Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Sophia immediately shook her head in fear, stuttering, “No, no, I didn’t mean that.”

Violet chuckled, not too pleased, and said, “Just kidding, no need to take it seriously. You can call me Violet. Since you’re my assistant, work well with me and strive to become an assistant designer as soon as possible.”

Sophia nodded eagerly. “I’ll work hard, I promise.”

Even though the titles “designer assistant” and “assistant designer” seemed similar with just a slight name order change, their roles and responsibilities were entirely different.

A designer assistant usually did odd jobs, while an assistant designer could create design drafts independently and even participate in various competitions. Violet looked her up and down and added, “Oh, one more thing, dress a bit more formally when you come in tomorrow.”

Sophia hesitated for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

On the top floor of Foreverie Jewelry, as Patrick exited the elevator, Nelson quickly approached him. “Mr. Hersey, after the uproar caused by the plagiarism reversal incident yesterday, our Century Jewelry Competition has gained new attention. From yesterday afternoon to this morning, over ten advertisers have approached me, wanting to advertise during the competition. What do you think?”

Patrick walked toward his office while speaking, “Select three well–known advertisers for collaboration. More investment is always better, but too many ads can compromise the competition’s integrity.”

Nelson quickly nodded and added, “Also, everyone’s attention is now on that identical design between the Starlight Jewelry Competition and the Century Jewelry Competition. While it’s true that this design is indeed Miss Webb’s, and she has enough evidence to prove it, the appeal process hasn’t started yet, which means her design is still considered disputed. According to the competition rules, disputed designs cannot be entered. How do you suggest we handle this?”

Patrick paused for a moment and said, “So your point is that without this design, the Century Jewelry Competition’s popularity will likely decline. Is that right?”

Nelson nodded. “Yes, that’s why I wanted to discuss it with you.”

Patrick hesitated for a couple of seconds, and then placed his hand on the office door handle and glanced at Nelson. “You also mentioned that although the lawsuit hasn’t started, Violet has solid evidence. So what are you afraid of?”

“I…” Nelson looked at Patrick and suddenly noticed the wound on his chin. He began to stammer, “I… I mean, the competition rules explicitly state that this kind of work is not allowed.”

Patrick furrowed his brow and looked at him displeased. “Why are you stuttering?”

Nelson lowered his head and mumbled, “It’s nothing.”

The more he acted like this, the more Patrick felt something was fishy, “What’s going on here?”

Nelson awkwardly licked his l*ps and pointed at his own chin. “Y–you got a chin injury.”

The wound on Patrick’s chin was just too easy to misinterpret. Anyone who did not know better might think it was caused by a woman biting him, and Nelson could not help but have that thought as well.

But Patrick was unfazed, wearing a calm expression that totally surprised Nelson. Hearing that, Patrick instantly recalled what happened in the morning, his face turning really ugly. “I just nicked myself while shaving. What’s with that expression?”

Nelson quickly shook his head. “You don’t need to explain. I didn’t think much about it.”

Patrick’s face got even darker. “Who cares whether you thought much about it or not? What’s going on inside that head of yours all day?”

As Patrick ranted, Nelson shrunk back, too scared to say anything.

Patrick thought about the wound on his chin and got even angrier. He spoke with utmost seriousness. “One can’t always go by the rules. Rules are bound to have their flaws, and we must adapt based on the actual circumstances. Since we can be sure that Violet didn’t plagiarize, why shouldn’t we use her work? Just tell them it’s my order, and we can make an exception for Violet to participate in this competition. As for that copycat Veronica, disqualify her right away.”

Nelson quickly nodded. “I’ll get right on it.”

He was about to leave when Patrick shouted, “Hold on!”

Nelson turned around, cautiously looking at him. “Mr. Hersey, is there something else?”

Patrick had a dark expression and looked somewhat unnatural. “Do you have any bandages?”

If only he had accepted Violet’s bandage this morning, he would not have drawn Nelson’s attention.

Nelson shook his head.

Patrick grew impatient. “Go buy me a box of bandages and bring them here.”

Nelson quickly nodded and went to buy them.

Before long, Nelson returned with the bandages.

Patrick had not expected that putting on a bandage would make him even more

conspicuous than not having one.

During the morning meeting, Patrick had a bandage on his chin, which made everyone sneak glances at him.

Patrick was getting annoyed with all the looks. Every time someone glanced at him, he felt an irresistible urge to throttle Violet.