She recognized him at once as Joseph Grant, Lyra Grant’s father.
Near the end of her workday, her phone rang, but the caller ID displayed an unfamiliar number.
"You must be Mabel Quinn, I have something I’d like to discuss with you," the voice on the other end declared, carrying the authoritative tone of a superior meeting a subordinate.
Mabel replied, "I don’t think there’s anything we have to talk about." She recalled how hard it had been in high school to get the phone number of Lyra Grant’s family. She called, hoping to discuss the plagiarism of her novel with Lyra’s parents to seek fair and just treatment, only to receive a servant’s response, "Our mister and madam are too busy to see you."
"Can I say it over the phone then? Just give me five minutes!" Back then, she clung to it like a lifeline.
"Not even for a minute. The mister said if you continue to spread nonsense at school, he will sue you in court, and you won’t even be able to finish your education."
She hadn’t imagined that today, this high-ranking executive would stop her to talk, wondering if this was what people meant by the wheel of fortune turning.
The man nevertheless blocked Mabel’s path, saying, "About Lyra’s situation, it’s indeed regrettable, but Mabel, your aggressive approach might lead to an awkward situation for everyone. It’s better if we both take a step back."
"Take a step back? I don’t understand what you mean by that."
"Regarding this incident, whether it’s you or Lyra who’s in the right, let’s not delve deeper. Just say that the script was a joint venture of you both in terms of concept and writing. When it gets adapted, Lyra and I will negotiate with the editor to add your name after Lyra’s. That will be beneficial for your future development."
"So you mean I should claim something I wrote myself was co-authored with Lyra Grant? And then my work should also bear Lyra Grant’s name?" Mabel found it amusing. Joseph Grant’s proposal seemed considerate on the surface, but in truth, it was blatantly illogical.
"What are you saying? The authorship of the script hasn’t been firmly determined yet. I’m saying this to ensure this matter doesn’t adversely affect you. Of course, the promises made to your family will still be honored once this is settled," Joseph Grant said.
"Mr. Grant, I understand wanting to help your daughter, but don’t claim it’s for my benefit. I can hardly stand such patronizing. You must know who’s in the right here, or you wouldn’t offer a house as compensation," Mabel retorted.
Joseph Grant’s expression shifted.
Mabel continued, "If, back then, when Lyra Grant published my novel as her own, you had stopped her rather than supporting her and fueling her impunity, then none of this would have happened now. You enabled her, making her think that others’ work is hers to take. Your intervention led her to believe her family would clean up any mess, so she had no qualms about stealing a second time."
Joseph Grant’s face darkened. As a high-ranking executive, people usually only flattered or treated him with utmost respect. He was not accustomed to being spoken to this way, "How I raise my child is my business; it’s not for a little girl like you to dictate!"