Chapter 16 Everyone sat waiting for the host on stage to announce the competition results . Lily felt a little nervous . Just as the host opened the envelope to read the results , someone suddenly approached and whispered in his ear . " Ladies and gentlemen , " the host announced , " a plagiarism incident has been reported . To ensure fairness , we will reassess the entries involved . " The word " plagiarism " sent a ripple of shock through the audience . Plagiarism was a career - ending stigma in their industry . Though initially handled privately , the organizers yielded to demands and projected both contested designs onto the screen . Lily stared in disbelief - her work and Sophie's were displayed side by side . Her eyes darted between Sophie and Victor . Sophie met Lily's gaze with a triumphant smirk . Benjamin leaned close to Lily . " Lily , did you show your drafts to anyone ? " Benjamin trusted Lily implicitly , he knew she'd never plagiarize . He suspected her sketches had been stolen . As Lily rose to defend herself , Sophie stood and declared , " Lily copied my design . " 11 403 Chapter 16 " It was you who stole from me ! " Lily countered . 28H ( Vouche When Lily reached for her portfolio , Sophie produced her own sketches . " I have the original drafts . " Sophie handed her pages to the staff for the judges . Lily submitted hers too - every stroke was her own creation . Benjamin steadied Lily with a hand on her shoulder . " The judges will uncover the truth . I believe in you . " The entire hall held its breath . " The judges have verified , " the host announced , " that Ms. Sophie Harrison's initial drafts predate Ms. Lily Cooper's . " The verdict hung heavy - Lily stood condemned . Stunned , Lily rushed to the judges ' table and snatched both sets of sketches . One glance at Sophie's submission confirmed Lily's suspicion : these were her own abandoned drafts , left behind when she'd departed the Scott Group . Whispers of condemnation swirled around her . Lily's desperate eyes found Victor . Only his testimony could clear her name . Victor saw the plea in her gaze but remained silent . " Victor , " Lily demanded , thrusting the sketches before him , " you gave my work to Sophie , didn't you ? " Her voice trembled with betrayal , Chapter 16 Victor's expression flickered with pain , but Sophie tugged at his arm before he could speak . The judges waited for his answer . " This design belongs to Sophie . " 201Vouchers Victor's words extinguished Lily's last shred of hope . She felt drained of all strength , legs buckling beneath her . Benjamin hurried forward to steady Lily . Sophie watched Lily's state with immense satisfaction . Only when the commotion subsided did she approach them , her voice dripping with sarcasm . " How about that trending topic exposing the Lee Group's plagiarism ? " Victor stood nearby , hearing Sophie's taunt yet making no move to intervene ― his gaze detached and icy . Choosing not to engage Sophie , Benjamin addressed Victor instead . " I never expected you'd help a plagiarist twist the truth . " Victor merely gave Lily a cursory glance . " Protecting my girlfriend - is that a problem ? " Benjamin clenched his fists , ready to strike , but Lily restrained him . She assumed he feared the company's stock would plummet . " I'll resign and take full responsibility . the Lee Group's shares won't be affected . " Benjamin quickly corrected her , " This isn't about stocks . I'm standing up 11.4601 Chapter 16 for you . " 288 Vouchers Victor had no interest in hearing Benjamin's sweet nothings . As he turned to leave with Sophie , Lily's voice halted him . " Victor , consider my past pursuit of you my mistake . " " But you pushing me into the pool , leaving me in the fire , even today's plagiarism - call it my karma . We're even now . Victor paused mid - step . After a long silence , one word escaped his lips : " Fine . " 497 Chapter 17