Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 391

Felicia had just come out of the washroom when she heard the noise. At that, she asked with a frown, “Who are you guys?”

“I’m George Walden, the director of Savill Jewelry Atelier. We suspect your employee has stolen one of our designer’s work, and we have the right to pursue legal liability,” the guy said confidently as though it did happen, and it was even dire.

No doubt they were merely causing a ruckus since something like this was normal between rival companies. At that, Felicia sneered and asked, “Where’s your proof? Don’t slander our employees for no reason, or we’ll sue you for defamation.”

“We definitely have proof, or why do you think we’d dare come to you? You have a designer named Anastasia Tillman, working under your company, don’t you? She has submitted a sketch for next year’s spring jewelry show, hasn’t she? In reality, she stole my employee’s masterpiece and claimed it as her own. We have the right to pursue her legal liability, so if you’ll please have her come out.”

Felicia couldn’t help feeling shocked at that. Who knew that Anastasia would be caught up in a plagiarism scandal? How could this be, though?

“She’s on leave right now. I can deal with this.”

“Oh, we’re not just holding her accountable. We’re also suing Bourgeois for mismanagement,” George announced arrogantly.

Clearly, they weren’t going to quit until they heard the end of it.

“Alright, I’ll contact my designer and have her come forward to clarify the incident.” With that, Felicia went into her office and called Anastasia.

Anastasia happened to be at Tillman Constructions right then. The reports she was reading were giving her a headache, and she eased immediately upon hearing the ringtone. “Hey, Felicia.”

“A director of another jewelry atelier has come to us saying that you allegedly plagiarized their employee’s work, Anastasia. Are you free to come and deal with this?”

“What? Plagiarize? Me?” The news baffled Anastasia as there was no way she would ever do something like that!

“Yeah, they’re even claiming that the piece you stole is the one you submitted to the jewelry show.”

“Impossible! That’s my own design and my own inspiration.” Anastasia retorted.

“I believe you too. However, those guys won’t leave until you come and verify it yourself. Can you rush over?”

“Sure, I’ll be there in a second.”

With that, Anastasia dashed to Bourgeois.

Back at Bourgeois, gossipers began crowding together. Alice was among them as she listened to their whispers about the incident. More than that, it delighted her when most of them were evidently mocking Anastasia.

“Goodness! They’ve even paid to be on the trending page.”

At that, someone read out the headline, saying, “Designer of a famous jewelry atelier shamelessly steals other’s work after running out of ideas. Evidence to prove.”

“Designer, Anastasia Tillman, of Bourgeois by QR is guilty of plagiarizing.”

Alice smiled as she listened to all that. Looks like Savill really wants to make a big deal out of this! Will Anastasia still have the nerve to stay in this industry?

At this point, Felicia ushered the people from Savill to wait in the conference room. After coming out, she deliberated whether to call Elliot, but in the end, she decided to wait until Anastasia had arrived before doing so.

After all, it was an inglorious issue for Anastasia.

As she dashed toward the lobby, the receptionists all shot her nasty looks. Clearly, everyone at Bourgeois had heard about her incident.

When Anastasia showed up in the office, the gossip stopped immediately, leaving only a mocking gaze staring at her.

“Here, Anastasia,” Felicia called out to her.

At that, Anastasia went into Felicia’s office. As soon as the door closed, Felicia looked at her gravely. “Anastasia, they’re making a big deal out of this. They are clearly planning to ruin Bourgeois’ reputation.”

Of course, Anastasia could understand Felicia’s worries. At that, she raised her hand and swore, “I swear that I’ve never stolen anyone’s work.”

“Alright, I trust you. Also, I haven’t told President Presgrave about this yet. You decide whether to inform him.”

“I want to meet these guys first.” An exasperated Anastasia wanted to set the record straight. How dare they accuse her of plagiarizing for no apparent reason.

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“Take it easy. I have a feeling they’ve come prepared, so we’d better not fall into their trap.” Felicia patted Anastasia’s shoulder.

After entering the conference room, Anastasia looked toward the five people sitting there. There were two lawyers, two Savill staff, and the director.

“Are you Anastasia Tillman, the person who stole my designer’s work?” George sneered as soon as he saw Anastasia.

At that, Anastasia stared coldly at him. “On what basis do you say that?”

“We have proof, of course. In fact, you replicated nearly the whole of my designer’s piece and submitted it to the show.”

“I know well if I’ve done so.” Anastasia continued to stare coldly at George, not intimidated at all.

