Chapter 258
258:
“Coen, what exactly is happening? Can you offer any clarification? Your designer’s actions have tarnished Kylee’s reputation severely. How is she expected to appear at tonight’s event? You’re aware that Kylee now fears even glancing at her phone, breaking down in tears with each query from her fans! Coen, what’s your plan for making amends?”
Coen, taken aback by the rapid escalation, was equally troubled. “Don’t worry, I’m on it.”
However, Kylee’s manager pressed on relentlessly. “There’s no time to delay with an investigation! Linsey, the novice designer, clearly copied from Jude’s creations. The dress is a total loss. We need an immediate replacement—something pre-made would suffice. Send it quickly so Kylee can change!”
Coen massaged his temples, his frustration evident. “Uh, Evie, this might be a misunderstanding. Maybe Linsey didn’t actually plagiarize. We can still salvage this.”
He had initially hoped Linsey would clinch Kylee’s design order, paving the way for a promotion and a raise. Now, with this scandal unfolding, it seemed like sheer bad luck.
Evie Harmon, Kylee’s manager, snapped, “Don’t feed me that nonsense. Plagiarism is plagiarism. Kylee’s about to step onto the red carpet, and the only sensible move is to switch designers immediately! Coen, let me be clear. If you disregard my advice this time, Kylee will sever ties with your firm. It all depends on your next move.”
Coen’s heart sank.
The prospect of losing Kylee as a client over an issue with Linsey was unthinkable.
“Evie, I hear you. I’ll do exactly as you suggest,” Coen replied, attempting to soothe her with a smile. “We have a host of talented designers, but given the timing of the red carpet event, they might need to offer off-the-rack dresses.”
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“That will be acceptable,” Evie stated decisively. “As long as it matches Kylee’s taste and hasn’t been displayed online, it will work. We’re pressed for time.”
“No worries,” Coen assured her. “Has Kylee expressed any preference for a designer? We’ll ensure she’s satisfied.”
Evie responded, “Kylee mentioned her cousin, Cynthia Keller, a designer in your department. Start with her. See if she has any ready-to-wear pieces that fit the bill. If not, any qualified designer will do.”
“Understood, understood,” Coen replied, relieved. He then cautiously added, “What should we do about Linsey?”
After a brief pause, Evie scoffed coldly. “Linsey’s blunder is grave—she must face strict consequences. Coen, keeping someone like her could drag down your firm and risk other client relationships. It would be disastrous.”
Coen paused before responding solemnly, “Got it. I’ll take care of it.”
Meanwhile, Linsey was oblivious to the online backlash. She was deep in her work, perfecting new design techniques.
Earlier that day, Kylee had reached out, asking her to come to the red carpet event after her shift.
Linsey’s phone had been buzzing softly for a while, but she ignored it, assuming the vibrations were merely alerts about the gown’s public unveiling earlier that day.
Suddenly, a colleague approached Linsey, her expression troubled. “Linsey, why are you still here working? Haven’t you seen what’s happening online? You’re in a lot of trouble.”
Linsey looked up, her expression one of startled confusion. “What?”
Her colleague paused, clearly struggling with how to deliver the news. “You really haven’t seen it? A well-known designer has accused you of plagiarism on the internet.”
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