As Susan spoke, she nudged Celia with a grin.Celia seized the opportunity to speak. "I plan to apply for your graduate program in my senior year and hope for a chance to study design with you." Alan nodded in understanding and encouraged her. "Keep up the good work."After that, he left under the watchful eyes of the crowd.Susan's heart filled with excitement when she heard Alan's response. She grabbed Celia and exclaimed, "Celia, it's looking very promising! You need to keep pushing forward. Don't let me down!"Celia couldn't hide her delight and responded, "Don't worry, Mom! I've got what it takes." Joining Alan's graduate program was well within her reach.However, the next moment, Grace approached her with a grim expression. For some reason, Celia felt an urge to avoid her."Let's talk!" Grace said, her words carrying an unspoken weight.Celia tried to ignore Grace. As she was about to leave, Grace reached out and firmly grasped her wrist. "What's the matter? Feeling
However, it was clear that Celia didn't particularly appreciate Grace's gesture."Celia, I'm going to give you one more chance. Withdraw this artwork from the exhibition by yourself, or else you'll regret it," Grace warned.Celia remained unfazed and ignored Grace's warning. "Do as you please," she confidently replied, before walking away with her head held high.As she pushed open the glass door, she bumped into Frederick. "Frederick, what are you doing here?"Instead of answering her question, Frederick asked casually, "When did you and Grace become such good friends?"Celia sneered, "What nonsense are you talking about? Who would possibly be friends with her? She's the heiress of the Lewis family now. I can't possibly reach her level."Her words were dripping with sarcasm and underlying tension."Ahhh," Frederick said in understanding and chose not to delve further into the matter.Celia didn't pay any more attention to him and haughtily walked away with her nose in the ai
However, Grace gently shook her head, her tone resolute. "No, what's mine is mine, and I want to take it back myself."She looked at Celia in the crowd. At this moment, Celia was basking in the limelight as she engaged in conversations with numerous industry leaders. Whenever Grace looked, Celia wore a faint, provoking smile, challenging Grace as if she were saying, "What can you do to me?"Just then, a waiter approached Celia politely. "Ms. Hawkins, Professor Morris would like to see you." Celia nodded. "Sure, I'll go over right away," she replied before turning to follow the waiter.At that moment, Alan was engaged in a conversation about Celia's work with some friends. When Celia approached, he signaled to her and said, "My friend, Mr. Gordon, is very interested in your design. He would like to hear more about your design philosophy and initial inspiration for this piece."Celia nodded and turned to Mr. Gordon. She explained, "For the concept of this piece, I mainly focu
"You say this isn't my design, huh? Well, go ahead! Show me some proof! If you can't, I'll have to sue you for defamation," Celia declared with confidence.She didn't think that Grace would be able to provide any substantial proof. That was why she didn't hold back with her harsh words.Nevertheless, Grace was upfront and admitted, "It's true that I can't present any concrete evidence.""Seriously, accusing someone of plagiarism without any proof?""That's right. It's practically a baseless accusation!""I never thought the prestigious Ms. Lewis would be like this.""Don't you know? Celia used to be her sister-in-law. Maybe she's acting out for revenge!""Wow, that's pretty scary."Celia couldn't help but revel in the fact that public opinion seemed to be firmly in her favor.The crowd was highly perceptive. Celia was determined to leave Grace in tears today."Well, if you can't present any evidence, you may apologize to me. Then, I'll think about letting you off," Celia taun
Celia had a particularly unpleasant expression at this moment, but she was unwilling to admit defeat."Grace, do you have to spout nonsense in front of everyone? Where's your proof? Do you think you can just change the truth with a few words?" she asked.Despite her guilty conscience, Celia maintained her defiant tone as she sought support from the crowd.Finally, she spotted Benjamin, who was her beacon of hope. With a desperate look on her face, she rushed toward him."Ben! Your ex-wife is falsely accusing me. She resents us so much that she's trying to ruin my future as revenge, and that too, right in front of everyone." she complained.Then, Celia pulled Benjamin toward Grace. However, Grace's expression remained indifferent.For some reason, even though she was standing right before him, Benjamin felt as though they were worlds apart.In the current situation, if it were indeed proven that Celia had stolen the design, her career prospects as a designer would be utterly dest
In the face of the overwhelming pressure from the crowd, Celia instinctively crossed her arms and wore a smug smile, then turned to look at Grace."They're right, Ms. Lewis. You should present some evidence to back your claims! Otherwise, I might have to call the police," Celia teased, waving her phone in her hand as if she were ready to make the call.Although Benjamin wanted to stop her, Celia paid no heed.A little distance away, Frederick contemplated taking out the recording but found himself locking eyes with Grace.At that moment, Grace remained composed, as if everything was well within her control. She calmly said, "Celia, are you so sure that I can't produce any evidence? It's quite a coincidence, but I do enjoy being prepared, especially when it comes to my work.""What did you say?" Celia asked as her expression froze.Grace ignored her and turned to the crowd. "I have the evidence, and it's right here on this design."The audience looked puzzled."What do you mea
"Professor Morris, it's not like that. Please, let me explain! I know I acted impulsively, and I deeply regret it."I'm begging for your forgiveness! I promise I'll never do such a thing again," Celia pleaded with tearful eyes.Alan remained unmoved and said, "Ms. Hawkins, I don't recommend you pursue joining my graduate program. Perhaps your academic performance might pass the threshold, but in terms of behavior and ethics, you've failed."Celia was in deep trouble.Rejection from Alan in their close-knit community would make it nearly impossible for her to pursue a career in design in the future.Susan was completely stunned as well. She quickly stepped forward. "Professor Morris, Celia made a mistake. Please, give her another chance! She'll work very hard; I'm sure of it," she reassured emotionally.On the side, Grace said, "Regardless of how exceptional one's grades are, academic misconduct renders them irrelevant. Perhaps it's best to consider a change of careers.""No, P
Celia was completely shocked by Benjamin's firm stance. In fact, she was too afraid to even move. "Mom …" she muttered.Susan was also taken aback by Benjamin's harsh decision, but she attempted to reason with him. "Ben, what on earth are you doing?""You played a role in her actions as well. Overindulging a child can lead to terrible consequences," Benjamin firmly responded.Susan was left speechless. "Ben ..."Feeling utterly humiliated, Celia fled the scene without giving it a second thought.Worried that Celia might do something rash, Susan quickly followed as she called out, "Cece, wait for me!"Grace had no interest in their family matters, but the outcome was somewhat satisfactory.At that moment, Xander walked up to her, patting her shoulder as a gesture of consolation. "The truth is out. Let's go."Grace nodded in response. "Alright."Xander cast a cold, emotionless glance toward Benjamin. His icy stare sent a shiver down Benjamin's spine as he observed the two stan