Chapter 103:
Monica interjected sharply, “Mrs. Harper, that is unacceptable. Plagiarism is a grave matter. If these claims are true, Leopardex would have no choice but to fire Elena. Every accusation requires proof—even judges demand evidence before passing judgment. Surely, you agree that we cannot simply take Elyse’s word at face value.”
Given Elena’s exceptional talent, Monica believed she would never settle for mediocrity. Leopardex should feel lucky to have such a design prodigy on their team.
To lose such a creative genius would be an irreparable blow—Leopardex might never recover from it.
Although Samira was reluctant to hear Elena’s excuses, the multitude of watchful eyes forced her to allow Elena a chance to explain herself. “Alright, Elena, now it’s your turn—what do you have to say?”
Elena remained calm, choosing not to immediately counter the allegations. Instead, she fixed a piercing gaze on Elyse and said, “Since you claim this is your design, then show everyone the hidden clasp on the bracelet.”
Elyse was taken aback for a moment. What hidden clasp? Throughout the presentation, she had stood at a distance, catching only a glimpse of the bracelet’s design. From afar, she couldn’t discern the location of the hidden clasp.
Elyse hesitated before responding with uncertainty. “I… I’m not sure. I’ve been searching for the draft for days and can’t remember the details.”
Elena chuckled, her smile tinged with irony. “I’ll give you a hint. Is it the second joint to the right of the sapphire, or the third?” Her challenge was explicit. A misstep by Elyse now would unmistakably expose her. It was obvious that everyone else understood this as well.
“As the designer, I would never forget a detail of my own creation.”
“If she’s mistaken about this, how can she assert ownership?”
Elyse clenched her teeth. Picking the wrong option would be humiliating, but staying silent was not an option. Deciding to take a gamble, Elyse bit her lip and announced, “The second joint.”
A sly smile curled on Elena’s lips at her answer. Momentarily, Elyse’s heart pounded so fiercely that she quickly said, “No, I was mistaken. It’s the third joint.”
Exhaling deeply after her correction, Elyse felt a wave of relief. How foolish Elena was—she couldn’t even hide the look on her face. Initially, Elyse had pointed to the second joint, but Elena’s demeanor convinced her she should change her answer to the third joint. Assured of her response, Elyse smiled and said, “Elena, just admit your mistake and leave the company, and I’ll overlook your actions.”
Lɒtєѕτ чhɒρτєrѕ ιn gɑl𝑛οvєlѕ.сo𝓂
At that point, Samira’s patience had evaporated, and she said, “Elena…”
You will resign today. Monica, fetch the bracelet so that she will acknowledge her mistake.”
Once they returned, Samira planned to have a serious discussion with Bertha. Her intention was to convince Bertha that only a select few were fit for the company. Elena possessed a deceitful character, while Elyse was on a completely different level.
Both Elyse and Samira waited confidently for Elena to lower her head and offer an apology. Monica, observing from the sidelines, struggled to stifle her laughter. Elena’s brilliance shone through as she used a tricky question to expose Elyse’s lies.
“Move it and bring the bracelet over for inspection! Why the dillydallying? Are you trying to pull a fast one on us?” Samira snapped, her tone dripping with condescension as she jabbed a finger toward Monica. “If you aren’t interested in keeping this position, there are plenty of candidates eager to take your place. You have three minutes to bring the bracelet here, or you’ll be leaving with Elena!”
