Chapter 132
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132 Truth Comes to Light
“I see...” I mumbled, although I couldn’t quite see anything in that situation.
“In the end, as you can see, the engagement was dissolved and our companies are still rivals with me as the CEO and Elizabeth as the new CEO of her company,” Ace concluded before he smiled at me.
“Right...” I said with a nod of my head.
“Why are you so speechless? Don’t worry too much. Elizabeth and I have nothing but respect for each other because we work in the same field. She’s still young and has many things to learn, though...” Ace said teasingly.
“Sorry, I honestly never expected this kind of outcome. You know, both for Project Alpha and also your relationship history with her...” I admitted honestly.
“That just sounds very misleading. I never had a relationship with her,” Ace corrected me with an amused smile.
“Right. Ok...” I whispered.
“You’re clearly still confused. Sleep over it. Let’s head back, I’m bored out of my mind,” Ace said.
He got up from his seat before turning and offering me a hand.
.....
“Ok...” I replied while still in a daze.
I slipped my hand into his and the warmth of his hand enveloped mine reassuringly before he pulled me up to my feet.
...
**A few days later**
“You’re going to be late to work, Rina...” Ace whispered close to me.
“Hmm...” I made a sleepy sound.
“Rina...” Ace drawled seductively.
“Mhhmmm...” I moaned in response as I felt his lips against my cheek.
“You’re going to miss Elizabeth’s press conference...” Ace said followed by a slightly amused chuckle.
“Press...” I murmured with my eyes still closed.
The press conference!
My eyes snapped open then I bolted upright in bed. That’s right, today’s the day that Elizabeth will publicly apologize to our company. She told Ace in advance, and I was determined to watch the news live on television.
'
I glanced over at Ace and cocked my head to side in confusion. I see...he spent the night here with me last night. I was still having a hard time getting used to waking up with Ace in my bed, but I had to say that it wasn’t an unpleasant sight or feeling. I offered him a sleepy smile before I stretched.
“Are you sure that you don’t want to go there in person?” Ace asked.
“Yes, I could use some peace. Just seeing it on TV is already good enough for me,” I replied decisively.
“If you say so...” Ace replied.
Although Elizabeth and her company had agreed to take responsibility for their part of the mistake, I wasn’t vain enough to think that I was void of all fault. Deep down, I knew that the leak wouldn’t have been possible if I was more careful in taking care of confidential documents and information. I could have prevented the leak regardless of what Kyle’s intentions were if I had paid more attention to the security measures.
I was careless. It was as simple as that.
Now that Elizabeth was doing everything to show that she was responsible for her mistakes, I knew that I had to do the same.
...
When we arrived at the office, it was evident that every employee must have heard about Chase Creative’s press conference already although they probably did not know what Elizabeth would announce.
“Are you sure that this is a good idea?” I asked Ace again.
“Yes. If you’re ready to face things head on, then this will be the best way,” Ace replied with confidence.
Ace had suggested that we watch the press conference live with the other team members of Project Alpha. That way, the truth would be revealed to all at the same time.
“Ok...if you say so...” I replied in a small voice.
Everyone had their eyes on me when I entered the room. Ace’s presence next to me was the only thing that gave me the strength to stand with my head held high. We arrived at the meeting room just in time. Elizabeth’s press conference was about to start in less than 5 minutes. The large projector screen was already showing the live broadcast from the venue where Elizabeth was scheduled to make her appearance.
Ace took his seat and gestured for me to take the seat next to him. I willingly did that before everyone’s gaze moved to the large projector screen where Elizabeth had just walked in. She approached the podium with her head held high. She appeared proud and prideful in her pristine cream-colored dress and matching blazer. She smiled confidently and beautifully at the camera. No one could have guessed from how she appeared that she was about to deliver a message that would harm the prospect of her company, at least for a while.
At that moment, I truly admired her just nature and proud attitude. Elizabeth smiled for the camera for a while before clearing her throat to signal that she was about to start her speech.
“As all of you are aware, the Ashford Creative competition is underway again this year. Chase Creatives along with many other companies in our industry is competing in this prestigious competition. Something unfortunate has taken place very recently in this year’s competition that I would like to bring to the public’s attention. In the first round, the storyline and storyboard presented to the committee by Chase Creatives was unfortunately something that was plagiarized and stolen from another company,” Elizabeth said before she paused for impact.
Everyone in the room gasped in shock as Elizabeth went on to reveal about the information leak and how the original owner of the storyboard was from Jessen’s and Hill’s. I could feel people’s gazing our way before the volume of their murmurs raised.
“Plagiarism is a serious crime in our industry. It undermines the creative process and the intellectual property rights on which we base our business. In order to take adequate responsibility for our shameful actions, Chase Creatives will withdraw completely from the competition. In addition, we will return the storyline and the storyboard to its rightful owner. I, personally, look forward to what Jessen’s and Hill’s will make out of their interesting and engaging storyboard,” Elizabeth said calmly.
The reporters on the scene started to yell out questions towards Elizabeth as she smiled calmly back at them. Things got quite loud and busy where Elizabeth was. Ace switched off the projector after it was clear that Elizabeth was done saying everything that she had intended to say.
