Chapter 43
Sasha, clearly aggrieved, stood up amidst the whispers of the room. “If that’s the case, why don’t you open the design plans you brought so that everyone can have their say?”
A flicker of disdain flashed in Sasha’s eyes, though it was hidden from view.
At that moment, Myra’s nails dug deep into her palms. The design plans I brought have been altered. What’s there to even show? She knew someone had orchestrated this setup in advance, but she refused to back down. She needed to try, even if nothing she did could change the situation.
“Fine! What’s there to fear? I trust Miss Stark!” Tilly’s angry voice cut through the tension, and Myra tried to stop her, but it was too late. Tilly swiftly brought the design plan to the square table and opened it.
“What is this?!” Tilly’s scream echoed through the room. She quickly attempted to cover the plans, but a hand stopped her before she could.
The design was revealed, and soon, laughter began to ripple through the room, followed by mockery.
“Miss Stark, is this the design plan the Chase Group decided to present to the Hart Group?” The deputy manager sneered, pointing at a poorly drawn figure of a man in various poses. “Looks like the Chase Group didn’t send a designer after all. Instead, they sent a fangirl!”
Myra’s face flushed crimson, her body trembling from the embarrassment of it all. She had never felt so humiliated in her life.
Suddenly, a deep voice resonated in the meeting room. “Mr. Gardner,” it called.
Since Myra had started presenting, Tony had remained silent, but now he slowly stood up, exuding an aura of quiet authority. His presence was commanding, his black suit only accentuating the intensity of his gaze. His eyes swept over the room, forcing everyone to lower their heads in silence, even Mr. Gardner, who let out an awkward cough.
As Tony’s gaze settled on the design plan, he paused. It was clear that the man depicted in the sketches was none other than him. The poses—the walking, sitting, thinking, and even the raised eyebrow—were all undeniably based on him. He glanced over at Myra, whose eyes were closed in resignation.
“If Miss Stark is a genius with the ability to memorize everything at first sight, I must say I’m deeply impressed by her audacity to ‘plagiarize’ the Hay Group’s designs right in front of all of us,” Tony’s voice was calm, but it carried an undeniable weight. His words seemed to accuse Myra, but the underlying tone felt strangely different. Even Mr. Gardner furrowed his brow, catching the meaning behind Tony’s words.
Everyone recalled how Lily had referred to her drawings when explaining the Hay Group’s designs, yet Myra hadn’t even looked at her own outline when explaining hers. She seemed so familiar with every detail of the design, almost as though she had memorized it. But how could she have such a deep understanding of a design she had never seen before? It seemed unlikely she could’ve copied it without someone giving her a heads-up. But who would have risked such a thing? Why would either group engage in such a blatant act of deception?
Tony’s words hung in the air as the room absorbed the tension.
“Director Hart…” Sasha stood up, her voice breaking the silence. “I remember you once said the Hart Group would severely punish those who plagiarize, but I beg you to consider that Myra might have had a reason for her actions. The Hay Group won’t hold the Chase Group accountable, so I hope the Hart Group will show the same leniency.”
The crowd, initially unsure, now looked at Sasha with admiration. Myra, however, felt a heavy weight settle in her chest as she realized what Sasha was trying to do.
Before she could speak, Tony cut her off. His eyes darkened as he looked at Sasha. “I’m not accusing Miss Stark of plagiarism,” he said, his voice cold and unwavering, sending a chill through the room.
Sasha’s heart skipped a beat. She faltered, her face darkening. “What do you mean, Mr. Hart?” she asked, her voice shaking.
Tony’s gaze turned back to Myra, his expression softening ever so slightly. “The Hart Group will not tolerate plagiarism, but we will not make accusations without evidence either. In this case, we will get to the truth soon. Whoever is behind this will face the consequences—unless…” He paused, his eyes shifting between Sasha and Myra. When Myra met his gaze, she saw an unexpected warmth, a hint of comfort in his eyes, which caused her to tighten her grip in silent resolve.
Tony’s eyes then locked onto Lily. “Unless the person responsible is willing to stand up and admit their actions, they will have to face whatever comes next.”
Lily’s body trembled as she froze, her head dropping in shame. Her legs felt weak, and she instinctively lowered her head, unable to meet anyone’s gaze. Next to her, Sasha gripped her palms so tightly that her nails dug into her skin, frustration and fear evident in her clenched fist. He’s protecting her! I’m sure of it. They’re in a secret relationship!
The meeting eventually ended in a cloud of confusion and awkwardness. Myra tried to collect herself, but the gazes of the Hart Group’s employees still stung.
“Miss Stark, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know about the drawing…” Tilly’s voice cracked with emotion as she spoke, close to tears.
Myra placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It’s not your fault. If someone else had ill intentions, there was nothing we could do.”
“Who stole your design plans?” Tilly asked, now fully aware that someone had set them up.
Myra’s face darkened. Her voice was low as she answered, “I don’t have proof, so I can only guess.”
“From the moment we left the Chase Group for the Hart Group until the meeting ended, the Hay Group didn’t have any chance to get their hands on our design plan,” Myra reasoned. “That means it was swapped at the company. It was Elsie. She’s the one who did this. She was furious about being demoted from the Sunny Bay Project and wanted to frame us.”
In the hallway, employees from the Hart Group continued to exit the meeting room in groups, whispering about the events that had unfolded.
As Tony and Leo walked out, the crowd quickly parted, giving them space. Myra’s heart fluttered as she remembered how Tony had subtly helped her during the meeting. But as she moved forward, he walked past her without a glance, his focus solely ahead.
Leo gave her a quick, knowing blink before following Tony.
Myra’s heart skipped. Logan stepped up to her with a quiet smile. “Director Hart doesn’t want people talking behind his back. He helped you today, but he can’t appear close to you in private.”
Logan’s words caught her off guard, but they also left her feeling strangely moved. The memory of Tony’s comforting gaze during the meeting resurfaced, and she couldn’t help but think of the same eyes that had told her to “trust him” before.