I Didn't Plagiarize Anything!

Nathanial Reed rubbed his temples, the strain clear on his face.

"Genevieve, please, this has to be a misunderstanding."

"Perhaps Evelyn didn't actually plagiarize."

"We can still fix this."

He had been counting on Evelyn securing Cassandra Sterling's design order.

It was supposed to mean a promotion and a raise for him.

Now, with this scandal breaking, it felt like a curse.

Genevieve Hartman, Cassandra's manager, was having none of it.

"Don't give me that rubbish."

"Plagiarism is plagiarism."

"Cassandra is about to walk the red carpet."

"The only logical choice is to change designers immediately!"

"Nathanial, listen carefully."

"If you ignore my advice now, Cassandra will cut all ties with your agency."

"Your next move decides everything."

Nathanial's heart dropped like a stone.

Losing Cassandra as a client because of Evelyn was a nightmare scenario.

"Genevieve, I understand."

"I'll do exactly as you say," Nathanial replied, forcing a placating smile.

"We have many talented designers."

"But given the red carpet is so soon, they might only be able to offer pre-made gowns."

"That's acceptable," Genevieve stated flatly.

"As long as it suits Cassandra's style and hasn't been seen online, it will work."

"We are out of time."

"Of course, no problem," Nathanial assured her.

"Has Cassandra mentioned any preference for a specific designer?"

"We will make sure she is happy."

Genevieve answered, "Cassandra suggested her cousin, Genevieve Prescott, a designer in your department."

"Start with her."

"See if she has any suitable ready-to-wear pieces."

"If not, any competent designer will suffice."

"Understood, completely understood," Nathanial said, feeling a wave of relief.

He then ventured cautiously, "And what should we do about Evelyn?"

After a short silence, Genevieve let out a cold, dismissive snort.

"Evelyn's mistake is severe."

"She must face strict disciplinary action."

"Nathanial, keeping someone like her will drag your entire agency down."

"You risk damaging relationships with other clients."

"It would be a catastrophe."

Nathanial hesitated for a moment before responding gravely, "I see."

"I'll handle it."

Meanwhile, Evelyn was completely unaware of the firestorm online.

She was absorbed in her work, focused on refining new design techniques.

Earlier, Cassandra had contacted her, inviting her to attend the red carpet event after work.

Evelyn's phone had been vibrating softly for some time.

She ignored it, assuming the alerts were just notifications about the gown's official reveal that morning.

Suddenly, a colleague approached her desk, her expression deeply concerned.

"Evelyn, why are you still working?"

"Haven't you seen what's happening online?"

"You're in serious trouble."

Evelyn looked up, her face a mask of startled confusion.

"What?"

Her colleague paused, clearly searching for the right words.

"You really haven't seen it?"

"A famous designer has publicly accused you of plagiarism on the internet..."

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock, her brows furrowing in disbelief.

"What?"

"That's impossible!"

"I didn't plagiarize anything!"

"You should check Twitter immediately," the colleague urged, her voice filled with sympathy.

Where there might once have been envy among her peers, now there was only pity.

Even though the plagiarism accusation was unproven, public opinion had already turned.

It strongly suggested Cassandra would not be wearing Evelyn's design.

A heavy sense of dread settled in Evelyn's stomach.

She quickly snatched her phone and opened Twitter.

The moment she logged in, a flood of harsh comments and accusations bombarded her.

Her face lost all color as she scrolled.

The full gravity of the situation crashed down upon her.