Unexpected Fiancée

Chapter 103: The Celebration Dinner

Chapter 103: The Celebration Dinner

"What do you mean?" Madeline's expression darkened.

Patrick, with a furrowed brow, continued, "Apart from the color-changing feature, other elements of your design bear a striking resemblance to the Ice and Fire series. You used Jane's design as a foundation to create the Let Yourself Go collection."

Madeline's body began to tremble involuntarily. She took several deep breaths, struggling to calm herself. "Do you have any proof?"

Patrick shot a withering glare at Madeline and replied in a cold, steely tone, "Joe Marner confessed to stealing Jane's drawing and selling it to you."

Joe Marner? Jane was taken slightly aback. As far as she knew, Joe was a design assistant in the company, having worked for less than a year. He hadn't been involved in the Ice and Fire project. How could he have stolen the design and sold it to Madeline?

Madeline turned ashen upon hearing this. It was indeed Joe who had sold her the Ice and Fire design. At the time, she believed the design was innovative. Upon learning that the original designer was an obscure secretary from Pansy Group, Madeline hatched a cunning plan in cahoots with the president of Love Jewelry. She aimed to be the first to release the Let Yourself Go series while accusing Pansy Group of plagiarism at the press conference.

However, she hadn't anticipated her swift downfall today. Jane had invited Nana and revealed the true origin of the design as Loe's. Now, Patrick was disclosing who had stolen Pansy Group's design and sold it to her.

"As for the magazine 'Storm,' I've had it investigated, and it turns out there's no such publication," Patrick declared. "You received Jane's design only a month ago. How did you manage to have an article published in that magazine two months ago?"

Madeline bit her lip, about to respond, when the large screen in the middle of the meeting room suddenly illuminated. A series of compelling evidence showcasing the plagiarism in Madeline's designs began to unfold. Even her graduation project was revealed to be stolen from her roommate. But because Madeline's father wielded significant influence, she had been able to buy her way out and rebuild her image as an international jewelry designer.

The irrefutable proof was presented before her, rendering Madeline's face pallid. "Turn it off! Now!" she screamed, but her plea fell on deaf ears.

"I never expected Madeline, a globally renowned master of her craft, to be such a shameless plagiarist. Not only did she copy others' work, but she also accused others of plagiarism. The audacity." Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

"Bah! I had always admired her, respected her for her internationally acclaimed skills, and even studied her creations. To think she was a plagiarist!"

The room buzzed with discussions about Madeline's deeds. The carefully cultivated image of a jewelry design expert that she had built over the years crumbled within moments.

Jane couldn't help but smile as she watched Madeline, now loathed by everyone in the room. She hadn't anticipated that Patrick could uncover Madeline's multiple misdeeds within just two days.

Madeline couldn't escape the downfall of her prestigious reputation this time. Faced with a tidal wave of condemnation and criticism, her face twisted.

Realizing the dire situation she was in, Madeline feigned fainting, collapsing to the floor. Security personnel arrived and escorted her out of the room.

"Well, as for the plagiarism issue, I solemnly declare that Pansy Group strictly adheres to the principle of putting our customers first. We will strive to excel in every task and never engage in acts that would tarnish our company's reputation, such as plagiarism!"

Jane's statement was met with thunderous applause from the assembled crowd. Despite the plagiarism incident, the Ice and Fire press conference had achieved remarkable success.

After the press conference, many companies expressed their interest in the Ice and Fire series. Bruce was also very satisfied with the press conference.

"We're hosting a celebration dinner tonight, and I hope you can join us," Jane invited with a warm smile.

Patrick nodded slightly and whispered in Jane's ear, "I'll pick you up tonight."

Jane turned and smiled back at him, their lips almost touching. The intimate interaction between the two filled Florence with envy.

"Madeline is utterly useless," she thought. Florence had anticipated that Jane would be the one accused of plagiarism today, but the tables had turned.

A sinister glint flickered in Florence's eyes. "It doesn't matter. I have a big surprise for you at tonight's celebration dinner. Just wait, Jane!"

The celebration was to be held at the Imperial Hotel, where Bruce was also staying. Following the press conference, he had returned to his room for some rest. Just as he was about to change into his evening attire, the doorbell rang unexpectedly.

Bruce assumed it was housekeeping, but when he opened the door, he found Annie standing there. "Annie, what are you doing here? We've already broken up."

Annie lowered her gaze and admitted, "I know."

"Bruce, I'm not here to pester you."

"Then what brings you here?" Bruce inquired.

Annie bit her lip and spoke softly, "I realize I've crossed a line in the past. I shouldn't have held a grudge against Jane. She was right in scolding me. I'm sorry for everything I've done."

After a pause, she continued, "So, I'm here to ask if you'd take me to the dinner party tonight. I want to formally apologize to Jane."

"I see," Bruce said, contemplating her request. Seeing his hesitation, Annie seized the opportunity and urged, "Bruce, I know I've made mistakes. Please give me a chance to apologize to Jane, okay?"

"Alright," Bruce agreed, albeit reluctantly, realizing that Annie was genuinely remorseful for her past actions.

The dinner party was scheduled for 8:00 p. m. By around 7:00 p. m., many celebrities and guests who had attended the press conference began to arrive at the banquet hall. Some reporters were also present, eager to capture any further developments or surprises following the successful press conference earlier in the day.

"Mr. Pansy has arrived!" someone announced, instantly hushing the once-noisy banquet hall.