Chapter 999: Press Conference
Besse hesitated before entering the press conference, acutely aware of the consequences. While eager to resolve the matter quickly, she aimed to avoid the most humiliating outcome. Her apprehension proved well-founded; absorbed in Phantom, the assembled reporters remained oblivious to her arrival.
In the hall's center, Phantom sat surrounded by a throng of journalists. The news, clearly significant, commanded their attention.
Phantom began, her voice trembling, "I didn't intend for this, but there's a limit! I won't let other original designers suffer my predicament. So today, I'm pursuing this case of Besse's plagiarism to its conclusion. Even if it means confronting powerful interests, I must defend the rights of all original designers!"
Her impassioned words resonated with the audience.
A reporter asked, "Miss Phantom, it's been over a day since the plagiarism allegations surfaced. Have you received any apology from Besse?"
"No," Phantom replied firmly. "I demand a public apology from Karami, the removal of their copied 'Angel' series, and compensation for the damage to my reputation and business. To them, I'm insignificant. They stole my designs, yet consider it inconsequential. Without action, they'll pay nothing."
A reporter offered support, "We'll help you fight for your rights. As long as Karami doesn't respond appropriately, we'll continue covering this story."
"Thank you," Phantom said, visibly moved. "I intend to pursue legal action and will not back down."
"What kind of compensation are you seeking, Miss Phantom?" another reporter inquired.
"Compensation isn't my primary concern," Phantom replied. "This lawsuit aims to have Karami remove the 'Angel' series from the market. I poured my heart into that series; although it didn't gain traction initially, it shouldn't be exploited. A formal apology from Karami and Besse is the respect I deserve as the original designer."
"We support you!" the reporters chorused.
"Thank you," Phantom responded.
Another reporter posed a question, "Miss Phantom, I've studied your work extensively, from your early design competitions to your current pieces. Your style is distinctive, yet the 'Angel' series bears no resemblance. I'm not questioning anything, but how did you create such a unique collection?"
A flicker of apprehension crossed Phantom's face. She responded confidently, "To be honest, before the 'Angel' series, I participated in numerous design competitions, winning awards. It involved many setbacks. Frustrated, I discarded my previous work and changed my style completely. After a month of focused effort, I completed the 'Angel' series."
The reporters listened intently.
Phantom continued, "Despite the time invested and the abandonment of my usual methods, the series didn't win any awards after I entered it in competition. It was published in a magazine only because the design weekly lacked content. I received no copyright fee. After that, I abandoned the design concept, focusing on my established style."
A reporter expressed sympathy, "That must have been a significant blow."
"It was," Phantom admitted, her voice strained. "Success or failure can be drastic in this field."
"Your talent can't be suppressed forever," a reporter offered encouragement. "You'll receive the recognition you deserve."
"Thank you," Phantom replied.
Another reporter began a question, "So, Miss Phantom, I wanted to ask…"
Suddenly, a voice exclaimed, "Besse?!"
Besse, standing unnoticed at the door, froze. She turned to leave, but the reporters swarmed her. Regrettably, her initial attempt at a discreet exit had proved futile. The situation had escalated.
"Miss Besse, why are you here?"
"Did you come to threaten Miss Phantom?"
"No matter how powerful your backers are, we'll support Phantom's rights!"
"Besse, what are you doing here?"
Overwhelmed by the barrage of questions, Besse remained silent, her expression cold. Oscar's bodyguard stood vigilant, monitoring the situation and reporting to Oscar, who initially declined any intervention, stipulating that action was only necessary if Besse was threatened. The bodyguard remained alert, however.
The reporters pressed further, their voices rising, but Besse remained unresponsive, only briefly shifting her gaze as Phantom descended from the stage, causing further commotion.