Chapter 5
556words
"If your own work doesn’t even match the concept and vibe you’re describing, did you really create this yourself?
"If I remember correctly, you were accused of plagiarism three years ago."
Everyone looked at her with disdain. In this industry, originality was everything, and plagiarism was the worst offense.
Madison’s face turned bright red, her fingers nervously digging into her skin as she shouted.
"Lexie, you can’t just accuse and slander me without evidence because of our personal issues!
"This design is entirely my own creation."
Looked like my comment three years ago about burning the drafts gave her the confidence to blatantly copy my work, assuming I had no proof.
But I was referring to the paper copies. I still have the digital scans.
She really was unbelievably stupid.
Even if I were falsely accusing her, who in this room had more credibility than me?
The other candidates seemed to get the point, quietly moving their chairs away from her.
Madison’s body trembled, her eyes red, on the verge of tears.
Too bad I was not Felix. I would not show her any sympathy.
I immediately pulled up the scanned version of the design, clearly dated from three years ago.
"Idiot, you dared to steal my work. Didn’t you know there are digital backups?"
The room fell silent.
Under everyone’s hostile stares, Madison’s face drained of all color, her eyes filled with disbelief.
I scoffed.
Finally, I got my revenge.
……
Madison, now hysterical, screamed, "You’ve already been abandoned, so why did you come back? How do you even have the right to sit here? You must’ve used some shady guy to get this position!"
One of the lead interviewers sternly reprimanded her.
"Miss Hill, watch your words! Designer Lexie was brought on as a consultant with a top-tier salary!"
Another interviewer glanced through Madison’s résumé and mumbled.
"With credentials like these, how did she even make it to the interview?"
Someone nearby whispered.
"She was arranged by Mr. Gibson"
The voice was not loud, but everyone in the room heard it.
That comment was like a slap in the face, leaving Madison utterly humiliated.
The other candidates looked at her with disdain.
Unable to take it any longer, Madison burst into tears and ran out of the room.
Without her disruption, the rest of the interview process went smoothly.
I helped MAG sign a few promising young designers.
As I was leaving the conference room, someone blocked my path.
Felix grabbed my hand, excitedly saying.
"Lexie, you’re back? That’s great! Why didn’t you come see me?
"I heard all about it. You’ve been doing so well abroad. You’ve become the woman I fell in love with all over again."
What a self-centered jerk. I did not better myself for you.
I pulled my hand away forcefully, frowning as I responded coldly.
"Mr. Gibson, we’re divorced. There’s no need for this kind of talk. Besides, your girlfriend is standing right here."
Madison stood quietly beside him, her eyes red.
Felix did not even glance at her and continued.
"Lexie, I told you before, there will always be a place for you by my side."
Madison swayed at his words, looking utterly fragile.
Men truly were the worst. They never appreciated what they had once they got it.
