Rural Belle & Three Heirs

When Grant brought up the plagiarism issue again and asked her to provide evidence that she hadn't copied, Sophia was momentarily stunned.

A trace of panic flashed in her eyes, but she quickly tried to calm herself. Raising her head, she said, "This is indeed my personal creation. Every design detail was completed by me alone. What kind of proof do you need?"

Grant didn't even glance at her and said, "Proof that you didn't copy someone else's work. You claim this design is yours? Who can back that up?"

Sophia, somewhat awkwardly, said, "Mr. Martin, I designed this piece at home. I only got inspiration in the middle of the night. There's no one to vouch for that.

Besides, there are so many award-winning pieces this time. Why are you singling me out? Why don't you say that Chloe's grand prize-winning work is plagiarized?" Sophia dragged Chloe into the conversation.

Chloe was infuriated by her attempt to involve her. With a cold laugh, she retorted, "Sophia, are you out of your mind? You can't provide evidence, so you drag me down?

I studied design at Quest University and was a top student. How could I possibly plagiarize?"

Then Sophia turned to Grant. "But, Mr. Martin, why do you suspect my work is plagiarized?"

Grant looked at Sophia, his lips slightly parted as he said, "Because I've seen your design before."

Grant's words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing countless ripples. The atmosphere in the conference room became tense once again, with everyone's attention focused on Sophia and Grant.

Sophia's heart sank with a sense of foreboding. She struggled to maintain her composure and asked, "Mr. Martin, where have you seen this piece before? Under what circumstances?"

The piece Sophia entered into the competition was actually something she had fished out from Grant's trash bin. She had accidentally come across the sketch, and its simple yet clever design left a deep impression on her. Thinking that if it had been thrown away, Grant didn't value it, she hatched a plan. She decided to make a few modifications and submit it as her own entry.

At the time, she never imagined that Grant would have any recollection of the piece. However, she underestimated him. She thought that the slightly modified work would become her masterpiece, and she never anticipated that Grant would still remember seeing the original sketch.

Desperately, she argued, "Mr. Martin, you must have seen it when I submitted it, so it looks familiar to you."

Sophia said this while observing Grant and Chloe carefully.

Grant had so many things to deal with daily; Sophia though maybe she could bluff her way through.

"If you really think there's a problem with my design, I'll just take it back." Sophia said, grabbing her winning piece and preparing to leave.

Her actions caught Chloe's attention. Seeing her sneaky behavior, Chloe knew something was up.

Chloe quickly stepped forward, blocking her path. "Why take it back? Since it won fifth place, everyone should learn from it. Let's see how a complete novice like Miss Brown designed a fifth-place piece."

Without another word, Chloe snatched the design from Sophia's hands.

When Chloe saw the design, her eyes widened. She looked at Sophia, then at Grant.

"This design... it looks like mine," Chloe said, recognizing the short skirt.

She had originally planned to submit this design to the Martin Group, a simple, elegant, and lively short skirt. But later, she decided to design a more luxurious dress for the high-end clientele the Martin Group catered to.

She had tossed the original design into Grant's trash can. How did it end up here as Sophia's work?

Did Sophia pick it up and secretly submit it?

If that was the case, Sophia was not just committing plagiarism anymore; it was copyright infringement.

"Yours? Chloe, don't talk nonsense. How could my design be yours?

Mr. Martin accused me of plagiarism and asked for evidence. Now you say this design

is yours, so show your evidence.

If you can't, I'll call the police for slander."

Sophia panicked, trying to intimidate Chloe.

After scolding Chloe, she turned to Grant. "Mr. Martin, you can't be so biased. I know Chloe has an engagement with the Martin brothers, but that doesn't justify protecting her.

You suspect me of plagiarism because you're my boss, but why should this ugly girl claim my work as hers?

I'm studying management, but does that mean I can't learn design?"

Sophia's remark might sound reasonable at first, but Grant furrowed his brow, his annoyance with Sophia reaching its peak.

Stanley, standing nearby, also felt Sophia seemed like a victim.

"Mr. Martin, could there be a misunderstanding? Maybe Miss Brown really did design

this piece?" Stanley softly suggested to Grant.

Hearing Stanley, Sophia felt a bit more confident.

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"She designed it? Don't be ridiculous. Stanley, have you ever seen a designer leave someone else's name on their work?" Chloe sneered.

Sophia panicked again. "Name? Chloe, open your eyes. My name is clearly on this design. How can you say it's yours?

Can't you even recognize your own name?

Apologize now, and I might forgive your ignorance. Otherwise, I'll call the police to protect my rights."

Sophia pulled out her phone, pretending to call the police.

Stanley grew anxious, whispering to Grant, "Mr. Martin, today is the Martin Group's big event. If we call the police now, it might cause unnecessary trouble. Maybe we can find another solution?"

Grant understood Stanley's point, and so did Chloe.

For a large corporation like the Martin Group, maintaining its reputation was crucial. Such a minor issue should not be blown out of proportion and become widely known.

Stanley's suggestion eased Sophia's tension a bit.

She was sure Grant would take Stanley's advice.

But unexpectedly, Grant firmly declared, "The Martin Group has thrived in Sovereign

City for years by adhering to a principle of integrity.

I won't tolerate any plagiarism, even if it means calling the police and risking our reputation.

Chloe, you said your name is on this design. Find it now. If you can't, I'll call the police myself."