Emma also appeared at that moment, her eyes red as she accused me, "Claire, I could overlook it when you plagiarized my designs for your previous assignments…

"But this graduation project, the 'Wild Roses' series, is something I created specifically for Victor's birthday. He even helped me with the revisions. How can you still claim you didn't plagiarize it?"

All the cameras turned toward Victor in an instant as the reporters waited for his response. I looked at him too.

Victor avoided my gaze and said to the reporters, "The 'Wild Roses' design is indeed Emma's creation. When we studied together late at night, I watched her draw the blueprints with my own eyes."

I completely froze in place. Walking toward him under the flashing lights, I stared into his eyes and asked, "Are you certain that I plagiarized her work?"

My eyes were filled with tears, and my voice was choked up. Victor's eyes showed his reluctance and internal conflict, but in the end he still insisted the design was Emma's original work.

Emma also condemned me right then. "Claire, I know you're Victor's girlfriend, but you can't force him to lie and cover for you because of that!"

I was already too choked up to say anything. I blinked as I watched the two of them work together, my heart aching.

Victor seemed somewhat reluctant and had just reached out toward me when Emma's words made him falter.

"You even hired people to threaten me, trying to make me admit that I was the plagiarizer. If Victor hadn't testified for me today, you would have ruined my entire life..."

As she raised her hand to wipe her tears, her chiffon sleeve slid to her elbow, revealing several ugly knife wounds on her arm. Victor's pupils contracted sharply as he grabbed her hand.

"What are these knife wounds? Did someone harass you?"

As he spoke, he looked at me with eyes so cold that they pierced my heart. I swallowed my heartache and lifted my face slightly.

"I didn't do it. If you want to play the hero, I won't stop you, but please don't use me as part of your little performance!"

"Claire Webb! You're still making excuses!"

Victor's eyes were filled with utter disgust. "Emma has a gentle personality, but you're sharp-tongued and always badmouthing her behind her back! She's been tolerant time and time again, but instead of apologizing and changing, you've become even more vicious!"

His words left me stunned again, and I felt my blood run cold. "Victor, is this really what you think of me? You'd rather believe her lies than trust me?"

"I trusted you before, and instead of repenting, you bullied her even worse!"

As soon as he finished speaking, reporters swarmed toward me like bees, their sharp questions stabbing at my heart.

I stared at him blankly. I was nearly pushed down several times, but he just watched coldly.

Harsh laughter and contempt filled my ears. Victor even stepped onto the stage and picked up the microphone.

"As the brand representative of Ethereal Jewelry, I announce the termination of our collaboration with Claire Webb. I hope every designer follows professional ethics. Plagiarism is just shameful!"

The spotlight created a halo around him, making him look like some divine figure. Emma gazed at him adoringly.

All I could hear was him announcing that I was to be blacklisted across the industry. I couldn't take in anything else.

Someone threw a cup of water at me first, and then more things were thrown at me. I kept stepping back until I stumbled and fell at the feet of that crowd.

Looking up, I saw Victor protecting Emma as they retreated backstage. I curled my lips in a bitter smile and gave up struggling.

After everything ended, I received a call from the dean. He informed me that my graduation certificate had been revoked and my graduation postponed.

On the day my reputation was ruined, I bought a plane ticket abroad. From then on, I disappeared without a trace.

…

When I came back to my senses, Sam was still staring at me.

"Claire, what do you say? Why don't you have a good talk with Victor? You two are so perfect for each other, it's criminal that you aren't together."

I looked at him in amusement. "No need. I should go."

"Don't leave yet! Just wait a bit longer. Victor's already at the parking lot!" He blocked my path, his tone urgent.

I felt somewhat impatient. "Victor and I have nothing to talk about. Besides, I'm already married."