Just then, one of them took out an iPad and opened the sketch before handing it to Anastasia. “Miss Tillman, why don’t you take a look at these two pieces first? One of them is our designer’s drawing and the other one is yours. They’re practically identical.”

Anastasia took the iPad with a frown and couldn’t help being stupefied upon seeing the sketches. They were indeed identical with only differences in a few details.

“This is my work. You guys stole it!” Anastasia retorted as she put the iPad down.

“We get that you’re not talented enough, Miss Tillman, and that you want to establish your reputation as a designer by plagiarizing my designer’s work,” George said with utter sympathy.

At that, Felicia stood up for Anastasia. “That’s where you’re wrong. Miss Tillman is our most talented designer, and she will never steal somebody’s work.”

“Naturally, we would gather all the evidence before coming to look for you. Firstly, this piece is from our chief designer, Jacqueline Sherman. Secondly, she released it earlier than you did. What’s more, the finished product was placed in our company’s display case last month. However, Miss Tillman submitted her sketch on the twelfth of this month. According to the timeline, she could’ve plagiarized the piece.”

“Impossible!” Anastasia held her breath, shocked that Savill had moved so quickly.

Felicia’s face turned slightly grim as well. She remembered that Anastasia had keyed her piece into the company’s system on the second of this month and submitted the sketch to the show a week ago. Hence, the timing was very unfavorable for Anastasia.

Nonetheless, she still trusted that Anastasia wouldn’t do something like this.

“Miss Tillman, Savill will not tolerate such behavior. You have two options—take down your piece, apologize to Savill publicly on behalf of Bourgeois, and compensate for our loss. Otherwise, we will pursue your legal liability for plagiarizing our work and demand compensation. Of course, you’d still have to apologize to us.”

George pressed on, and he even concluded that Anastasia was the thief.

At that, Felicia said, “We need to dig into this before giving you an answer. Why don’t you guys head back first?”

“Alright, seeing that we’re fellow traders, I’ll give you until 3.00PM tomorrow.” George added disdainfully, “How unfortunate for something like this to happen within the jewelry design industry.”

Anastasia was still baffled when the door closed behind her. How did Savill manage to display her work in advance?!

She was certain that was her design, for she had sketched it out with her own hands. In fact, that piece came to her when she sat alone until late at night under the starry sky.

How did she become the plagiarist?!

The true thief was Jacqueline!

Anastasia heard people gossiping about her the entire way back to her office. Some who long had a problem with her couldn’t care less about offending her anymore.

“I thought she really was capable, but it turns out she got to her position by stealing other people’s work.”

“Well, isn’t that the truth? Thanks to her, our company’s reputation will be ruined.”

“I swear, one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel.”

Meanwhile, Alice entered Anastasia’s office with a cup of coffee, gloating. “I thought you were something! Who knew that you only rose to fame with such shortcuts?!”

Chapter 393

Anastasia remained silent in her seat.

“I think it’s best if you don’t ask President Presgrave to save you, for it’ll only make things worse. You’d better quickly apologize and compensate Savill to save our company from further losses,” Alice reminded her.

Of course, she didn’t want Elliot to be involved in this. Though she was confident that they wouldn’t have anything on her, she didn’t want to be panicky either.

“Why should I apologize when I never plagiarized in the first place? The one who should be apologizing is Savill.” Anastasia looked up and stared coldly at Alice.

Alice hit the roof at that. “Are you going to keep acting stubborn, Anastasia? You’ve already become a joke in the jewelry design industry. Are you only going to apologize after you’ve ruined all of Bourgeois’ reputation? I will not let you destroy the company’s future!”

Anastasia’s only option was to apologize.

Anastasia stood up in response and said firmly, “I will not apologize before I get to the bottom of this.”

Alice couldn’t help choking and snapped, “Just because President Presgrave likes you doesn’t mean you can act lawlessly, you know. It’s already embarrassing that you’ve plagiarized. Are you going to make a bigger deal out of this?!”

“I didn’t plagiarize, so I won’t apologize.” One could tell from Anastasia’s beautiful face that she wasn’t about to compromise.

Alice was taken aback, for she had never seen someone as stubborn as Anastasia.

At that, she glared at Anastasia and uttered, “Well, I can’t wait to see what your fate will be!”

Meanwhile, Felicia pondered over something as she stood in her office. Savill was coming at Anastasia with full force, putting her at a disadvantage. With that, she decided to give Elliot a call.

