Chapter 512 Severance
"Don't let the online stuff get to you," Gabriel said awkwardly, not used to comforting others.
Standing outside Fusion Dynamics Corporation, Sophia listened to Gabriel's deep, soothing voice on the phone, and felt herself calming down. "Yeah, I know. Thanks."
Gabriel added, "If you're feeling down, just come home."
"Okay."
Gabriel's call warmed Sophia's heart.
After hanging up, she walked into Fusion Dynamics Corporation.
Patricia was still in the hospital, Celeste didn't show up, but Jennifer was there.
With the online drama, even fewer people wanted to talk to Sophia, who was already feeling isolated.
As she sketched designs, sadness threatened to overwhelm her.
"Sophie, come here for a sec," Jennifer called.
Sophia got up and went into Jennifer's office.
Jennifer looked conflicted and asked Sophia to close the door. "Sophie, the competition organizers just called."
Sophia had a bad feeling.
Jennifer continued, "The online situation is getting worse. They want to revoke your championship title and disqualify you to maintain the competition's fairness."
Sophia's heart sank.
It felt like a conviction, but she knew she did nothing wrong.
Seeing Sophia silent, Jennifer sighed, "I've tried talking to them, but there's no way around it. If they don't act fast, it will hurt future competitions. I believe you won fair and square, but we can't prove it now."
Jennifer's message was clear: the decision was final, and Sophia had to accept it.
After a moment, Sophia said hoarsely, "I understand. Thanks, Jennifer."
Jennifer saw Sophia's disappointment and felt a bit of pity, but held back her words. "By the way, why did you push Patricia?"
Sophia replied firmly, "I didn't push her."
Jennifer frowned, remembering the scene where it looked like Sophia pushed Patricia. But since Sophia denied it, she couldn't force a confession.
Jennifer added, "Sophie, whatever issues you had with Patricia, I hope you can at least avoid each other."
Sophia replied, "I understand."
She felt utterly exhausted.
It was clear Jennifer and Celeste believed she pushed Patricia, and no amount of defense would change their minds.
So there was no point in arguing. She felt completely hopeless.
"I'll give you two days off. Go home and rest."
"Okay."
After leaving, Sophia packed her things.
Kathy came over to mock her. "I always said relying on connections and tricks wouldn't last."
Thinking Sophia was being fired, Kathy felt pleased.
Sophia gave her a cold look. "Do you think relying on Patricia will get you promoted? People like her love to ditch their helpers. Watch out, she might throw you under the bus someday."
Kathy shrugged. "Worry about yourself. Getting kicked out of Fusion Dynamics before graduation, Sophia, you'll always be behind me in this industry."
Sophia didn't bother arguing with Kathy. She just gave her a look like she was an idiot, grabbed her bag, and walked away.
Kathy was furious but couldn't get a word in before Sophia disappeared into the elevator.
Frustrated, Kathy had no outlet for her anger.
That afternoon, Kathy brought flowers to the hospital to visit Patricia and told her about Sophia getting kicked out of Fusion Dynamics.
Patricia's eyes lit up. "Sophia really got kicked out?"
Kathy nodded. "Yeah, I saw her packing up after leaving Ms. Johnson's office."
It was clear Sophia was fired.
Patricia smirked, feeling triumphant. "Sophia, you can't beat me."
She pulled out her phone to check the online comments bashing Sophia. Falling down the stairs had been a hefty price, but if it made Celeste and Jennifer dislike Sophia, it was worth it.
Patricia planned to contact a marketing account to spread more dirt on Sophia, but she noticed all the nasty comments had been deleted. Even the worst offenders were banned.
What was going on?
She tried searching for the news but found nothing.
Then the Lancaster Group issued a statement declaring Sophia as their chief designer and posted real sales data of her designs. They expressed strong support for Sophia.
Reputable designers from home and abroad also spoke up for her.
The netizens who had insulted Sophia were stunned.
Patricia stared at her phone, wide-eyed. 'Gabriel, it must be Gabriel helping Sophia! No, I have to crush her completely this time.'
Patricia quickly contacted more marketing accounts.
Soon, news broke that Sophia had faked her death to go abroad.
The internet exploded with speculation.
People started believing Sophia had been a mistress who faked her death to escape the man's wife and went abroad to have a child.
Caroline cursed, "Damn it, these people really know how to make up stories."
Sophia was calmly sketching designs, looking serene.
Caroline asked, "Aren't you angry?"
Sophia replied, "I am."
"Then how can you still draw?"
"I need to draw to calm down."
"I think Sam is most like you."
Sophia smiled, agreeing.
"Gabriel's really got your back. He must've been the one to control the comments and ban those accounts, right?"
Sophia nodded. "Yes."
"Sophie, you need to fight back."
"I know."
"So, what's your plan?"
Sophia wasn't one to let others bully her. It was clear someone was orchestrating the online attacks, buying accounts to cyberbully her.
Many people were quick to judge, leading to more insults.
Sophia told herself to stop reading the hateful comments.
"I might have to be ready to cut ties with Jennifer," Sophia said calmly.
Caroline's heart sank a bit.
Sophia put down her pen and looked out the window at the gloomy sky.
She heard it was going to snow today.
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