Chapter 160 Astonishing News
With a sense of finality, Maggie stowed away her phone. She had discerned Jones's intentions from his demeanor. He was striving to preserve what was left of Selena's dignity. Selena and Jones had always shared a cordial relationship, a fact that stirred a hint of concern in Maggie. She feared Jones might be biased towards Selena. They entered the general manager's office. Jones turned his gaze towards Maggie, his voice steady as he instructed, "Maggie, please share the details of the incident.""Mr. Bary," Maggie began, her voice firm, "I seek nothing but justice. Here is the proof of Selena's plagiarism." She launched the surveillance software, and the screen illuminated with the image of Selena's assistant, Amy. The footage showed Amy stealthily accessing Maggie's computer, snapping photos of the design drafts displayed on the screen. Once Jones had absorbed the evidence, he turned to Selena, his expression stern. "Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Caught off guard by the gravity of the situation, Selena hastily retorted, "Jones, I had no idea that Amy stole Maggie's designs. Amy handed them to me, hoping for a promotion, and willingly transferred the creative rights to me. Mrs. Mitchell was pressuring me, and I had no choice. Amy framed me. I knew she was untrustworthy."Jones's brow furrowed as he studied Selena, who refused to admit her guilt. Maggie responded with a sarcastic smile. "Chief Selena, it's a shame you're not an actress. Your talents are wasted in the jewelry design industry."Selena stubbornly said, "Maggie, even if Amy stole your design, she did it for the company. We are a team, and it doesn't matter who created the design drafts."Maggie couldn't help but laugh at Selena's audacity. "Do you remember when I first joined the company, you asked me if I knew what jewelry design was, and how to become a qualified jewelry designer? I overestimated you."
As a jewelry designer, originality was a professional ethic. Selena's anger flared. "Maggie, you have no right to lecture me...""Enough," Jones interjected, his tone firm. "Maggie, please step outside. I assure you, we will address this issue appropriately. Plagiarism is a grave offense, and the company will not tolerate it.""Very well, I'll await your decision." Maggie was prepared to wait for the company's verdict, but she was resolved not to back down if the outcome was unsatisfactory. Once Maggie had exited, Jones's demeanor hardened. He said to Selena, "After your years of service to the company, I suggest you resign voluntarily.""Jones, are you firing me?" Selena was incredulous. "Are you firing me over Maggie?""Selena, don't you realize how serious this is?" Jones retorted. "Have you forgotten your role as a jewelry designer? Stealing someone else's work is disgraceful. You show no remorse, nor do you attempt to rectify your mistake. You are no longer fit to be a part of this company."Selena argued, "I just explained that it was Amy...""Don't insult our intelligence," Jones rebuked, shaking his head in disappointment. "I warned you repeatedly not to provoke Maggie, yet you disregarded my advice. Now, you've stooped to plagiarizing her work. Selena, where is your sense of integrity? If I hadn't intervened, Maggie would have made the surveillance footage public. How could you continue in this industry then?"His words were swift and harsh, leaving Selena reeling. She had stolen ideas before, assuming Maggie, being an assistant, would not dare to expose her. But Maggie had not only revealed the truth but also ensnared Selena in her own trap. "Jones, I admit my mistake. I was set up. Mrs. Mitchell was pressuring me, and I had no choice. Maggie installed the surveillance; she was out to get me.""Selena, remember to use your brain in the future. You weren't like this before. Jealousy has ruined your career," Jones retorted impatiently. "Settle your dues with HR.""Jones, are you really firing me?" Selena was terrified. "After all these years, am I still inferior to Maggie? Is she your lover?""Selena, you're losing your mind," Jones reprimanded sternly. "Let me clarify. Maggie is Mr. Flores's woman.""What?" Selena gasped. "Which Mr. Flores?""Are you an idiot? The president of the headquarters, Mr. Flores of Visionary Futures Group."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
