Chapter 45
"All my drafts are original. I have never plagiarized anyone's creative work."
Victoria set the paper down on the desk, her voice impressively direct. Her words were cool and controlled, a deliberate attempt to smother the anger building inside her. "Besides, this design is also remarkably similar to another designer's work. Why isn't anyone suggesting that Bianca plagiarized Q?"
Bianca knew exactly how to manipulate the system, a move as skillful as it was infuriating.. To use Victoria's own past designs and then flip the script to accuse her of theft was a special kind of audacity. Did Bianca truly believe she had no evidence, no record of her own creative process?
"I believe you didn't plagiarize," Xanthe sighed, her expression etched with a weary helplessness. "But it's not enough that I believe you. The public narrative is having a significant impact on our partners. They're demanding you provide immediate proof of your innocence, or they'll sue for breach of contract and seek damages."
She took out another document and pushed it forward.
It seemed that this should be a document from the cooperative partner.
Victoria's lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced down at it. "Did the partners give a deadline? I will compile the evidence and post it online. It will just take some time."
She forced herself to stay outwardly calm, a composed mask hiding the frantic turmoil within.
The designs were hers; she knew their every line, every nuance, and she still had the original sketches stored away.
Her gaze, now shadowed and intense, lifted to meet Xanthe's. "Can you give me some time to prepare my evidence?"
She had no intention of conceding so easily. This time, she would make Bianca realize she wasn’t to be messed with.
"Alright," Xanthe said, the tension in her brow easing slightly. "Tomorrow is the weekly meeting. This matter has already been reported to Mr. Windsor. He'll propose a solution then. I will speak up for you."
Victoria was just an employee.
Though she had brought considerable profit to the company, her standing was still leagues below that of others in the corporate hierarchy.
With Xanthe advocating for her, her case would carry far more weight than it otherwise could.
Victoria understood the gesture, and a warmth pricked at the corners of her eyes. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I won't let your kindness go to waste."
As the day progressed, the online backlash intensified, and murmurs started weaving through the office halls.
She could sense the sideways looks and probing gazes—subtle, but suffocating nonetheless.
She kept her eyes fixed forward, pretending not to notice. She couldn't control what others thought, and any attempt to explain herself now would be met with deaf ears and cynical disbelief.
It was better to focus on her work and wait. Once the truth was revealed, their judgment would be proven wrong.
Pushing down the chaotic swirl of her thoughts, she arrived at the conference room and pushed open the heavy door.
The room was already full, and a dozen heads turned in her direction as the latch clicked. Their gazes were a mixture of pity, suspicion, and morbid curiosity.
"Now that everyone is here, let's continue," Edward said from his seat at the head of the long table. His eyes swept over the room, cold and impersonal. "The public opinion situation has been contained for now. What other methods can we employ to salvage this?"
He didn’t glance at Victoria, not even the slightest acknowledgment, as though they were strangers. Strangely, the coldness was a relief.
Victoria blinked, closed the door quietly behind her, and found an unobtrusive seat in the corner. She settled there, silently observing the conversation.
"First, we need to determine if the plagiarism is real," someone offered hesitantly. "If it is, for the sake of the company's reputation, I believe we should terminate her employment."
A murmur of agreement went through the room, though another voice quickly countered with a different perspective. "But she has undeniably been profitable for the company. Even if we push her out, there's no guarantee the public won't harbor negative views about the company itself. Our primary concern must be protecting our brand."
Each argument was valid, leaving a heavy sense of uncertainty hanging over the room. Faces turned toward Victoria, their expressions conflicted.
"What are your thoughts?"
Victoria had been propping her head on her hand, listening as if the discussion involved a stranger. The sudden question caught her off guard.
"Are you asking me?" She asked, her eyes lifting to meet Edward's gaze from across the room. She pointed a finger at her chest, and when he gave a curt nod, she found her voice. "I hope you can give me some time to find the evidence that will prove my ability and my innocence."
She was direct, answering the question as it was asked. She had the old sketches, the digital archives. It was only a matter of finding them.
She had expected Xanthe to speak first, not Edward. Was it because of Yara? Was that why he was choosing to intervene? Victoria dismissed the thought and waited for his response.
"This meeting is adjourned," Edward announced, his tone flat and final. "I will give you three days. Within that time, you must find the evidence to prove your innocence. You will not get a second chance."
The attendees stirred in surprise, though no one had the courage to oppose Edward’s decision.
A spark of light ignited in Victoria's eyes. "Thank you for giving me the chance to prove myself. I will demonstrate that I did not plagiarize, and I will not allow the company's reputation to be affected."
With her declaration hanging in the air, no one else had anything to add. The matter was settled. Victoria let out a long, slow breath, gathered her belongings, and turned to leave. But as she reached the door, Xanthe's voice stopped her.
"Here's your leave request for the next three days. Go home, focus on collecting your evidence, and get some rest. I'll have someone take over your current projects. We'll sort it out when you get back."
Before Victoria could respond, Xanthe placed a hand on her somewhat frail shoulder, gave it a reassuring squeeze, and walked away.
Victoria stood frozen in place, the thin slip of paper clutched in her hand. Her eyes grew hot and blurry. She would not, under any circumstances, betray the trust these people had placed in her.
She packed up her desk and went straight home, telling no one about the crisis unfolding at work. She had only hinted vaguely at the trouble to Veda, partly to avoid worrying anyone, and partly to escape hearing useless advice. Until she had all the evidence in hand, she had no desire to engage with the outside world.
But a secret like this could not be kept for long. Veda eventually saw the news online.
"You've been holed up in your room for a day and a half. When are you coming out?" Veda's voice was tight with worry, her brow furrowed. "I saw what's happening online. Open the door. Let me help you look for whatever you need. Don't try to carry this all by yourself."
There was only silence from the other side of the door. Veda knew Victoria had heard her, but she was being stubborn, determined not to involve her.
"I get it," Veda sighed, knocking lightly twice more. "I made some food and left it outside your door. I'm watching Yara, so you can focus on what you need to do. Don't worry about anything else."
This time, there was a response.
"Veda." Victoria's voice was raspy. She was rubbing her aching temples, dark circles already forming beneath her eyes. Despite the exhaustion, a small, genuine smile touched her lips. "Thank you."