Novel Square
Chapter 426
Caroline held her head up, looked around at everyone, and declared, "Ms. Fenton designed this gown herself 20 years ago but never released it. Evelyn Wiley doesn't know anything about design. "She's just looking for fame by ripping off the work of others but has the nerve to flaunt herself at Lendora Fashion Week. Unbelievable!"
I was totally lost.
"H-How is this even possible? How does Caroline have the same gown? Isn't she on our side? How could she be teaming up with Whitney?"
I bit my lip, my face drained of color. I was dying to know the reasons, too. But I couldn't waste time on that. I had to deal with what was right in front of me.
"Caroline, what is this nonsense? You stole my design, and now you're accusing me of plagiarism? How does that even make sense?" I did my best to keep my voice calm.
Caroline sneered. "You're accusing us of stealing from you? Evelyn Wiley, get over yourself! You're just starting out-what do you even have that's worth stealing? You're simply looking for fame by plagiarizing from your betters. How shameless!" "Y-You're just making stuff up!" I trembled with rage. "All of my designs are the product of my hard work. I swear I've never plagiarized! And you're out here wearing my stolen gown-it's obvious you're the ones trying to set me up!"
"Set you up?" Caroline threw her head back and let out a loud, sharp laugh. "Evelyn, know your place. You're not even close to being able to stir things up in this fashion world!"
Then, she gave Ethan a scornful glance. "And you, Mr. Grayson, you're just a fool taken in by a pretty face. You're actually going to ruin your career for some trash?" Ethan's face darkened with anger at her words. I quickly took his hand and shook my head.
The air got heavy with tension. Whitney and Caroline, looking all self-righteous, stood on one side, while Ethan, burning with anger, and I, feeling deflated, stood on the other. Officer Watson shifted his gaze from one side to the other, seeming torn on who to trust.
He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Alright, since both parties have their claims, please show us your evidence so we can go over it and figure out who's in the right. If plagiarism is proven, we'll handle it harshly with no leniency." This material belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.
Whitney and Caroline stiffened at that. They glanced at each other, a brief look of guilt passing between them.
Whitney quickly gathered herself and said, "Officer Watson, pardon me, but I believe only Ms. Wiley can provide, the evidence. She's the one facing accusations of plagiarism, so she should be the one to show evidence to clear her name, right?
"Caroline and I have already provided our evidence. Do we seriously need to go digging into things from 20 years ago?"
My heart sank, but I knew I had to deal with it. braced myself and said, "I-I can show you all my original design drafts, Officer Watson. Every step of the process is documented, from the initial concept to the final product. These aren't something I just pieced together."
Officer Watson nodded. "Alright, then please get your evidence to us as soon as you can. I'm afraid the show can't go on as scheduled until we figure this out. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation." My heart dropped to my stomach.