Chapter 498 Would Survive
Jennifer sighed, "Celeste's made up her mind, but I won't expel him just yet. I'll suspend his studies for now. Once Celeste cools down, I'll bring him back."
Jennifer didn't want to lose a talent like Larry. Good fashion designers were rare in the country.
Sophia left Jennifer's office feeling heavy. Larry couldn't have started the rumors; he had no reason to. But who did? It needed investigating.
It seemed Celeste had an issue with her. Jennifer thought it was a minor problem, but Celeste took it seriously. Was Celeste warning her about competing with Patricia for the successor spot at Fusion Dynamics Corporation?
Sophia's heart sank. She had no such ambitions; she just wanted to learn and build her career.
Larry was forced to suspend his studies. Officially, it was said he applied for a leave of absence. Larry felt wronged, and Sophia saw him off.
"Larry, I'm sorry," Sophia said, feeling guilty.
Larry, having come to terms with it, tried to comfort her. "It's not your fault. You're the victim here. I just spoke up for you and got caught in the mess," he sighed. "Guess I'm too helpful."
Sophia smiled at his attempt to lighten the mood.
Larry continued, "You recommended me, and I got in because of you. Without your support, I might've been expelled for good."
Sophia promised, "I'll speak up for you again so you can come back soon."
"You're so kind, Sophia," Larry said.
After seeing Larry off, Sophia returned to find Patricia waiting. "Sophia, your sidekick is gone."
Sophia ignored her.
"You dragged him down," Patricia said.
Sophia turned sharply. "Patricia, do you think everyone's out to get you?"
Patricia looked caught off guard. "Don't talk nonsense."
Sophia sneered. "I know you spread those rumors. Afraid I'll take the successor spot at Fusion Dynamics Corporation?"
"You're lying," Patricia denied, though she had instructed Kathy to spread the rumors.
Sophia said, "I had no interest in the successor position, but since you're so scared, I'm curious now. As Jennifer's goddaughter, maybe I do have a shot."
Sophia's intense gaze made Patricia feel pressured and guilty.
"Sophia, Patricia, what are you doing?" Jennifer's voice interrupted.
Sophia quickly softened her demeanor, and Patricia resumed her innocent look.
"Patricia, you okay?" Jennifer asked, noticing her pale face.
Patricia shook her head. "Just didn't sleep well."
"Not much going on this afternoon. Why not go home and rest?" Jennifer suggested.
"I'd rather stay, Aunt. I want to contribute and become an excellent fashion designer," Patricia insisted.
Jennifer smiled. "Alright, join us this afternoon at the weaving factory."
"Okay."
In the afternoon, Jennifer took the students to Fusion Dynamics Corporation's weaving factory. Sophia brought a notebook and pen, taking notes diligently whenever Jennifer explained something. Patricia, on the other hand, pretended to take notes but doodled turtles instead.
By 5 PM, they returned to the office, and Jennifer asked for a report the next day. Patricia panicked; she hadn't taken any notes.
At the end of the day, Sophia saw a message from Gabriel: [Waiting for you at the entrance.]
Sophia quickly packed her things. Gabriel had adjusted his schedule to pick her up after work, always on time.
Patricia saw Sophia leaving in a hurry and looked out the window, spotting Gabriel's car and Gabriel himself standing by it. Sophia ran out, and Gabriel took her bag and opened the door for her.
Patricia bit her lip.
"Ms. Brown," Kathy approached with her notebook, but Patricia ignored her. Kathy followed Patricia's gaze and saw a luxury car driving away.
"Ms. Brown," Kathy called again.
Patricia snapped back, gripping the window edge. "Kathy, help me stall Sophia after work tomorrow."
"Okay."
With Kathy's help, Patricia managed to submit a report the next day. It wasn't great, but decent for her level.
Jennifer announced, "There's a classical fashion show competition next month. I've signed you all up. Prepare well."
Everyone agreed, but Patricia's name wasn't on the list.
Meanwhile, Mia was distracted. She had news from Clayton: Daniel's new match had failed again. This was what she wanted, but she worried Daniel might discover Diana wasn't his daughter during the process.
"Mom, they've all returned today. Since Uncle hasn't contacted you, he hasn't found out. Don't worry," Daisy said, eating fruit and comforting Mia, while stroking her large belly.
Mia said, "I'm still uneasy."
Daisy replied, "Even if Uncle finds out Diana isn't his daughter, he won't know Caroline is."
Mia relaxed, realizing Daisy was right.
"Clayton said Caroline agreed to match for Diana. If it works, Diana will survive."
Diana was supposed to be doomed, but now she had a chance. If Diana lived, many variables could arise. Mia couldn't help but feel anxious.
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