Tiffany was nervous. However, she dressed up early in the morning, putting on her most expensive clothes — last year’s spring formal wear. She curled her long hair into soft waves, making her look like one of the elites from the industry. It was a completely different feel from her usual look. She put on a pair of high stilettos, which made her legs look even longer and slimmer. Even Tanya was in awe. “I’ve never seen you dress like this before. You actually look good! You look capable and well-experienced. No one would suspect you of being a bimbo as long as you keep your mouth shut.”Tiffany rolled her eyes at her. “Don’t praise and insult me at the same time. The whole world knows how much of a bimbo I am. I’m going to join in the fun, whether I get in or not. If I don’t succeed this time, I’ll try again next time. The competition comes once every three years anyway. I’m going to work for it.”Tanya didn’t seem too confident in her entry. “I’ll just be there to keep you company. You
Tanya shook her head, unsure of the situation herself. “I don’t know either. Let’s just wait and see…”A few minutes later, the emcee suddenly spoke into the microphone. “As you all know, plagiarism in this industry is not tolerated. While it has happened before, we thought that nothing like this would ever happen again, drawing examples from our predecessors. Unfortunately, it has happened again this time, and in such a bold manner too. We have two designs that are almost alike.”The entire venue gasped when they heard this. Mark and Jackson, who were sitting in the first row, showed no reaction, as they were pretty certain that it wouldn’t involve them.Tiffany narrowed her eyes as if lost in thought. “I’ve heard that plagiarizers will be blacklisted and will never be able to work in this industry again. The company will be implicated and prohibited from joining the competition for five seasons, which means that they won’t be able to join the competition for fifteen years. I wonder w
Journalists immediately swarmed Jackson, talking over each other as they asked, “Were you aware of your designer’s plagiarism?”“If you knew, why didn’t you stop them? Was it just wishful thinking?”“Your company, Bright Incorporated, is now facing a ban from joining the competition for five seasons. What are your thoughts?”“Could you give us an accurate answer? If you were unaware of this, why did you admit to plagiarizing before investigating the matter?”“There were other qualified entries from your company. Don’t you think it’s a shame to be banned from the competition, just like that?”Jackson only had one answer for the barrage of hungry journalists, “Because I know Tiffany Lane. She’s not that kind of a person. As for everything else, no comment.”Tiffany had mixed feelings. She wasn’t overjoyed by the prospect of entering the qualifying round. She had achieved her long-hoped for objective, but she wasn’t happy about it at all.At the end of the event, she drove her car to the
Tanya pulled out two pieces of tissue paper when she climbed back into the car. “Don’t cry… You didn’t plagiarize; there’s no need to feel guilty. But I think that Jackson’s been really nice to you. He knows his exact losses under these circumstances, yet he’s confessed without any hesitation. Between profit and an ex, most men would probably choose profit.”Tiffany sniffed. “If Mrs. West finds out about whatever’s happened to his company, she’d be pissed. I have to visit the West Residence. I’ll drop you home first.”After dropping Tanya off at the condo, she immediately made her way to the West Residence.Summer was still recuperating at home. The cast on her leg had been taken off and she could walk on her own now. However, she was still limping. When she saw that Tiffany had come for a visit, Summer quickly asked the housekeeper to prepare some food and drinks. “Tiffie, what are you doing here? I hear that you joined that fashion competition. How was it? The results came out today.
Tiffany heaved a long sigh of relief after emerging from the West Residence. She suddenly realized that this was a “you win some, you lose some” situation. She had actually achieved her first big goal, but… Jackson was now in an abyss. As she remembered her post-event conversation with him, she felt a distance from him that made her very anxious and utterly despondent. Bright Incorporated, the West Family’s company.Jackson was raging at a fashion designer at the office. “Speak. How did you manage to get that sketch? Don’t you have any idea of what would happen to plagiarizers?”The copycat designer of Tiffany’s sketch was a gentle and scholarly-looking man. He was even wearing a pair of glasses and didn’t seem like a villain at all. The man adjusted his glasses and calmly said, “I have no idea of what you’re talking about. I’ve never plagiarized.”Jackson angrily swept the pencil holder on his desk to the floor. “Beckett Hushman! Are you still arguing with me? I’ve already made a pub
Online friend? Jackson was growing suspicious and angry. “Who is this online friend of yours? You’re the one digging your own grave here. Did you really think that plagiarizing would be the right thing to do? Stealing someone else’s efforts and using it as your own? Tiffany would lose her job if you won. Is that really alright with you? You’re a disgrace!”Beckett was completely unperturbed. “It’s every man for himself. I’m not a disgrace.”Jackson couldn’t be bothered to waste his time on a shameless man like him. “Fine. It doesn’t matter if you won’t reveal the identity of your online friend. I can find out myself. One more thing, I will be sending my lawyers to speak to you about the losses and effects on the company, caused by your plagiarism.”Beckett’s expression changed dramatically. “You…”Jackson waved his hand disdainfully. “You can go. You’re fired. You’ve signed a contract with the company and you’ve violated the terms in your contract. You should pay for the damages you’ve
Tiffany nodded. “That White Moonlight of yours, I’m afraid that he’s an employee at Jackson’s company. His name is Beckett Hushman. That explains why he chose ‘Hush’ as his online nickname. He’s shady. You probably shouldn’t talk to him again.”Tanya was clearly shocked. “Hush” was like a white glow of moonlight to her. She never thought that her naivety would cause such a thing. “I’m sorry… Tiffany… I’m really sorry. I never thought that this would happen. It’s all my fault…”Tiffany sighed. “We learn from our mistakes. Next time, just remember, don’t show anyone yours or my sketches. You really are a silly goose. You know that he’s a fashion designer and that he’s in the same industry, yet you actually showed him the sketch during a competition. Shouldn’t you be on your guard against this guy? Especially a company-related sketch. You must never show it to anyone. If the company suffers a loss, they will come after you.”Tanya was close to tears. “I understand… I didn’t just hurt you,
Tanya was moved by Eric’s magnanimity. She nodded and invited Tiffany to have lunch with her. Her phone rang during lunch. It was a message notification from a social media application. She used to look forward to the sound of that notification because that meant that “Hush” had sent her a message. Now, she was very calm about it. She casually pulled out her phone and checked her message. She was shocked when she saw a friend request from Hush and glanced guiltily at Tiffany, who sat across the table from her. Then, she carefully accepted the friend request.She did not initiate a message to Hush. She wanted to bide her time and see why Hush had sent her that friend request. He was the one who had blocked her first. Soon, Hush sent her a message: ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have been so obsessive and done such a thing. I really regret it now. I shouldn’t have used your trust in me. I’ve left my job. I’ll never set foot in this industry again. I’m getting sued by the company for a large c