsided did she approach them, her voice dripping with
sarcasm.
“How about that trending topic exposing the Lee Group’s plagiarism?”
Victor stood nearby, hearing Sophie’s taunt yet making no move to intervene―his gaze detached and icy.
Choosing not to engage Sophie, Benjamin addressed Victor instead. “I never expected you’d help a plagiarist twist the truth.”
Victor merely gave Lily a cursory glance.
“Protecting my girlfriend–is that a problem?”
Benjamin clenched his fists, ready to strike, but Lily restrained him.
She assumed he feared the company’s stock would plummet.
“I’ll resign and take full responsibility. the Lee Group’s shares won’t be affected.”
Benjamin quickly corrected her, “This isn’t about stocks. I’m standing up
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for you.”
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Victor had no interest in hearing Benjamin’s sweet nothings. As he turned to leave with Sophie, Lily’s voice halted him.
“Victor, consider my past pursuit of you my mistake.”
“But you pushing me into the pool, leaving me in the fire, even today’s plagiarism–call it my karma. We’re even now.
Victor paused mid–step. After a long silence, one word escaped his lips:
“Fine.”
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