“Hello?” Elliot’s voice came from the other end of the line.

“President, there’s something you need to know.”

After hearing the whole story from Felicia, he asked concerningly, “What did she say?”

“Anastasia is sure that she didn’t plagiarize.”

“Alright, I’ll come over now.” With that, Elliot ended the call.

Bourgeois was still in the process of moving; since Elliot was at the Presgrave Group, he needed some time to get there.

Meanwhile, Grace brought a cup of tea for Anastasia while she sat in her office. “Anastasia, I believe you didn’t plagiarize. No matter what everyone else says, I believe you,” said Grace as she comforted her, feeling bad for the woman.

“Thanks, Grace.” Anastasia was grateful to have an assistant like Grace.

After Grace left, Anastasia propped her forehead, trying to figure out how the whole thing came to be.

She had finished her first draft on the tenth of last month, and Savill had already put the piece on their display by the end of last month. In other words, they had about twenty days in between amending and coming up with the finished product. If their workshop worked overtime on this piece of jewelry, it was indeed possible for them to launch it in about a fortnight at best.

However, the sketch had always been with her, so who could’ve handed it to Savill?

leaked it, and it had already happened when she came up with the

the industry

end, Anastasia determined that someone had stolen

and out of her office, and she needed more time

Savill wanted her to answer by 3.00PM the next day. They clearly didn’t want to give her time

dragging

in the market and also garnered a high approval rate. Hence, no doubt fellow traders would

heard someone pushing the door open. At that, she looked up and

Elliot had come!

Elliot propped his hand on the desk and asked when he saw her searching for something, “What are you looking

Chapter 394

Anastasia finally found her first draft, she put it on her desk and said, “This is my first draft, but it

were based on when the piece was keyed into the system. Clearly,

believe you.” Elliot looked

“Do you really have

I suppose to believe when I don’t even believe in my woman?” Elliot’s gaze

and she evaded his gaze. Nonetheless, his words had given her a confidence

who leaked my sketch to Savill.” With that, she looked down

sketches, but now, Savill claimed it as their own and even slandered her for it. How exasperating it

lesson for you.” Elliot’s face turned grim. That person probably had a death wish since they

continued, “Also, Savill will have to pay a heavy price

was rendered at a loss

a feeling Savill would be

check

security didn’t dare snub Anastasia’s request, sending the footage of said time to her laptop. With

to panic in her office. She hadn’t expected Elliot to actually step

was more, he had a bunch of formidable lawyers. Even if Anastasia was sued, his lawyers would be able to

this, Anastasia definitely wouldn’t put up with it. Right then, she sat in front

next to her, watching her stare into the screen with her brows locked into a deep furrow, non-blinking. “Do

her mind—Alice and Aliona. These two were openly hostile toward her. However, she couldn’t rule out the possibility of someone

We’ll talk after I’m done watching the footage.” Anastasia watched the surveillance footage frame by frame, fast-forwarding

a chair over and sat next to Anastasia. He decidedly ignored the important work in Presgrave Group, choosing to solve the incident with her

back to work too! I can handle this

anywhere. After all, nothing was more

to Elliot. “I might have to

call him.” With that, Elliot

than that, he was among

of mind, watching the surveillance footage with her. Meanwhile, Anastasia

to falsely accuse the innocent, nor would she spare the

answer by the following afternoon, she had to look through all

Jared, she could focus on work. Sometime later, Grace brought her a little

Chapter 395

want me to help you out?” Elliot wanted to

She had to

should

bloodshot, but she wasn’t

heart

her eyes and take a break. While she rubbed

snuck a peek outside to find Elliot massaging Anastasia’s neck, causing

Elliot’s relationship. More than that, she feared that they’d discover

grew nervous upon seeing the five

a sip from her coffee and suddenly thought of

it didn’t mean he didn’t have other

he came back in, Anastasia was still fixing her eyes on the laptop screen. However, her

her office for less than two minutes before coming out. However, when she left, she looked

she saved this portion

had two cups of coffee at this point. Meanwhile, Elliot never looked away from her this whole time either. He finally grabbed her hand

first, and you can continue

was stressed out since

to even if you don’t want to. If you’re worried that Savill won’t let you off the hook, then there’s

restaurant across here,” Anastasia

bodyguards come up and guard the space, forbidding

that Anastasia was staying back to investigate, she stayed as well. Right then, she was texting Jacqueline and telling

are sure you’ll win the lawsuit, right? You can’t drag me

boss is confident.

