"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
"What do you mean?" Benjamin was perplexed.Frederick didn't hold back anymore and directly played the recording for him. "Well, this is the real reason I asked you to come today ..."Benjamin listened to the recording. As it went on, his expression grew increasingly grim."I think Grace did give Celia a chance, but she didn't appreciate it. She continued to taunt Grace instead! No one can endlessly tolerate someone without boundaries," Frederick remarked.Benjamin's hands clenched silently. A wave of regret washed over him. For the first time, he appeared lost and stood there in a daze. After a long pause, he muttered, "I misunderstood her ..."…As Grace was about to leave, a young man caught up with her. "Ms. Lewis, wait up," he said.She didn't recognize the man and asked with curiosity, "Is there something you need?""Ms. Lewis, I'm Professor Morris' assistant," the man said. He handed her a business card with gold letters. "Ms. Lewis, this is a special invitation from
However, Larry thought of the message he had just received. He decided to take the risk and said, "Mr. Hawkins, I just received a call from the prison. They said Ms. Quine attempted suicide!"Silence filled the room immediately.Perhaps it had been too long since anyone had heard anything about Yvonne."What's the situation?" Benjamin asked."It's a good thing the prison guards found out in time. She has been sent to the hospital. She just said that she wanted to see you," Larry explained.Yvonne had been sentenced to ten years in prison after she was found guilty of intentionally trying to cause a traffic accident. She was currently serving her sentence in prison. After the collapse of the Quines, Richard was nowhere to be found as well.Benjamin hadn't seen Yvonne since then."Tell the prison guards that I refused," Benjamin said coldly."Yes, Mr. Hawkins," Larry responded.Just as Larry was about to leave, Benjamin stopped him and asked, "Where is Celia now?""Ms. Hawk
"Professor Morris is here!" someone exclaimed, prompting May to redirect her gaze toward Alan."Professor!" May displayed a respectful attitude.Alan nodded slightly and bypassed her to approach Grace. "Ms. Lewis!" he called.Grace was pleasantly surprised and quickly greeted him. "Professor Morris!"Alan smiled. "This is a private gathering, so there’s no need to be formal."Everyone present could see the special treatment Alan was giving Grace. May, who was standing behind, hurried over. "Professor, so this is the Ms. Lewis you mentioned," she commented.As she spoke, May extended her hand toward Grace for a handshake. "Hello, I'm May, Professor Morris’ student!" Alan added, "May is my most accomplished student. She has a great talent for design. I hope you two will have the chance to learn from each other."Grace reached out to accept May’s handshake and said, "Hello, I’m Grace. Nice to meet you."They exchanged greetings."Today, I invited everyone here for an importan