The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222 

“Until they’re willing to fork it over.” 

“That guy ain’t exactly hurting for cash, Julian added, “Word is he’s a top–tier member at QY…” 

“We gotta get it by sundown.” 

“Roger that.” Julian knew that whatever the boss wanted, he’d get it. Even though QY claimed the guy had some serious clout, and not someone you’d want to cross… 

But then again, was there anyone you’d dare to cross when his boss? 

“Oh, by the way, boss. There’s a national fashion design competition, and they’re hoping to have you as a judge.” 

Though the Collins family business wasn’t exactly fashion–oriented, Hans Collins was a big shot. He also made a splash in the fashion industry last year with his exceptional design talent. A shirt he designed back in his younger days was quite the sensation. 

But ever since he took over the company, he’s been all business all the time, frequently out of the country and barely even home. 

The organizers needed some big names on the judging panel, and landing Hans Collins would surely turn heads for this national competition. 

1 ain’t got time for that,” Hans wasn’t keen on wasting his time on such a competition. This trip back home was mostly to see his sister. He’d be up to his eyeballs in work for the next few months and might not make it home for a good while. 

“Got it, I’ll turn them down.” 

Just as Arabella got back to the office, her assistant Dean rushed up to her, “Ms. Bennett, we’ve got a major issue! Out of the 33 new designs we’re launching tomorrow, 23 of them are identical to our competitor’s new releases! Worst part is, they launched theirs today! They’re flying off the shelves on live–streaming platforms and online stores! I did some quick math, they’ve already sold nearly eight thousand pieces! At this rate, they’ll hit ten thousand in no time!” 

Arabella’s face turned stone cold. It was impossible! 

Out of nowhere, how could 23 out of 33 of their new designs be identical to their competitor’s? 

Someone’s definitely playing dirty tricks behind the scenes! 

“I’m not quite sure what’s going on yet!” Dean was as jumpy as a cat on a hot tin roof, “Because all 23 identical designs were done by Designer Molly. Mr. Oscar just held a meeting and gave Molly a real tongue lashing, she, she…” 

“What happened to her?” 

“She got so upset she started crying!” 

Arabella dashed into the elevator and headed straight to the design department, where she heard Oscar still shouting at Molly. 

“All you do is crying, what are you crying for? Don’t act like I’m framing you!” 

“Here are the 33 designs our competitor launched today! I had someone buy 23 of them! Take a good look, am I framing you?” 

Oscar threw all 23 designs at Molly. 

Molly was dumbstruck, staring at the designs in disbelief, “I don’t know…” 

She truly had no clue what was going on. 

“You must have copied our competitor’s sketches!” 

“I didn’t!” Molly choked back tears as she defended herself, “These designs, they’re all my original work… 

She definitely didn’t plagiarize! 

“Don’t you dare make baseless accusations!” The head of the design department, Samual, retorted firmly, “Molly’s not that sort of person! She’s very talented in design. She has no reason to rip off someone else’s work!”