Chapter 318
Bettany’s pupils contracted. She hadn’t anticipated Doris posing the question so directly. She was momentarily stunned.
Doris lowered her head, took a deep breath, and then suddenly raised her gaze to address everyone. “Everyone, I must confess one thing. The inspiration for this painting did indeed come from another artwork, but it was solely for the purpose of seeking inspiration. I meticulously crafted this painting stroke by stroke, from start to finish. It bears the imprint of my toil and dedication.”
With that, she offered a profound bow and stepped back, adopting a dignified and upright stance.
Observing her in such a state, Bettany felt a sense of uncertainty, leaving her somewhat suspended.
Doris had the advantage in this situation. She openly acknowledged that her inspiration came from Bettany. If Bettany were to affirm that the painting resembled her in this moment, the judges wouldn’t perceive it as plagiarism; they would only see it as drawing upon some creative inspiration.
Above all, Bettany’s original creation had been destroyed, making her one–sided claims far from convincing.
As anticipated, some of the judges displayed a bias in favor of Doris and voiced their support for her. “Inspiration shouldn’t be labeled as plagiarism. It’s likely that both paintings share some similarities, but the rest should be distinctive,” they argued.
As they spoke, their eyes were fixed inquisitively on Bettany, seeking her response. Bettany moved her lips, wishing to convey: “No, it’s not just a little resemblance; it’s entirely alike, precisely identical.”
Nevertheless, before she could utter a word, another judge chimed in, stating, “It’s undoubtedly distinct. Even if the original artwork were placed right here, it would be impossible for it to be an exact match. Besides, who would leave their completed painting in someone else’s house for an extended period?”
Upon hearing this, Bettany was rendered utterly speechless.
Even Bettany herself was somewhat perplexed. She had only shown the painting to Doris, and after Doris had damaged it, she had retrieved it.
In such a brief timeframe, how could Doris recall it and replicate it with such precision?
Even Bettany herself couldn’t achieve such a feat.
Furthermore, it had been such a long time that she had nearly forgotten the appearance of the original painting.
Crucially, Bettany was excessively timid. After being confined by Marcus for an
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extended period, her spurn had been eleniti antly diminished, Paced with skepticieni and authority, she lacked the courage to offer any resistance,
All eyes remained feed on her, anticipating her responer
Bettany rated her gaze, scanning the expectant faces around her. Afterward, she swinly averted her eyes and murmured softly, “It’s not very alike. Perhaps Dons drew inspiration from my painting”
Upon hearing this, Doris breathed a sigh of relief. A trace of satisfaction briefly flickered in her eyes.
She thought, “Hmph, even the original artist acknowledged it wasn’t plagiarism and was merely a minor reference, Who could accuse me of plagiarism now? Just as she was celebrating, a composed female voice suddenly interjected, “This artwork has been stolen. A dishonest individual should not proceed to the second
round.”
She boldly declared it as plagiarism without a hint of hesitation!
This statement hit the room like a thunderclap, leaving everyone in a state of shock and confusion.
Doris nearly lost her composure. After a lengthy pause, she retorted angrily, “Who are you to claim that this painting is a plagiarism? Bettany herself stated otherwise,”
The other judges, growing uneasy with Olivia’s apparent bullying of a student, joined in, expressing. “Ms. Taylor, despite your association with Mrs. Liebsig, you can’t make allegations of plagiarism without concrete evidence”
“Yes, that’s a valid point,” everyone concurred. “We’ve heard that Ms. Taylor didn’t pursue painting but delved into medical biology instead. After so many years, their artistic foundation may be quite diminished. What authority do they have to pass judgment on others?”
Many individuals harbored discontent about Olivia holding the position of Mrs. Liebsig’s disciple while not actively pursuing painting. They believed she had squandered a valuable opportunity.
Despite their dissatisfaction with Olivia, people refrained from going too far due to her connection as Mrs. Liebsig’s disciple
Nonetheless, from the expression on their faces, it was evident that their words. suggested Olivia was speaking without a solid basis.
Bettany was slightly apprehensive. She approached Olivia’s side and gazed up with unease. “Olivia, I understand your intention to support me. I’m alright. You don’t. need to be concerned about me.”
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