Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

Sherry was seething with anger, demanding, “What do you mean by that?”

Jane responded with casual indifference, “Exactly what I said.”

Sherry’s rage intensified, frustrated that Jane was mocking her in front of their colleagues, “Stop denying it. It’s a fact that you plagiarized.”

Jane maintained her composure, even as their coworkers began to cast doubtful looks at her, “Is that all, Sherry? If there’s nothing else, you should go back to work. This madness isn’t welcome.”

Sherry, boiling with anger, retorted, “What? I’m not crazy! I can’t believe you dare to even suggest it.”

Jane calmly replied, “Did I say that? You’re the one who said ‘crazy.'”

Sherry lost her temper, resorting to name-calling, “You bitch!”

Taking a few deep breaths to regain her composure, Sherry remained determined to publicly expose Jane’s alleged plagiarism. She questioned Jane with disdain, “What’s with your attitude? Do you feel it’s reasonable to plagiarize? If my memory serves me right, Ice and Fire will be launched in two days at the press conference. Are you planning to create a scandal?”

Jane responded with sarcasm, “Don’t worry, Sherry. The design department isn’t expected to be involved with the press conference. If you have spare time, you might want to work on improving your department.”

Sherry’s expression contorted with anger as Jane exposed her incompetence, “I have never known someone so shameless. Everyone can see that you’re guilty of plagiarism, and you don’t even have the decency to admit it. I’m going to inform Mr. Pansy of the situation and ask him to cancel the press conference.”

Jane confidently stated, “Patrick gave me full authority over the press conference.”

Sherry sneered, convinced that Patrick couldn’t have missed the news about Love Jewelry’s collection, and Jane should have been fired for plagiarism, “Impossible.”

Jane responded, “Believe it or don’t, but it’s the truth.”

As Sherry couldn’t accept Patrick’s decision, Jane grew tired of the petty rivalry and wanted to focus on the preparations for the press conference. Sherry’s antagonism was a waste of her time. Hostility dripped from Sherry’s words as she accused Jane of thinking too highly of herself and expressed doubt that Patrick would give authority to a proven thief.

Just then, a familiar male voice intervened, “I left the press conference to Jane. Do you have a problem with my decision?”

Jane turned and saw Patrick approaching. The startled employees quickly returned to their desks, and Patrick questioned, “Shouldn’t you people be working?”

Sherry addressed Patrick, “Mr. Pansy, haven’t you seen the news about Love Jewelry’s new collection? Their design is identical to Jane’s.”

Patrick, with a furrowed brow, asked, “So what?”

Sherry was stunned by his nonchalant response, as she believed Jane was the one who had committed plagiarism, “But Jane plagiarized the design for Ice and Fire. It was morally wrong, and she has created a scandal for this company.”

With a stern gaze, Patrick challenged Sherry’s accusations, suggesting, “Isn’t it possible that Marilyn stole Jane’s ideas? What makes you so certain that Jane is the plagiarist?”

Sherry found the notion of Marilyn stealing Jane’s ideas impossible. She was an award-winning designer and a top figure in the industry. Patrick’s indifference left Sherry dumbfounded.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Frustrated, she confronted Patrick, holding evidence that showed the similarities between Ice and Fire and Love Jewelry’s collection. She claimed it was undeniable proof of Jane’s plagiarism.

Patrick, however, grew impatient and urged her to refocus on her duties. Sherry couldn’t understand why Patrick supported Jane despite the overwhelming evidence against her. She left, fearing that Pansy Group would become a laughingstock within the industry if the press conference proceeded.

Sherry continued to the design department, where she crossed paths with Winston Sidney, the vice president of the company. She recounted Jane’s alleged plagiarism and the pending press conference that had yet to be canceled.

Sherry questioned why Patrick had so much faith in Jane, and Winston sighed, acknowledging that Patrick held control over the company. Winston, once a founding member, now had a lesser role.

As the workday came to an end, Jane remained buried in a mountain of tasks related to the press conference, which had to go off without a hitch to protect Pansy Group’s reputation. Patrick called from his office, suggesting it was time to leave, but Jane, engrossed in her work, preferred to work overtime.

Patrick accepted her decision and hung up the phone. However, much to Jane’s surprise, she heard familiar footsteps approaching. Without turning around, she inquired, “Didn’t you go back?”

Patrick was holding a lunchbox, which he placed on her desk before leaning in to say, “I brought you dinner.”

The mention of dinner reminded Jane that she hadn’t eaten that evening. She wondered how Patrick knew, and why he had brought her dinner in person.