–To be continued...
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132 Truth Comes to Light
“I see...” I mumbled, although I couldn’t quite see anything in that situation.
“In the end, as you can see, the engagement was dissolved and our companies are still rivals with me as the CEO and Elizabeth as the new CEO of her company,” Ace concluded before he smiled at me.
“Right...” I said with a nod of my head.
“Why are you so speechless? Don’t worry too much. Elizabeth and I have nothing but respect for each other because we work in the same field. She’s still young and has many things to learn, though...” Ace said teasingly.
“Sorry, I honestly never expected this kind of outcome. You know, both for Project Alpha and also your relationship history with her...” I admitted honestly.
“That just sounds very misleading. I never had a relationship with her,” Ace corrected me with an amused smile.
“Right. Ok...” I whispered.
“You’re clearly still confused. Sleep over it. Let’s head back, I’m bored out of my mind,” Ace said.
He got up from his seat before turning and offering me a hand.
.....
“Ok...” I replied while still in a daze.
I slipped my hand into his and the warmth of his hand enveloped mine reassuringly before he pulled me up to my feet.
...
**A few days later**
“You’re going to be late to work, Rina...” Ace whispered close to me.
“Hmm...” I made a sleepy sound.
“Rina...” Ace drawled seductively.
“Mhhmmm...” I moaned in response as I felt his lips against my cheek.
“You’re going to miss Elizabeth’s press conference...” Ace said followed by a slightly amused chuckle.
“Press...” I murmured with my eyes still closed.
The press conference!
My eyes snapped open then I bolted upright in bed. That’s right, today’s the day that Elizabeth will publicly apologize to our company. She told Ace in advance, and I was determined to watch the news live on television.
'
I glanced over at Ace and cocked my head to side in confusion. I see...he spent the night here with me last night. I was still having a hard time getting used to waking up with Ace in my bed, but I had to say that it wasn’t an unpleasant sight or feeling. I offered him a sleepy smile before I stretched.
“Are you sure that you don’t want to go there in person?” Ace asked.
“Yes, I could use some peace. Just seeing it on TV is already good enough for me,” I replied decisively.
“If you say so...” Ace replied.
Although Elizabeth and her company had agreed to take responsibility for their part of the mistake, I wasn’t vain enough to think that I was void of all fault. Deep down, I knew that the leak wouldn’t have been possible if I was more careful in taking care of confidential documents and information. I could have prevented the leak regardless of what Kyle’s intentions were if I had paid more attention to the security measures.
I was careless. It was as simple as that.
Now that Elizabeth was doing everything to show that she was responsible for her mistakes, I knew that I had to do the same.
...
When we arrived at the office, it was evident that every employee must have heard about Chase Creative’s press conference already although they probably did not know what Elizabeth would announce.
“Are you sure that this is a good idea?” I asked Ace again.
“Yes. If you’re ready to face things head on, then this will be the best way,” Ace replied with confidence.
Ace had suggested that we watch the press conference live with the other team members of Project Alpha. That way, the truth would be revealed to all at the same time.
“Ok...if you say so...” I replied in a small voice.
Everyone had their eyes on me when I entered the room. Ace’s presence next to me was the only thing that gave me the strength to stand with my head held high. We arrived at the meeting room just in time. Elizabeth’s press conference was about to start in less than 5 minutes. The large projector screen was already showing the live broadcast from the venue where Elizabeth was scheduled to make her appearance.
Ace took his seat and gestured for me to take the seat next to him. I willingly did that before everyone’s gaze moved to the large projector screen where Elizabeth had just walked in. She approached the podium with her head held high. She appeared proud and prideful in her pristine cream-colored dress and matching blazer. She smiled confidently and beautifully at the camera. No one could have guessed from how she appeared that she was about to deliver a message that would harm the prospect of her company, at least for a while.
At that moment, I truly admired her just nature and proud attitude. Elizabeth smiled for the camera for a while before clearing her throat to signal that she was about to start her speech.
“As all of you are aware, the Ashford Creative competition is underway again this year. Chase Creatives along with many other companies in our industry is competing in this prestigious competition. Something unfortunate has taken place very recently in this year’s competition that I would like to bring to the public’s attention. In the first round, the storyline and storyboard presented to the committee by Chase Creatives was unfortunately something that was plagiarized and stolen from another company,” Elizabeth said before she paused for impact.
Everyone in the room gasped in shock as Elizabeth went on to reveal about the information leak and how the original owner of the storyboard was from Jessen’s and Hill’s. I could feel people’s gazing our way before the volume of their murmurs raised.
“Plagiarism is a serious crime in our industry. It undermines the creative process and the intellectual property rights on which we base our business. In order to take adequate responsibility for our shameful actions, Chase Creatives will withdraw completely from the competition. In addition, we will return the storyline and the storyboard to its rightful owner. I, personally, look forward to what Jessen’s and Hill’s will make out of their interesting and engaging storyboard,” Elizabeth said calmly.
