Chapter 160 Responding Calmly
Offstage, Tricia could totally feel something was off.
She leaned in close to Abigail and whispered, "Hey, Abigail, did she know about your work ahead of time and straight-up copy you?"
But as soon as she said it, she felt something was fishy. "Why does this piece look so much like your style? Is it yours?"
Abigail gave a slight nod and put a finger to her lips, signaling for silence. "Let's just wait and see."
She knew Tricia's impulsive nature and worried she might spill the beans. Tricia wasn't a design student but a finance major, just tagging along.
"So, she really did rip you off? No way, we can't let her get away with this!" Just thinking about how Jessica had been bullying Abigail for years, even stealing her designs, made Tricia furious.
'Does Jessica think she can do whatever she wants just because no one gets mad?' Tricia fumed.
Abigail grabbed her arm and shook her head. "Now's not the time. Let's wait a bit longer."
Tricia didn't want to wait! Not even a second!
She wanted to teach Jessica a lesson right now, to make her realize her mistake and know who not to mess with!
Seeing her so indignant, almost ready to storm the stage, Abigail felt pretty helpless.
She whispered, "Don't worry, I have a plan."
"Really?" Tricia's eyes widened.
Abigail smiled and nodded. "Of course, don't you trust me? I know what I'm doing, relax."
Hearing this, Tricia finally breathed a sigh of relief. But her eyes stayed glued to Jessica on stage.
After Jessica finished speaking, she got a look of satisfaction and praise from Thomas. "Jessica, this work is excellent, very different from before. Keep it up."
Jessica used to not pay attention in class and often skipped.
She initially majored in finance, but later, when Abigail enrolled in fashion design and journalism, Jessica followed suit.
However, Jessica couldn't keep up with the courses, failed several subjects in journalism, and was advised to withdraw by the department head.
'Fortunately, there's still time to fix this,' Thomas thought.
Jessica straightened her back and smiled, "Thank you, Thomas, I will!"
Thomas looked at her with even more satisfaction.
It seemed Jessica had really grown up and started working hard, which was what Thomas most wanted to see.
Jessica, under countless curious or envious gazes, slowly walked off the stage.
After sitting back down, she once again gave Abigail a provocative smile.
"Abigail, plagiarism will get you a zero, and you won't graduate. Don't say I didn't warn you," said Jessica.
Looking at her smug face, Abigail slowly curved her lips. "Thanks, but it's not certain who won't graduate yet."
Just then, Tricia suddenly gasped and nervously shoved her phone in front of Abigail.
"Abigail, something's happened. You're trending!" Tricia exclaimed.
Abigail looked down and saw the trending topic on the phone screen: #Aramore University's Campus Belle and Academic Star Accused of Plagiarism in Graduation Work.
She tapped the screen and opened the trending topic.
The top post clearly stated that Abigail's graduation work was suspected of plagiarizing the mermaid dress design of fellow student Jessica. It was also mentioned that Abigail was Jessica's half-sister.
The marketing account's content was very pointed, trashing Abigail in every way.
Some folks even claimed this wasn't the first time Abigail had pulled this stunt, saying her previous stellar grades and killer designs were all swiped from Jessica.
Online, the hate was real. Everyone was dragging Abigail, calling her shameless for jacking her sister's work, saying she was morally bankrupt and didn't deserve to stay at Aramore University.
Some even suggested digging into Abigail's exam results, questioning how a girl could achieve such top-notch accomplishments.
Seeing this, Tricia was livid.
Having been tight with Abigail for years, she knew better than anyone what kind of person Abigail was.
She also knew Abigail was the real victim here.
All her works were her own creations, not the so-called plagiarism and theft.
She shot a death glare at Jessica and demanded, "Jessica, is this your doing?"
Jessica raised an eyebrow smugly and slightly curled her lips. "So what if it was me? Got any proof? If not, I can sue you for defamation."
Tricia was so mad she wanted to rip Jessica's smug face apart.
Abigail quickly grabbed her hand and whispered, "Tricia, don't lose it. Let me handle this, okay?"
This mess was definitely not just Jessica's doing.
Jessica didn't have the brains to set up such a plan to catch her off guard.
If this hadn't suddenly blown up online, she could almost be sure it was Kayla's doing.
Because the only one benefiting from this was Jessica, and Jessica didn't have that kind of scheming.
But now, seeing the trending topic's rising popularity, a cold glint flashed in Abigail's eyes.
Hearing Abigail's words, Tricia's anger slightly cooled. She gritted her teeth and glared at Jessica, saying in a low voice, "I've never seen such a nasty piece of work like you. If Roman knew what kind of person you are, what would he think?"
Jessica's face immediately darkened. "Are you threatening me?"
Tricia slightly curled her lips and said slowly, "So what if I am? I'm protecting Abigail. If you dare to mess with her, I won't let you off easy."
Jessica sneered, her expression unchanged, as if she wasn't threatened at all. "Go ahead and tell him. Let's see if Roman believes you or me!"
Seeing her so cocky, Tricia bit her lip. If it weren't for Abigail's specific instructions not to lose it, she would've already acted!
On stage, Abigail stood gracefully, a faint smile on her delicate, fair face.
"Hey everyone, I'm Abigail. My graduation work is a vintage long dress." As Abigail spoke, she displayed her design sketch.
The picture showed a dark green vintage long dress, with a complex front closure that looked like meticulously carved flowers, bright and beautiful.
With the addition of pearls and jade, it appeared particularly elegant and luxurious.
The waist-cinching and slit design added a touch of sensuality and charm, giving it a classical beauty.
Abigail explained, "The inspiration for this piece comes from a respected elder of mine. The finished product is being rushed, and next month is her birthday. I hope to give her this dress."
Abigail's voice was soft and gentle, her tone slow, like she was telling a story.
This naturally drew everyone in.
As everyone was immersed, Abigail suddenly changed her tone. "Actually, my original graduation work wasn't this one, but a mermaid dress. Coincidentally, my work and Jessica's are almost identical."
The audience was in an uproar.
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