Chapter 513 Have You Ever Thought About It
Gabriel already got someone to handle the online mess, but it's spread through the industry and is hurting Sophia's career.
At the hospital, Jennifer and Celeste left Patricia's room after she fell asleep.
Jennifer supported Celeste. "Mom, I think Sophie pushing Patricia might be a misunderstanding."
Celeste had calmed down. She was pretty upset at first and might've been too harsh on Sophia, worried she hurt her feelings.
Jennifer added, "We know Sophie. She wouldn't push Patricia for no reason. There must be some misunderstanding."
Celeste nodded. "I was just scared something might happen to Patricia."
"How's the competition issue going?" Celeste asked, remembering the online drama.
Jennifer frowned. "The classical fashion show organizers want to revoke Sophie's championship title."
Celeste frowned too, thinking. "Should you explain?"
Jennifer replied, "No, she's a student at Fusion Dynamics Corporation now. If we step in, people will think we're covering for her. But don't worry, I've got some reputable folks in the industry to speak up. I just hope this doesn't mess with Sophie's mood, so I gave her two days off."
Celeste nodded. "If needed, ask Bradley White from the design academy for help."
"Got it."
In the afternoon, Jennifer got a message that Patricia's competition entry was reported as unoriginal and designed by someone else.
Jennifer pulled out Patricia's design. The more she looked, the more familiar it seemed. She compared it with Kathy's past designs and got serious.
For a designer, plagiarism is a big no-no. Kathy's entry looked like Patricia's level, which explained why Kathy didn't make the top three.
Jennifer called Kathy into the office. Under pressure, Kathy admitted, "Ms. Brown was worried about disappointing you and Celeste, so she switched designs with me."
Jennifer slammed the table. "Stupid! You're a senior designer, and you pull this? Are you trying to ruin your career?"
Kathy looked scared and upset. "Forget it, you can go now," Jennifer said, feeling a headache.
Later, Jennifer told Celeste about it.
Celeste was silent for a minute. "Talk to the organizers, explain, and have them revoke Patricia's ranking. Also, handle Sophie's situation well; we can't let her talent go to waste."
"I understand, Mom. Take care of your health."
"Okay."
After hanging up, Celeste clutched her chest and coughed violently. She thought Patricia was improving and changing her bad habits, progressing quickly at Fusion Dynamics Corporation. But someone was helping her behind the scenes.
Celeste stared at the ward door. She had high hopes for Patricia and had punished those spreading rumors to protect her from overthinking.
The higher her hopes for Patricia, the bigger her disappointment now.
Sophia's situation kept heating up, and Gabriel stopped trying to delete or control comments, letting public opinion run its course.
Industry experts started analyzing the competition's designs, all agreeing that Sophia deserved to win on her own merit.
Alex reported, "Mr. Lancaster, these are the people we found. We haven't contacted some of them; there might be others helping Ms. Kelly behind the scenes."
Gabriel looked at the list Alex handed over. Most were renowned professors and a few famous foreign designers. They casually analyzed the event, taking advantage of the buzz.
Gabriel had seen some of them at the last Blackwood family banquet.
In the evening, Gabriel came home to find Sophia reading with the kids. After dinner, the kids played in the entertainment room while Sophia went to her studio to make outfits for them.
Gabriel walked in. "The classical fashion show organizers have formed an investigation team. There should be results soon."
Sophia looked up with a bright smile. "Thank you."
Gabriel's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at the fabric next to the sewing machine. "So, how are you going to repay me?"
Sophia asked, "What do you want?"
"Make me a set of pajamas."
Sophia was puzzled. "Why pajamas?"
Gabriel smiled tenderly. He didn't explain, just asked, "Can you?"
"Yes."
Gabriel's smile grew even more tender, and his gaze softened. Sophia's heart raced, almost lost in his affectionate eyes. She quickly looked away, noticing Gabriel moving. She thought he was leaving and felt a bit reluctant. But he just found a chair and picked up a book.
Sophia smiled involuntarily and started sketching men's pajamas.
"Sophie," Gabriel suddenly called.
Sophia replied, "Hmm?"
"You haven't been abandoned by Fusion Dynamics Corporation."
"What?"
"The professors who spoke up for you online are friends of the Blackwood family, and those famous foreign designers are Celeste's students."
Sophia was stunned. She thought Celeste and Jennifer had given up on her because of Patricia and that she'd be kicked out of Fusion Dynamics Corporation. But they were still supporting her behind the scenes.
Sophia's eyes turned red. The feeling of thinking she was about to fall into despair only to find someone silently pulling her up made her nose tingle.
Seeing she was about to cry, Gabriel walked over. Sophia usually seemed indifferent, but her heart was softer than anyone's, and small gestures moved her deeply.
Gabriel placed his hand on her shoulder, and she leaned into his embrace. Her voice was muffled and nasal. "I thought I was going to lose these family members."
Gabriel's lips pressed together, a glint in his eyes. After half a minute, he asked, "Have you ever considered that Patricia might not be a descendant of the Blackwood family?"
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