Chapter 161 The Truth of Plagiarism Revealed
Selena found herself sinking heavily into the chair, her mind reeling with disbelief. She had always perceived Maggie as an ordinary person, nothing more.She had been to Maggie's house before, a dwelling as unremarkable as its owner. How could it be possible that the unseen force behind Maggie was the CEO of the Visionary Futures Group?"Jones, are you kidding me?" Selena's voice wavered, teetering on the edge of incredulity. "How can this be?""Do you think I'm joking with you?" Jones retorted, "Reflect on it, Selena. Why did George insist that David apologize to Maggie in the first place?"Selena's eyes widened, her disbelief refusing to dissipate.Jones pressed on, "Even if Maggie's educational background pales in comparison to yours, her design skills far surpass yours, Selena. You mustn't gauge her abilities solely on her education. Humility and modesty should be your guiding principles. In a place like Cyberland, brimming with talent, it's easy to offend the influential if you're not cautious. Consider this my final piece of advice to you."Selena complained, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Since you became the chief jewelry designer, have you ever shown any regard for the advice of others?" Jones countered, "Moreover, Mr. Flores doesn't want Maggie's identity exposed to avoid unnecessary complications. You should know what to do. The next time you face a situation, remember to think carefully."Selena's downfall was a result of her underestimation of Maggie, her judgement clouded by jealousy.Anyone with a shred of common sense wouldn't dare to blatantly and arrogantly plagiarize another's work.The entire design department was abuzz with chatter about the plagiarism scandal, while Maggie sat at her desk, patiently awaiting Jones's verdict.After about half an hour, Selena emerged from Jones's office, her face ashen.Amy, Selena's assistant, was the first to approach her. "Selena, are you alright?"Ignoring Amy, Selena made her way towards Maggie, halting before her desk.The office fell silent, all eyes trained on Selena.With a self-deprecating smile, Selena conceded, "I underestimated you, Maggie. I was wrong to judge your abilities based on appearances. I surrender. I have nothing left. Are you satisfied now?"Her confession sent ripples of shock through the office.Selena had admitted to plagiarism.Maggie rose from her seat, her gaze steady on Selena. "Your greed was your downfall, Selena. This is your comeuppance. I won't show you mercy, nor will I pity you."Had Maggie not taken the initiative, she would have been the one facing termination today.After years of exploiting her subordinates, Selena was finally facing a formidable adversary.Selena's eyes bore into Maggie. "You laid a trap for me long ago, waiting for me to stumble into it.""Your actions brought this upon you, Selena," Maggie responded candidly, "Moreover, this isn't your first offense. Do you recall plagiarizing a college student's work five years ago?"Maggie had uncovered Selena's previous act of plagiarism and learned from Emily that Selena had stolen a college student's design five years prior, leading to her promotion to chief designer.Maggie had been vigilant, discovering the designs Selena had published five years ago.Although her recollection of the incident was hazy, she had a keen memory for her own creations.She had also confirmed with Dulcinea that the design Selena had released five years ago was identical to the one she had been falsely accused of plagiarizing.At Maggie's words, Selena was hit with a wave of realization.She remembered the first time she had stolen someone else's work, a memory she could never erase.She had been vying for the chief position within the company, but her creative well had run dry, leaving her unable to produce new designs.During a break near the university, at a local beverage shop, she had stumbled upon a design draft left behind by a female college student. The design had captivated her, and she had used it without a second thought."Are you that college student from back then?" Selena asked, her voice trembling.Maggie responded resolutely, "You ruined my college career, Selena. The punishment you're facing now is far too lenient in my eyes."
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