billion book
Chapter 192
Chapter 192
Chapter 192 A Dreamlike Illusion
"Jane plagiarized from you?"
The truth hit Arnold like a bolt from the blue.
In his impression, Jane was always a rule-abiding girl. That was why he stamped her work, believing
she didn't copy.
But if what Cora said was true, and Jane's work was merely a replication of the old Lane Mansion, then
the answer became evident.
"Whether I plagiarized or not, just look at the 3D model of the old Lane Mansion when it auctioned. I've
lived there for twenty years, and nobody knows every nook and cranny better than me. Dr. Yoris could
never know all the details of every flower and tree," Cora continued, refusing to turn her back.
Thus, Cora couldn't see the shock on Arnold's face.
This revelation was something Arnold had never expected. At this moment, Arnold was almost sure
that Jane was the one who plagiarized.
Despite Arnold pressuring Cora to safeguard Jane's reputation, it ended up severing the teacher-
student bond between them.
"Enough. I had hoped to experience some warmth here on Christmas Eve, but it seems it was just a
dream," Cora said, departing with a lackluster demeanor.
Watching Cora's lonely and resolute silhouette, Arnold felt a piercing pain in his heart. It was as if
something precious was slipping away from his life.
He wanted to go after Cora, to hold her back, but he couldn't find the right words to say. He was unsure
how to face her now.
Just then, Jane learned from the other members of the Woodcarving Association that Arnold was on
the top floor of the exhibition center. She grabbed her coat and went up to find him.
"Grandpa, it's windy tonight. Why are you standing here alone?"
Jane went upstairs and saw Arnold standing alone. She let out a sigh of relief.
As she approached, Jane intended to put the coat on Arnold, but to her surprise, Arnold turned and
slapped her.
"Grandpa?"
Jane was caught off guard by Arnold's sudden action. She looked at him in bewilderment.
Arnold had always doted on Jane since she was a child. She was his only granddaughter among all his
descendants.
He provided her with the best in everything. Even in Arnold's will, he allocated to Jane twice as much
as his other grandchildren.
Moreover, he had never laid a finger on her.
Whenever Jane faced difficulties, Arnold would ask her cousins to stand up for her.
Jane couldn't fathom that Arnold, who cherished her like a precious gem, would one day raise his hand
against her.
But Arnold seemed to have no complicated emotions. Instead, he questioned her angrily, "Why did you
do this, you wretch?"
Jane was taken aback and thought Arnold was furious because she had dragged himself into this
mess. After all, Cora hadn't presented any evidence to prove Jane's innocence.
"Grandpa, I had no choice. I didn't want my work to be labeled as plagiarism, bringing shame to you Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
and our family," Jane explained.
"You still don't realize where you went wrong?" Arnold looked at Jane, almost heartbroken.
"Did you believe Dr. Lane's words, thinking I plagiarized her? I didn't! Though I didn't show you the
finished work, I wanted to surprise you and let you see the result of my hard work. If you believe Dr.
Lane's one-sided words and convict me, wouldn't that be unfair?"
Jane thought that since Cora couldn't prove her innocence, Arnold would still suspect Cora as long as
she didn't admit to plagiarizing.
With the addition of that slap, Arnold would undoubtedly regret his actions towards Jane today.