Mandy arrived.She frowned at the mess on the floor and the stained design sketches of Annie and Renee.Before anyone else could speak, Wendy stepped forward with a pained expression to accuse Lucy. "Ms. Xandy, Lucy spilled coffee all over Miss Simmons's and Renee's sketchpads!"Mandy's face darkened as she turned to look at the frightened Lucy.Lucy, her face flushed, explained, "Ms. Xander, it was truly an accident. I do this every day and have never made a mistake before. Everyone can vouch for me." Colleagues who had benefited from her kindness stepped forward to defend her."Ms. Xander, Lucy comes in first every day to prepare coffee for everyone. She's very careful and has never made a mistake. This must have been an accident.""Lucy is always the most enthusiastic about her work and never complains. She doesn't have any ill intentions."One after another, everyone defended Lucy.This left Wendy, who had accused Lucy, in an awkward position.One colleague, annoyed, a
Annie clutched the USB drive tightly. She had achieved her goal, so the means didn't matter anymore."Be more careful in the future. I got you this job, yet you're not even as competent as Lucy. At least she has colleagues speaking up for her. You got a free ride, and look at you...""I'm sorry," Wendy mumbled, hanging her head.Tired of wasting words on her, Annie walked past Wendy into the office.A moment later, Wendy slowly raised her eyes, filled with sharp venom. As she turned, she almost bumped into Lucy.Lucy said nothing and walked away, but halfway through, she suddenly turned back and smiled at Wendy.Wendy felt an inexplicable tightness in her chest, but when she tried to confirm what she saw, Lucy was already gone.Was it just her imagination?An hour later, in the conference room, Ms. Johnson exchanged pleasantries with Mandy before sitting down."Let's begin. I have other matters to attend to later.""Alright."Mandy nodded, looking at Lucy, who was up first.
As Annie made her insinuation, colleagues around the conference table turned to stare at Renee, some clearly anticipating a spectacle.Renee slowly stood up, steadying herself on the table. "I'm sorry, but I have pins and needles in my leg.""Thank you for your concern, Miss Simmons. Like you, I've also prepared a digital version."At these words, Annie's face froze for a moment as she stared intently at Renee pulling out a USB drive.Compared to Annie's surprise, Lucy's expression was more intriguing. She remained calm and composed.Of course, she had taken Renee's design idea. Unless Renee had a burst of inspiration in the last hour, she couldn't possibly present a good design.But when the design fully appeared on the screen, Lucy's pupils dilated in disbelief.Renee confidently explained, "My theme is... water.""Everyone knows Ms. Johnson's expeditious work style, but the rain at the estate showed me her gentle side.""So, I designed this set using the state of falling ra
"Yes, I won't disappoint you, Ms. Johnson."Annie slowly stood up, giving a slight nod, her smile filled with subtle mockery towards Ms. Johnson.She had said it before—Ms. Johnson could only choose her design.Wearing jewelry that symbolized her late husband's lover at grand galas must really infuriate Ms. Johnson, right?But what of it?She was Carl's woman, after all.Lucy, hearing the result, couldn't keep her composure: "Impossible! Ms. Johnson, how could you choose her design? She clearly..."Ms. Johnson gave her a cold look: "What? Are you questioning my decision?"Lucy froze, quickly shaking her head: "No, I just thought you'd choose Renee's design."What a way to invite trouble.Renee smoothly interjected: "I respect Ms. Johnson's choice. I'll continue to work hard in the future."Ms. Johnson's brow relaxed, and she pointed at Renee with an ambiguous gesture: "I have to leave now. We'll talk next time."After seeing Ms. Johnson off, Mandy surveyed the three."Rene
A few days later, while Annie was targeting Lucy, Renee quietly completed her design.Worried about potential issues, she personally delivered it to Ms. Johnson's company.Ms. Johnson stroked the jewelry with satisfaction, raising an eyebrow at Renee. "Don't you want to know why I ordered your design separately?"Renee, aware of her position, knew better than to ask unnecessary questions.She smiled mildly. "I'm just glad you like it, Ms. Johnson."Ms. Johnson rested her chin on her hand, hinting, "Someone's going to bleed a lot.""Hm? What do you mean?" Renee looked at Ms. Johnson, puzzled.Unexpectedly, Ms. Johnson changed the subject. "How did you get here?"Renee hesitated before answering. "By taxi."Ms. Johnson's lips curved into a smile, her eyes gleaming with suggestion. "Then I'll have someone drive you back.""No need; I—"Before Renee could refuse, Ms. Johnson called out to her office."Haven't finished with the contract yet? If you don't come out soon, she'll le
"What do you mean?" Renee's eyes widened."What do you think?" Carl's eyes were as dark as night...In the office, Ms. Johnson glanced at the message from Carl. Indeed, gifts don't come without strings attached.She immediately called the security room. "Turn off the cameras in the elevator.""Yes, ma'am."However, the two in the elevator didn't do anything. Or rather, just as Carl was about to take action, his phone rang.Renee glanced at his screen. It was Annie.She looked up at the man so close to her and reminded him, "Uncle Carl, it's your fiancée."Carl didn't argue or let her go. He simply answered Annie's call.Annie's sweet voice came through the phone. "Carl, the dress you sent is beautiful. I love it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Ms. Johnson will be wearing my design today, and I want to take some photos with her for promotion. So I'd like to arrive early. When can you pick me up?""Right away," Carl replied, his voice flat and emotionless, yet somehow r
The luxury boutique.After giving her name, Renee was warmly welcomed by the staff. They led her to a seat and served some refreshments."Miss Lacey, please wait a moment. I'll have someone bring your dress for inspection.""Alright."Renee sipped her tea, about to relax when she noticed the screen opposite her broadcasting a live feed of the gala's red carpet.The brand must be sponsoring some celebrity.Renee remembered Carl's words about watching the gala coverage.Why should she?She reached for the remote to turn it off, but a staff member suddenly blocked her view of the screen."Miss Lacey, your dress is here. Please take a look.""Okay."Renee sighed, put down the remote, and approached the dress.Even though she'd worn it once, it still took her breath away.The staff member held up the skirt, smiling. "This dress really suits you, Miss Lacey. Since it's custom-made to your measurements, I doubt anyone else could wear it."Renee's hand, stroking the dress, paused
"Mm."Carl's response made everyone look at Annie enviously.It seemed the mysterious jewelry was Annie's birthday gift.On camera, Annie's cheeks flushed.The reporter moved the microphone closer to her. "Miss Simmons, are you confident about your jewelry design?"Though the question was directed at Annie, she seized the opportunity to express her affection.Her eyes sparkling, she said sweetly, "With Carl's support, of course I'm confident. This piece was carefully designed based on a camellia. Please take lots of photos later."Just as she finished, there was a stir on the red carpet.Someone announced Ms. Johnson's arrival.Annie immediately lifted her chin, ready to receive admiration and praise.Ms. Johnson made a grand entrance in an emerald green satin mermaid gown, perfectly accentuating her alluring figure.But she wasn't wearing Annie's camellia necklace. Instead, she showcased Renee's pearl set, softening her typically aggressive charm.More surprisingly, Ms. Jo