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Chapter 3

Author: Spring Day
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-17 19:41:27
"Thank you for your kind offer, but I must decline."

I was about to leave again after rejecting her proposal, but she shouted after me.

"Yarrow! Why are you so stubborn?

"Fine! If you dare step out that door today, we're breaking up!"

In the seven years we'd been together, Sabrina had threatened a breakup innumerable times.

And every time, it was me groveling to win her back.

She acted high and mighty like a princess, issuing commands at will and completely disregarding my feelings.

But this was it. I was tired and fed up.

Without hesitation, I replied, "Sure."

Then, under Sabrina's flabbergasted gaze, I walked out and hailed a cab.

At the design institute, I handed in my computer.

Ms. Sutton looked rather surprised.

The instructor adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses before speaking with feigned warmth, "Yarrow, I heard about what happened this morning.

"It's not that big of a deal, and no one blames you for it. It's not worth resigning over."

Her words sounded ever so tender and comforting, but I knew better.

I could tell that she must have had a hand in this incident.

Fixing my gaze on her, I spoke calmly.

"Ms. Sutton, you've taught both Avery and me. You know our abilities better than anyone else. Whether I plagiarized or not is something you should know better than me."

Her brows knitted together at my statement. "What are you implying? Are you accusing me of favoring Avery? Yarrow, there is room for a designer's work to be lacking, but their character must not be flawed. With your attitude, you won't last in this industry!"

I nodded in agreement. "Exactly. That's why I'm quitting. I'm done here."

Fuming at my retaliation, Ms. Sutton pointed a trembling finger at me. Yet, no words fell from her lips for a long while.

As I turned to leave the institute, I found Avery and Sabrina waiting by the door.

Having overheard my conversation with Ms. Sutton, Avery said with mock sincerity, "Yarrow, plagiarism is plagiarism. No one's holding it against you. I've already discussed it with Ms. Sutton. We plan to bury this mishap; you will be allowed the opportunity to participate in submitting the design as an assistant. If we win, your name will still appear in the credits. How does that sound?"

How magnanimous of Avery.

I almost wanted to applaud his generosity—if only the design wasn't stolen from me.

Glaring at his shameless face, I began, articulating each word, "Avery Zane, you've been in the design world long enough to know that assistants are not eligible for nomination in major competitions, right?

"Besides, the Golden Zenith Design Award is one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry. The winner gains direct entry to Golden Zenith Corp HQ. It's a door to endless opportunities.

"I'm not interested in being an assistant."

I was merely laying out the facts before them. Nevertheless, Sabrina reacted as if I'd struck a nerve. Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, she exploded.

"What do you mean? That design wasn't yours to begin with. Are you still hoping to compete under the designer's name? Avery is generous enough to offer you an assistant spot. Don't be so ungrateful!

"Take the assistant role, or don't. Either way, you're taking it!

"If you walk out that door today, trust me when I say you will never find any job related to design in Avara City!"

As if on cue, Ms. Sutton chimed in with a veiled threat, her eyes narrowed.

"I have some connections in the education field as well."

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