“That’s a good idea. Alright, just be careful,” Andrew said.
Lydia smiled, “I’m not a child, you know!”
Andrew’s mood brightened at her smile. These days, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Lydia. Their relationship had settled into a comfortable familiarity, much like a long-married couple. It wasn’t a passionate love, but the warmth of their connection had quietly woven itself into their daily lives. Andrew thought that even if Lydia never agreed to marry him, having her by his side like this might be enough.
Unbeknownst to him, Lydia was clear about their relationship. She constantly reminded herself that she was merely playing a role—she had only agreed to this arrangement to ensure Clara's surgery went smoothly. One day, she would leave, and she knew she had to find the right opportunity to do so.
For now, though, both Andrew and Lydia maintained the status quo, each keeping their thoughts t
As a fashion designer, Lydia never confines herself to past achievements. Even though she has gained significant recognition abroad, she sees herself as a sponge, always eager to absorb new knowledge. The more she learns, the more perfect her designs can become.Lydia and Thera strolled through the exhibition hall, admiring the various outfits, some of which were bizarre, others creative. Lydia was particularly captivated by some of the new materials used in the designs.“I never thought there were so many alternatives to traditional fabrics. This is really an eye-opener for me,” Thera said, her voice filled with wonder. “Look at that dress on the model—it’s made of balloons! How many balloons did they use? The flowers on it look so realistic!”Lydia smiled, “Yes, it’s an excellent example of creative design. This designer not only has a unique perspective on fashion but is also highly skilled in balloon art.”As Lydia explained the details, she was also amazed by the level of creativ
Especially the woman beside Lydia—who exactly is she, and how could she be so arrogant?Verna, though not as well-connected as the Arliss family, had grown up in luxury and had never suffered such humiliation. She immediately tugged at Lambert's arm, "Lambert, who is this person? They say a good dog doesn’t block the way, even dogs know that. How come some people don’t get it? The world is truly going downhill!"Lambert was left speechless. He had intended to keep the peace, but this girl was only adding fuel to the fire.Upon hearing Verna's words, Thera’s pretty face instantly turned cold. “Some people must’ve been raised on crap, or maybe they forgot to brush their teeth before stepping out. Such filthy language—what excellent upbringing!”“Hmph, my upbringing might not be perfect, but it’s certainly better than blocking someone’s way. Ma’am, at your age, you should stay home and relax, lest menopause hits, and you start biting people randomly!”“Seems like Lambert’s taste is getti
Lydia suddenly calmed down. She closed her eyes, and when she reopened them, they were clear, but the sparkle had vanished, leaving only compromise and emptiness. “Whatever you say. We’re not involved anymore, right? Surely, the esteemed CEO of Universal Conglomerate wouldn’t dwell on past mistakes?”Lambert, hearing her acknowledgment, felt as if a gaping hole had been torn in his chest, leaving him with an unbearable emptiness. Hatred spread from deep within him—she had really admitted it!Just as Lambert, burning with rage, took a step towards Lydia, not knowing what he might do to her, a sharp voice rang out, “Lambert! Stop it! Are you even a man? How dare you raise a hand against a woman!”Immediately after, a high heel flew straight towards Lambert’s face!Lambert tilted his head and dodged it, his gaze as sharp as ice as he looked over. Thera was limping toward him, her beautiful eyes ablaze with anger.Apparently, while Thera and Verna were arguing, they suddenly realized that
The room fell silent, the heated discussions among the executives coming to an abrupt halt. Lydia's headache intensified."Director, I have a suggestion," one manager spoke up. "Regardless of why our competitors are suppressing us, we need to showcase superior work. There's an upcoming high-fashion design competition. I believe this is an opportunity. If our company can place well, those who canceled contracts with us will regret it."Lydia's eyes brightened. Strength speaks louder than words; if they could prove their capability, why worry about others' schemes?She shot an approving look at the design manager. "Good. I'll leave this to you. Contact the organizers and select some talented designers to represent us."The design manager beamed with pride. "Rest assured, Director. I will handle it well."Not wanting to be outdone, the business manager chimed in, "Director, I'd like another chance. Allow me to visit the companies that canceled contracts and try to win them back."With bo
"Lydia, are you really sure there's anything left between us? Wasn't it you who said we should go our separate ways, bridge by bridge, road by road, never to cross paths again? Besides, aren't you already engaged to Andrew?""Lambert, when did you become so unprofessional? I remember you weren't always like this. Moreover, wouldn't it be better for the studio's long-term growth if it became independent?"Lambert curled his lips into a smile. "You're not wrong. For a design studio to grow stronger, it's best to operate independently and create its own brand. But why should I do that? You know I don't lack money, so there's no reason for me to sell off a studio with potential."Lambert's firm stance left Lydia momentarily at a loss. She had come here brimming with confidence, assuming that a large company like Universal Conglomerate wouldn't care about a small studio, especially since they were divorced, and there was no need for further entanglement. But now, Lydia realized she had ove
A knock on the door interrupted Lambert's thoughts. "Come in!" he called.His assistant, Ivan, entered, carrying a stack of documents. "Boss, these are the files that need your signature today. Please review them. Also, Steven from the branch office called earlier to ask about the new project; he hopes you can respond as soon as possible. You also have a lunch appointment with President Mu of the Mulin Group, and at 3 PM, you need to attend a bidding meeting. This is your schedule for the day."Lambert rubbed his temples, extinguishing his cigarette. "Understood, Ivan. Starting tomorrow, Lydia will be reporting to the company. She'll be here for a month, serving as the boss's assistant. All her tasks will be directly assigned by me, got it?"Ivan nodded slightly. He understood perfectly, and he was also well aware that this new assistant was actually the boss's ex-wife. So, was the boss planning to reconcile with his ex-wife? Placing her by his side and letting time do its work—what a
A handsome man stood at the entrance of the boss's office. When he saw Lydia approaching, his eyes lit up, and he stepped forward eagerly."Hello, Lydia! I'm Ivan, the special administrative assistant here. The boss has already informed me about your arrival. Here's your ID card. Your desk is inside the boss's office, but since the boss hasn't arrived yet, would you mind waiting here for a bit? If you have any questions or need help with anything, feel free to ask me."His tone was very polite, with just the right level of formality."Thank you, Ivan!" Lydia replied with a smile."No problem at all; it's my job. If there's nothing else you need, I'll head back to my office next door. Have a great first day!"Ivan's courteous demeanor put Lydia at ease, filling her with anticipation and confidence for the work ahead.Lydia glanced at her watch—it was already 7:55 AM, but there was still no sign of Lambert. Given her current position, it seemed like she had no choice but to wait.Is thi
Who would have thought that a simple mistake would lead Lydia to offend her boss's ex-wife?Ivan, however, was secretly pleased. This incident would only strengthen his position as the chief assistant. With Sibyl out of the picture, the female secretaries under her wouldn't be so arrogant anymore.Unaware of the trouble she had inadvertently caused or the favor she had done for Ivan, Lydia stood outside Lambert's office, anxiously waiting for him to appear.As she nervously glanced around, a pair of long legs appeared before her, and when she looked up, she saw Lambert's cold, expressionless face. "Don't you care about your appearance at all?"Lambert's disdainful tone made Lydia's face flush. After standing for an entire hour, she could barely stand anymore. So, she had squatted down beside the office's potted money tree, idly plucking at its leaves out of boredom and frustration.By the time Lambert arrived, the once lush money tree had a noticeably bald spot.Lydia quickly stood up