Chapter 987: Besse Chooses to Stay Alone
Besse understood Queen Carol's request: a clever, public admission of the plagiarism. She could, for instance, claim to have seen the design previously but hadn't given it much thought until creating something similar.
"I haven't seen it," Besse told Doyle gravely. She was certain she would remember if she had. She wouldn't borrow another's design; if she had seen it, why would hers be so similar?
"I know," Doyle nodded quickly. "I believe you. But maybe..."
He hesitated. Besse waited.
"Maybe, because of your amnesia... it's an eight-year-old design; you might not remember seeing it."
"If I can't remember anything from my past, why this design?" Besse asked rhetorically.
"Subconsciously..." Doyle suggested.
Besse stared at him.
"Forget it," Doyle conceded. "You're right. Let's go back to Jolencami; we can talk more there."
"Doyle, I don't want to leave," Besse declared.
Doyle's expression shifted.
"I won't go back until we understand this."
"Besse, you promised we'd leave together," Doyle said, his emotions evident.
"Before all this, yes! But now, I need to understand everything first," Besse insisted. "Maybe something subconscious from eight years ago sparked a similar idea, leading to unintentional plagiarism. If so, I'll apologize!"
"Besse..."
Airport staff approached. "Mr. George, Miss Besse, please board now."
Doyle took Besse's hand. "I'll help investigate. Let's go home; staying here won't help. People here won't understand."
"Doyle! You know me. I can't leave as if nothing happened. Karami will be ruined if we abandon our Northfield stall!"
"It won't," Doyle said slowly. "Our brand has influence. Your designs aren't limited to the Angel series; others are better. They won't overlook them."
"Business or politics? Will Northfield ban our brand to protect their rights?"
"No way," Doyle stated firmly. "Northfield wants trade with Jolencami. They won't cut off their own nose."
"Even so, I've already hurt our brand. My assistant's phone is ringing constantly; Karami's sales are suffering. It's serious! I don't want to be a stain on Karami."
"Will staying here solve it?" Doyle asked. "Even if we prove the Angel series is 'Phantom's' original creation, what changes? We apologize; that's all we can do now. Let's go back and minimize the damage."
"If I'm suspected of plagiarism, I'll announce my withdrawal from Karami," Besse stated.
Doyle paused, his emotions visible.
"Besse, it's not your fault. You don't have to shoulder all the responsibility; my mother doesn't blame you either. She just wants this resolved perfectly," he said calmly.
"Doyle, I know you're good to me. I know what you're thinking, but I want to stay here. Dealing with this in Northfield seems best," Besse refused stubbornly.
Doyle understood. Staying would show sincerity, improving public relations. But he worried about her here; she'd become unusually agitated in Northfield, and he feared verbal abuse. Yet, she insisted.
He took a deep breath. "Okay, I'll stay with you."
He knew her well: she avoided involving others and hated causing harm. Since he couldn't change her mind, he'd support her.
"Doyle, you go back first," Besse said seriously.
Doyle's face hardened; his frustration turned to anger.
"How can I leave you here alone?"
"Listen," Besse said, anticipating his outburst. "This is straightforward. I can handle it. Secondly, it involves design plagiarism; you're a designer too, and I don't want this to affect your work. Plagiarism is a designer's worst nightmare. Lastly, Karami is in turmoil. Your mother is busy with external interviews; you need to stabilize things at home."
Doyle hesitated.
"This is Karami's first major negative event in a long time; we lack strong PR. Even if market influence and political factors limit the damage, have you considered competitors? They'll exploit this opportunity. Doyle, this isn't emotional; I promise I'll take care of myself."