to Jacqueline—Anastasia’s relationship with Elliot. Savill only knew that Anastasia was one of Bourgeois’ designers. What they didn’t know was that she was

time, Alice had a creeping sense of panic that

should pack up and leave the country. When she came out, she snuck a peek at the two bodyguards stationed

didn’t have much appetite despite

overthink stuff. If anything, I’ll support you.” With that, Elliot put some food on her plate, which she ate before saying with

independent women were the most confident,

of bird’s nest soup to

she was being force-fed by this man. However, she still

half a million was transferred to Alice Thompson’s account at 2.00PM today. It was transferred from Savill Jewelry

response to that, he replied, ‘Keep

Chapter 396

was done drinking the bird’s nest soup, Anastasia grabbed her bag and said to Elliot, “I’ll head

Elliot to stay anyway. With that, they paid the bill and headed back to Bourgeois. When they arrived back in the office, those who were working overtime had

a bother. The khaki-colored bodycon

that, he sat across

underneath her thick, long lashes as clear as crystals, and her delicate facial features made her palm-sized face

with her the more

who matches my aesthetics so perfectly

preferences, and she was a beauty from

Anastasia decided to look away from her laptop only to

his eyes were like vortexes that sucked her in, and his pursed lips were laced with

Elliot curled his lips

back and raised her

if I help you find

on relying on him. However, since he had suggested it, she agreed

“That’s a yes?”

this culprit.” I’ve watched the surveillance footage for hours, and I still

It’s a deal.” With that, he closed her laptop. “Don’t look anymore.

got Anastasia stumped.

you know tomorrow. Now, let’s go home!” It pained Elliot to see

me who it is!” Anastasia shot

With that, he explained, “I’ve asked Rey to retrieve all of Bourgeois’ employees’ recent bank transactions and found

she had suspected! She thought Alice had been acting rather suspicious in the clip she had

figured it was her.” Anastasia slapped her desk

you home now and deal with this tomorrow.” Malice shot from Elliot’s cold gaze as he swore, “I’ll make them pay for what they did to

of the surveillance footage at this point, certain

when they came out of Bourgeois. Just then, a gust of cold wind blew past, leading

her into his arms and wrapped her up in his suit jacket, causing her

pleasant scent which invaded

to find it was already 9.30PM, so she gave up on picking up

tea?” Elliot’s true intentions were evident in

Anastasia rejected as she looked at

to drink some tea. I

you not realize

her. “You heartless woman. Go on, go

Just then, what Alice had done to

Alice arrived at the international airport in a taxi, entering hurriedly with her suitcase. Meanwhile, one of Elliot’s bodyguards received a call

Chapter 397

be able to leave the

no way would she be able to get through

had prepared to hide abroad with the five hundred

would give her trouble, for she had brought them devastating disaster by

to

customs officer returned her documents and announced, “I’m sorry, miss, but you’ve

drained from Alice’s face upon hearing their words. “What?! How?

banned from leaving the country. As for the reason, I’m pretty sure you

could do was leave the airport with her luggage. Am I still not able to escape when I’ve

friends and asked if she had committed some

before, her colleagues looked at her with mocking

find anything?”

have a clip of her coming in and out

in response. “She’s the mole?

work. Anastasia had been waiting for the people from Savill to show up at 3.00PM, but what came was even bigger news. Savill had been sued for bribing a Bourgeois employee, stealing a design sketch, being involved in violating

day before were all about Savill prosecuting Bourgeois, but it was the

was

got a call just then, and she fell silent for a few seconds after answering it. Then, she looked toward Anastasia. “Alice has been

moved so

all night

came, an even more shocking piece of news came. Savill’s stock market crashed and even hit the limit at one point, causing it to be on the verge

never expected their one mistake to cost them everything after taking legal action against a designer,

issue came to an end by that afternoon. Savill would be withdrawing from the jewelry-making industry, and their CEO even held a press conference himself to apologize to Anastasia, admitting they had stolen her sketch and

the compensation amount, they all turned into green-eyed monsters. Not only had

sure was different

she was happy to get a whopping amount

seriously polluted

trip to the pantry later on, everyone

all know you were

to steal

Chapter 398

just

and Savill brought their ending upon

to her office,

came from the other end of

treat.” Anastasia had

he had retained

said that he’d babysit Jared. I’ll be

didn’t have a problem with

like a special thanks tonight,” he