The reporters on the scene started to yell out questions towards Elizabeth as she smiled calmly back at them. Things got quite loud and busy where Elizabeth was. Ace switched off the projector after it was clear that Elizabeth was done saying everything that she had intended to say.
–To be continued...
132 Truth Comes to LightI see... I mumbled, although I couldn't quite see anything in that situation.In the end, as you can see, the engagement was dissolved and our companies are still rivals with me as the CEO and Elizabeth as the new CEO of her company, Ace concluded before he smiled at me.Right... I said with a nod of my head.Why are you so speechless? Don't worry too much. Elizabeth and I have nothing but respect for each other because we work in the same field. She's still young and has many things to learn, though... Ace said teasingly.Sorry, I honestly never expected this kind of outcome. You know, both for Project Alpha and also your relationship history with her... I admitted honestly.That just sounds very misleading. I never had a relationship with her, Ace corrected me with an amused smile.Right. Ok... I whispered.You're clearly still confused. Sleep over it. Let's head back, I'm bored out of my mind, Ace said.He got up from his seat before turning and offering me a hand......Ok... I replied while still in a daze.I slipped my hand into his and the warmth of his hand enveloped mine reassuringly before he pulled me up to my feet....**A few days later**You're going to be late to work, Rina... Ace whispered close to me.Hmm... I made a sleepy sound.Rina... Ace drawled seductively.Mhhmmm... I moaned in response as I felt his lips against my cheek.You're going to miss Elizabeth's press conference... Ace said followed by a slightly amused chuckle.Press... I murmured with my eyes still closed.The press conference!My eyes snapped open then I bolted upright in bed. That's right, today's the day that Elizabeth will publicly apologize to our company. She told Ace in advance, and I was determined to watch the news live on television. 'I glanced over at Ace and cocked my head to side in confusion. I see...he spent the night here with me last night. I was still having a hard time getting used to waking up with Ace in my bed, but I had to say that it wasn't an unpleasant sight or feeling. I offered him a sleepy smile before I stretched.Are you sure that you don't want to go there in person? Ace asked.Yes, I could use some peace. Just seeing it on TV is already good enough for me, I replied decisively.If you say so... Ace replied.Although Elizabeth and her company had agreed to take responsibility for their part of the mistake, I wasn't vain enough to think that I was void of all fault. Deep down, I knew that the leak wouldn't have been possible if I was more careful in taking care of confidential documents and information. I could have prevented the leak regardless of what Kyle's intentions were if I had paid more attention to the security measures.I was careless. It was as simple as that.Now that Elizabeth was doing everything to show that she was responsible for her mistakes, I knew that I had to do the same....When we arrived at the office, it was evident that every employee must have heard about Chase Creative's press conference already although they probably did not know what Elizabeth would announce.Are you sure that this is a good idea? I asked Ace again.Yes. If you're ready to face things head on, then this will be the best way, Ace replied with confidence.Ace had suggested that we watch the press conference live with the other team members of Project Alpha. That way, the truth would be revealed to all at the same time.Ok...if you say so... I replied in a small voice.Everyone had their eyes on me when I entered the room. Ace's presence next to me was the only thing that gave me the strength to stand with my head held high. We arrived at the meeting room just in time. Elizabeth's press conference was about to start in less than 5 minutes. The large projector screen was already showing the live broadcast from the venue where Elizabeth was scheduled to make her appearance.Ace took his seat and gestured for me to take the seat next to him. I willingly did that before everyone's gaze moved to the large projector screen where Elizabeth had just walked in. She approached the podium with her head held high. She appeared proud and prideful in her pristine cream-colored dress and matching blazer. She smiled confidently and beautifully at the camera. No one could have guessed from how she appeared that she was about to deliver a message that would harm the prospect of her company, at least for a while.At that moment, I truly admired her just nature and proud attitude. Elizabeth smiled for the camera for a while before clearing her throat to signal that she was about to start her speech.As all of you are aware, the Ashford Creative competition is underway again this year. Chase Creatives along with many other companies in our industry is competing in this prestigious competition. Something unfortunate has taken place very recently in this year's competition that I would like to bring to the public's attention. In the first round, the storyline and storyboard presented to the committee by Chase Creatives was unfortunately something that was plagiarized and stolen from another company, Elizabeth said before she paused for impact.Everyone in the room gasped in shock as Elizabeth went on to reveal about the information leak and how the original owner of the storyboard was from Jessen's and Hill's. I could feel people's gazing our way before the volume of their murmurs raised.Plagiarism is a serious crime in our industry. It undermines the creative process and the intellectual property rights on which we base our business. In order to take adequate responsibility for our shameful actions, Chase Creatives will withdraw completely from the competition. In addition, we will return the storyline and the storyboard to its rightful owner. I, personally, look forward to what Jessen's and Hill's will make out of their interesting and engaging storyboard, Elizabeth said calmly.The reporters on the scene started to yell out questions towards Elizabeth as she smiled calmly back at them. Things got quite loud and busy where Elizabeth was. Ace switched off the projector after it was clear that Elizabeth was done saying everything that she had intended to say.To be continued...
