Penelope's dance performance was exceptionally popular.
However, amid the surging melodies of passion, she took an unexpected fall from the stage.
This accident left Penelope's legs irreparably damaged, marking the end of her journey with the stage.
Her mental state visibly worsened thereafter.
By the end of March, a piece of news about her dance "Farewell" allegedly plagiarizing another work caused a huge uproar.
A former art exam student stepped forward, claiming her submission, astonishingly similar to "Farewell," predated Penelope's by six months.
"As a member of the jury, Teacher Davis was present. My mentors had high hopes for me, confident of my outstanding performance. Yet, I was overlooked," the student recounted with a mix of sorrow and indignation.
"Years later, I summoned the courage to confront Teacher Davis, asking, 'How can you live with yourself, knowing you've plagiarized someone else's creativity?'"
This revelation ignited widespread public outrage:
"Huntington engages in unethical acts, and now Penelope is embroiled in a plagiarism scandal. It's as if they're mocking the younger generation. When will genuine talent be recognized in such an environment?"
Yet, amidst the turmoil, another narrative emerged: "Professor Melinda generously offered financial aid and personally oversaw our research projects, ensuring our graduation." "She fell into depression following Huntington's betrayal." "Exhausted in body and spirit, she nevertheless persisted in her duties."
"It's ridiculous that people were once madly supporting Huntington and Penelope, accusing Melinda of being the other woman. But in fact, she was Huntington's fiancée!"
"What many may not know is that the Taylor family has been in decline for years, and Melinda could not possibly force Huntington to marry her unless he willingly chose to."
"So, was it because the Huntington family looked down on Penelope that Huntington harmed Melinda? Huntington had a daughter with Penelope behind the scenes, and all this while, Melinda was completely unaware?"
As Penelope's inappropriate remarks became public, a reevaluation of the entire situation began.
As the truth gradually surfaced, the online discourse intensified...
Penelope found herself in an unparalleled state of anxiety. Her attempts at clarification seemed to only attract further condemnation and vitriol, with the hostility once directed at me now shifted to her.
I dialed the company's number, and the voice on the other end reassured, "Rest assured, we've compensated the art exam student. She's deeply grateful for your advocacy on her behalf."
"Do we need to continue managing public opinion?"
After thoughtful consideration, I resolved, "No, let's allocate the remaining resources to assist the student in rebuilding her life."
Outside, the trees were bare, their leaves lost to the chill, as the drone of a chainsaw cut through the wintry air.
Graham had left the lab, and with him, the wall of honors that once adorned our space had vanished, leaving behind an empty canvas soon to bear my name.
I returned all the gifts Graham had given me, including a bracelet from when I first joined the lab.
He caressed the dimmed diamond, murmuring, "Melinda, perhaps I was mistaken."
"She wasn't as I had imagined."
Silently, I stood, offering no reply.
Graham's voice was tinged with regret: "How did she become so greedy, so malicious, with no sign of remorse?"
"Melinda, if I could choose again, to continue with you..."
"Graham, have you ever considered my feelings?" I cut him off.
He paused, taken aback.
I pressed on, "Why should I wait for your choice?"
"Why turn back to me when you encounter difficulty on your chosen path?"
"At the end of the day, it is you who embodies greed and malice."
In the midst of our exchange, a serene voice called out, "Miss Taylor, it's time to depart."
I turned to see a man in a trench coat, leaning against a black car, his eyes brimming with warmth.
I nodded, "Please, let's not revisit your concerns. I've moved on; I have a boyfriend now."
As the wind quickened, Graham's delayed confession lingered behind me: "Melinda, I love you..."
With a light smile and without turning back, I responded, "Does your love hold any significance?"
Without further delay, I entered the car.
Isaac Jenkins gently closed the door behind me, offering Graham a nod before driving me away, leaving Graham alone in contemplation
