Chapter 121 Vilification
Seeing that Nicole had a determined look, Colton suddenly felt like he was worrying for nothing. It turns out Nicole has always been able to handle it with ease.
Then, Colton lowered his head and gave a faint smile. “That’s fine. However, if you don’t clarify, I’m afraid you might face trouble for these days. Let me know if you need me.”
Upon hearing that, Nicole sincerely expressed her gratitude toward Colton. “Thanks.”
The very next morning, Hayden’s fever had also tapered down. Now that there was also a nanny overseeing matters at home, Nicole returned to work at the Gardner Corporation without any worry.
The atmosphere in the room was no longer as tranquil as before the moment she stepped into the Design Department. As soon as she walked through the entrance, she could hear distinct whispers.
“Wow! She still has the nerve to return to the Gardner Corporation.”
“I thought she would be in hiding after she was exposed. What a surprise. Tsk tsk!”
“As the Chief Designer of F&M Apparel, she went so far as to plagiarize. Such a disgrace!”
There were further remarks being made about her.
Without any exception given, all of the comments made were vilifying remarks toward her. However, Nicole had no issue about it. After all, plagiarism was indeed ignominious in the fashion designing circle.
At that moment, Joanna appeared out of nowhere. When she heard these words, she scanned the people in the office with her eyes. Then, she said sternly, “Don’t spew nonsense! The issue has not yet been thoroughly investigated, so don’t believe the rumors you hear outside!”
Seeing that Joanna was defending Nicole, one of them stood up and said in a dissatisfying manner, “Miss Schmidt, even the judges of the competition have agreed that the design draft was plagiarized. What else is there to say?”
“Yeah, that’s right! Although we’re not as popular as her, we won’t plagiarize in any case.”
Still, Nicole was not as enraged as expected despite facing animosity in the office. After all, it was a reaction anticipated from a normal human being.
Then, Nicole recalled her past. Back then, someone in F&M Apparel was involved in plagiarism, and I mercilessly kicked the person out.
Scanning through the people in the office, Nicole slightly raised the corners of her lips. Then, she said lightly, “This issue has yet to receive its final verdict. After the end of the investigation, the truth will certainly be made clear to all!”
With that, Nicole turned and went back to her office. As soon as she stepped into her office, Joanna followed.
Well, this is an infrequent visitor. Looking up at Joanna, Nicole asked, “Director Schmidt, is there something wrong?”
Joanna looked at Nicole. Although she had anticipated drama deep in her heart, she pretended to express her care on the surface.
“Lisa, you heard the remarks outside. I wanted to stop them, but they…”
Nicole did not call Joanna out despite seeing the pretentious look on her face.
“It’s fine. I understand. After all, I’m the one plagiarizing now, so it’s normal for everyone to have such a reaction,” Nicole said, seemingly unbothered.
A hint of surprise flashed in Joanna’s eyes. As she stared at Nicole’s still indifferent look, a trace of suspicion arose in her heart.
Plagiarism was considered a lifelong blotch for a regular designer, let alone a renowned designer such as Nicole herself. Furthermore, the rumors were spreading like wildfire on the Internet. Yet, there was not an ounce of worry on Nicole’s face.
Suppressing the doubts in her heart, Joanna looked at Nicole again. Then, she phrased her words mildly. “Lisa, I believe you’re innocent, but…”
Joanna pursed her lips in embarrassment. After pausing for a long time, she added, “But, you are caught up in a plagiarism scandal now. If you don’t clarify the matter, it will bring damage to you, F&M Apparel, and the Gardner Corporation. So, regarding the coming drafts…”
As she listened to the hesitation in Joanna’s voice, Nicole knew what she wanted to say. Joanna’s intention is as clear as day. She just wants to call the shots for the cooperation between F&M Apparel and the Gardner Corporation.
Nicole was not surprised at all and thereafter nodded. “Right, I got it. I’ll let you be responsible for the affairs regarding the drafts for the time being. We’ll see how to go about it once the scandal is over.”
Upon seeing the relaxed look on Nicole’s face, Joanna frowned slightly. She thought Nicole would continue to hold on to the matter and refuse to surrender. At that time, she would have an excuse to complain about her act to Colton. However, she did not expect Nicole to agree so readily.
Joanna jeered in her heart. Wait for the plagiarism scandal to subside? I thought Nicole had a well-thought-out plan, but I didn’t expect that she was preparing to wait until time passed, and the others would forget about this matter. Such foolish thinking!
