Chapter 1094:
âIâm inclined to believe Abram. A studio thatâs reached this level of success canât possibly be run by amateurs.â
âBut Ms. Clarkeâs technique in brooch repair earlier was extraordinary. That was no simple task â it was far more complex than designing leather shoes.â
âI think both of them are lying. Maybe the design belongs to someone else, and theyâre just bickering over it.â
âActually, there could be a misunderstanding. Neither of them seems like the type to engage in something like this.â
From the sidelines, Melany watched the drama unfold with a deep sense of satisfaction. She feigned a look of profound disappointment and turned to Colton. âColton, today is Mr. Morganâs birthday. What Allison is doing right now is probably going to upset him.â
Melany attempted to grasp Coltonâs arm, but he swiftly shook her off, his impatience evident. Swallowing her frustration, she continued, âThe key issue is that Abram designed our gift. If something happens to himâ¦â
She let the sentence hang in the air, knowing that Colton would catch her meaning.
Colton shut his eyes, his expression weary with frustration. âShut up. I know what to do.â At this point, regardless of whether Abram was the one in the wrong, the scandal needed to be contained. If it wasnât, the Stevens Group would risk being painted with the same brush as the cartoonist Onyxâs scandal from a few months prior. Back then, Colton had poured vast amounts of money into quelling public outcry. If this situation escalated similarly, the company could very well face financial ruin. More than that, the Stevens Groupâs reputation would suffer a blow it might never recover from.
Freshly uploaded on gαâηÏvððsâ¤com
âMr. Morgan, since this incident happened so long ago and canât be conclusively proven, perhaps itâs best for both sides to simply let it go.â Colton exhaled deeply, his mind racing. As the person who had presented the gift, he couldnât afford to let any scandal stain his name or his companyâs.
He turned back to Allison, his tone soft but firm. âAllison, no matter what, I believe you. But with the phone records as evidence, itâs hard to refute the accusations.â He fought to keep his emotions in check.
âStill, I have to say, this doesnât mean I think youâre guilty of plagiarism. As Mr. Morgan pointed out, your ability to design such a remarkable brooch speaks for your talent.â He spoke carefully, trying to de-escalate the growing tension. âIt seems like misunderstandings have clouded the situation on both sides. Letâs consider it as if nothing ever happened, so that weââ
Before he could finish, Kellanâs voice cut through the room with a sharp, derisive laugh. âAs if nothing ever happened?â His gaze was cold as ice, his words cutting through the tension like a blade.
âIf Allison didnât do it, then she didnât do it. Why should she have to bear the weight of false accusations and pretend itâs all fine?â
Allison was momentarily taken aback. From the moment Colton had spoken, she had known he would ultimately choose the companyâs interests over hers. It was always the same with him â no matter what happened, he just wanted her to endure it and act as if it hadnât affected her.
But now, for the first time, someone stood before her and said, âIf Allison didnât do it, then she didnât do it.â
.
.
.