Chapter 54 It's Not Me Who Should Be Afraid
Selena strolled into the art building where the exhibition was buzzing. She was dressed to impress and definitely stood out among the sea of business suits.
She scanned the room and quickly zeroed in on her target: Henry Spencer, the big boss of Vanguard Group.
"Mr. Spencer, sorry, am I late?" Selena walked over with confidence and shook Henry's hand.
A bunch of Silver Bay University bigwigs were huddled around Henry. This year, he was footing the bill for all the electronic gear for their computer courses and even throwing in ten thousand air conditioners.
Henry was rocking a suit, but he had this laid-back vibe that made him seem more approachable than your typical businessman. No flashy accessories, just a well-kept look that made him seem more energetic than most.
"Ms. Cooper, you finally made it. I thought you had forgotten."
Selena had designed a house for Henry before, which is how they knew each other.
"Mr. Spencer's invitation? No way I'd miss that!" Selena said, then turned to a sharply dressed middle-aged woman, "Professor Stone, long time no see."
Samantha Stone, thirty-five, looking all professional with her black-framed glasses, had that mature woman charm going on.
But when Selena called her "Professor Stone," Samantha's face darkened a bit.
Henry chimed in with a grin, "Still calling her Professor? Samantha got promoted to Department Chair this year."
Samantha glanced at Selena, a serious look flashing in her eyes before she smiled and extended her hand. "Actually, I didn't expect you to know Mr. Spencer."
Henry smiled, "The house I love the most was designed by her. Knowing she graduated from Silver Bay University's Art School, I invited her to join me at this year's exhibition."
"Got it." Samantha looked Selena up and down, noting her light makeup and budget-friendly outfit, but kept her thoughts to herself.
Standing next to Henry, Selena first chatted a bit about the house. Seeing he was more into the paintings, she switched gears to talk about the exhibition.
Selena broke down the brushstrokes and the inspiration behind the colors like a pro.
Henry nodded now and then, smiling, and sometimes even throwing in a compliment, "Since you studied painting before, why did you switch to design?"
When he brought this up, Samantha, standing behind, tensed up, but saw Selena smoothly change the subject, "Mr. Spencer, someone over there is calling you."
Henry turned around and saw a business partner raising a glass to him. "Wait here for a moment, I'll go say hi," he said.
Selena nodded politely. Once she was sure Henry wouldn't be back soon, she headed to the restroom around the corner to touch up her makeup.
As soon as she turned on the faucet, someone walked in behind her.
Samantha, still looking well-maintained at thirty-five, gave Selena a once-over with a look of contempt.
"I didn't expect you to dare come back to the school," Samantha said.
Selena took out her lipstick and applied it calmly. "Ms. Stone, you're joking. It's not me who should be afraid," she responded.
Samantha cautiously locked the door, checked each stall to make sure they were alone, and then sneered, "Who would believe the words of an artist accused of plagiarism? Selena, you tried to seduce Kross back then, and his wife chased you to the school and splashed paint all over you. It was a huge scandal. Do you think everyone has forgotten after a few years? Besides, I'm now the Department Chair..."
"Professor Stone, you sacrificed a lot to get that Department Chair position. I wonder if your husband knows about your relationship with Kross. I remember he also transferred to Silver Bay University this year, right?" Selena shot back.
Samantha raised her hand to slap her, but Selena grabbed her wrist and slapped her back.
Samantha was stunned, holding her face in disbelief. "You dare hit me? If I call the police, you're done. You struggled for so many years and almost won an award, but you nearly didn't get your diploma because of plagiarism. Don't you know the cost of offending me?" she scolded.
Selena found it amusing. She turned on the faucet next to her and blocked one side with her finger, causing the water to spray all over Samantha.
Samantha screamed and dodged, but still got quite wet.
"Professor Stone, I think you still don't see the situation clearly. I'm no longer a student at your school. What can you use to threaten me? My diploma? Or continue to accuse me of plagiarism? Unfortunately, I've given up painting now. How do you plan to make me pay?" Selena said.
Samantha was trembling with anger, her eyes filled with rage. She sneered, "What about that video? That video of you being pinned down by Kross, even if he didn't succeed, could still cost you your job as a designer, right?"
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