Nancy’s face darkened as she shut her eyes tight. “so million dollars.”
Sarah felt like her heart was being torn apart.
Her account was already running low. Just a few days ago, she had paid the rent for Cecilia’s art museum and hired the best curators in the country
Every single thing cost a fortune.
“This is serious. It’s not going to be easy to fix,” Sarah admitted, her complexion turning even paler.
Nancy’s mind was spinning, and a roaring buzz filled her ears. “We can’t tell Jayson about this. The gallery scandal is already bad enough. I don’t want him dragged into it. It’s too embarrassing”
Even though she knew perfectly well that if she asked, Jayson wouldn’t hesitate for a second to help.
Just like with the media at the art exhibition, Jayson had shut it down immediately, preventing the story from spreading. He moved fast to protect her and Sarah.
Nancy knew how much he cared and how hard he had always worked for her, but she needed time to sort out this situation.
After all, this wasn’t something she was proud of. She didn’t want Jayson to see her fall apart.
Besides, Jayson helped Sarah connect with a gallery by negotiating a high–priced deal with Dylan. I this scandal hadn’t arisen, Sarah could have even further boosted her status through her collaboration with Westvale Gallery. She could have won both fame and fortune.
But things went wrong, and the results were the exact opposite.
The next day, Jayson visited the hospital. He told Sarah, “The media won’t make a big deal out of this. They won’t spread it around. You can rest easy.”
Sarah knew the art world might still try to strike at her. If she couldn’t handle it right, she could be
blacklisted.
“Thank you, Jayson,” she said.
The only comfort she had was that Jayson was still firmly on Nancy’s side. Even through all this, his loyalty to her never wavered. He had immediately shut down the media to protect them.
“It’s nothing.” Jayson looked at her pale face. “Just focus on resting.”
As Nancy entered the ward and saw him there, a warmth spread through her heart.
Matt and Frederick had messaged her the day before, so she didn’t feel completely alone.
She hadn’t said a word about Dylan canceling the collaboration.
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She didn’t want this shameful mess to change how Jayson saw her. Though she knew he wouldn’t think loss of her, her pride was at stake.
Jayson didn’t stay long. Work called him away.
After seeing him off downstairs, Nancy was about to head back when she got a message from Frederick. “Why did Halread University make such a statement?”
Nancy’s heart skipped a beat.
She clicked the link Frederick sent.
The official Halread University account had posted statement that read, “Regarding the past incident involving our student, Elena Walker, in the year 19XX that has recently resurfaced, we will fully cooperate to defend rights and restore justice. We will not let those who truly dedicate and respect art be defamed!”
The post included hashtags tagging the art museum.
Insiders quickly caught on to the university’s stance. This was a clear confirmation of Sarah’s plagiarism.
Halread University’s influence was massive, even bigger than the media. This would make the whole art community aware of the controversy.
Nancy understood that all too well, which made her face go pale in an instant.
After Jayson got in his car, he soon received a call from Evelyn.
She had obviously heard the news, and for once, sounded disapproving. “What were you thinking, Jayson? I hope you don’t get involved anymore. If you keep standing up for Nancy, what will people say?”
Even if they managed to keep things perfectly secret outside their circle, they couldn’t hide it
within.
Leaning back, Jayson scrolled through his tablet screen. “What’s the rush? I’ll handle it.”
Evelyn was annoyed by Jayson’s casual tone and spoke more sharply, “Since when have you gotten so soft over a woman? Especially knowing she’s not someone who can be in the spotlight! Ariel is so much better than her.”
Jayson didn’t even lift his eyelids. Upon hearing her words, he chuckled lazily. “Oh, really?”
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