Everyone turned toward the door, which had been thrown wide open. A grown man strode inside, heading straight for Clara. The sharpness in his eyes couldn't be concealed by the glasses he wore.
“How dare you plagiarize my work! You have to take responsibility!” Edwin Orson shouted, accusing Clara of plagiarizing his work.
He owned a company in the same field as Clara's, but with a much longer business history. His reputation was excellent, and his company was thriving. However, ever since Clara and Alfred founded their company, more and more attention had shifted to the two of them.
The elegant, daring, and unique ideas of young visionaries were the main reason Clara and Alfred's company had grown so rapidly. Clara's work, in particular, attracted a great deal of attention, especially from young couples preparing to get married. Alfred managed the business exceptionally well, keeping complaints and problems to a minimum.
“Sir—”
“You wretched woman! A woman should stay home and keep quiet. Why are you running a company instead? And look at what you've done—you've caused an enormous problem. You know how difficult it is to create a design, yet you stole my work! I don't care what you have to say. You have to take responsibility!” Mr. Edwin continued shouting, pointing furiously at Clara's face. The veins in his neck stood out. His eyes seemed to burn brighter with the flames of his anger.
He looked terrifying now. Mr. Edwin then turned to the entire executive board and said sharply, “You experienced old-timers—how could you let a young woman like her commit a crime like this?”
“If you refuse to take responsibility, I'll take this matter to court,” he continued.
“Mr. Edwin, please calm down.” Feli tried to speak calmly.
But Mr. Edwin was already consumed by blazing anger, so he snapped, “How am I supposed to stay calm when the work I created through so much effort has been stolen like this?”
“Sir, but I didn't do it at all,” Clara finally said.
“Oh, really? Where's your proof? Not only did you accept a file from a confidential email, but you also refuse to admit your mistake. This is serious, Mrs. Clara,” Mr. Edwin shot back.
“If you're going to remain this stubborn, then we'd better go to court,” he continued, turning to leave—but Clara immediately blocked his path.
“We can resolve this matter internally. Give me some time to prove that I'm innocent,” Clara said.
A mocking smile spread across Mr. Edwin's wrinkled face. “How?”
“As for that, all you need to do is give me some time. I'll think of a way myself. I ask for your understanding, Mr. Edwin,” Clara replied.
“Fine. I'll give you until dawn. Don't think you can run away from this problem!” Mr. Edwin threatened before walking away arrogantly.
“Ma'am, this is your design. Doesn't trying to prove yourself like this show that you really did it?” Feli asked doubtfully.
They were alone in Clara's office. Clara paced back and forth, her mind crowded with all kinds of thoughts. Feli's question went unanswered.
The design clearly belonged to her, and no one knew how it had been made except Feli and Alfred. Clara suddenly stopped walking. She stared at Feli, wondering whether the secretary who had been with her since the company was founded had betrayed her.
Clara immediately shook her head and looked away. She continued walking. It was impossible. Then what about Alfred? That was even more impossible.
Just then, Feli's phone suddenly rang. She looked at the caller's name and quickly answered. “Hello, Mr. Alfred.”