Chapter 58
Suzan quickly regained her composure.
She had been preparing for this moment all along. In fact, she’d even gone so far as to forge a few design sketches and timelines ahead of time, just to “prove” her originality.
A cold, mocking smile tugged at her lips as she muttered under her breath, “Effie, this time, I’ll make sure you’re ruined for good.”
Without hesitation, Suzan opened her laptop, logged into her social media account, and posted her so-called evidence for everyone to see. She added a public statement:
“I’m deeply saddened by the recent controversy in the design community.
As a designer, I have always stood by originality and have zero tolerance for plagiarism. I reserve the right to pursue legal action against those acting in bad faith.
I hope everyone can look at this matter rationally and support true original work.” Her words sounded righteous and convincing, crafted with perfect logic.
The post went viral almost instantly, drawing in a flood of viewers and comments.
Suzan’s fans rushed to her defense, blasting Effie as a “copycat,” with some even demanding Effie be blacklisted from the design world.
“Stay strong, Suzan! We’ll always support you!”
“Copycats have no place in design. Effie, get out!”
Watching the avalanche of supportive comments, Suzan’s lips curved into a self- satisfied smirk.
Public opinion was a powerful force. As long as she kept the moral high ground, there was no way Effie could ever recover.
The situation kept escalating, the public debate burning hotter with each passing hour.
By now, Lyman must have heard about it too. He reached out to Effie right away.
Effie told him everything.
Lyman finally let out a breath he’d been holding. “Don’t worry about a thing-just do what you feel is right. I’ve got your back.”
Effie felt a gentle warmth in her chest at his words.
With Lyman behind her, she wasn’t afraid of anything.
Just as the uproar reached its peak, a new post quietly appeared online-this
time with photos and video evidence attached.
Etheridge Group, CEO’s Office
Luther reported respectfully, “Mr. Etheridge, Miss Bagnold has posted an update.”
Lyman nodded, his tone resolute. “Boost it. Get it trending.”
“Yes, sir.”
Meanwhile, Effie was ready to face the public and clear the air once and for all.
She reached out to the competition committee herself, explaining everything.
The committee took the matter seriously and even organized a press conference to address the issue.
It was a big deal in the fashion world, drawing a crowd of journalists.
At exactly 10 a.m., Effie arrived in a simple white dress, standing tall as she faced the barrage of cameras and questions.
The reporter at the front, bold and sharp-tongued, fired the opening shot. “Miss Bagnold, what’s your response to the accusation that you plagiarized Suzan’s designs?”
Effie glanced at the reporter, then replied calmly, “What evidence do you have to say I copied her work?”
The reporter was caught off guard, her expression souring as she retorted, “Isn’t it obvious? You haven’t produced any convincing proof to clear your name, and honestly, you don’t seem to have any remarkable work to your credit either.”
Effie let out a cold laugh. “Is that how you do journalism? Jump to conclusions without evidence? What if she copied me?”
The reporter was visibly angered now, her voice rising. “If Suzan really did steal your designs, I’ll get down on my knees and apologize to you in public.”
She had, after all, accepted Suzan’s favor, so she was determined to defend her to the bitter end.