Sophia POV
Meanwhile, I descended to the lower floors.
Even before stepping into the design department, rumors of my participation in the prestigious Century Jewelry Competition had already swept through the office.
Married to a Billionaire
63.4%–
Yet, I brushed these comments aside, determined not to be affected.
However, the atmosphere took an unexpected turn as someone suddenly mentioned private jewelry customization. A chorus of sour remarks echoed through the office.
“Some people, regardless of how talent, can never match Olivia. Her list of private clients at
Strakovski is unparalleled!”
“Yes, apart from our regular seasonal designs, our prime focus here is private customization. We do set a monthly minimum quota for private custom orders!”
“I guess someone won’t have a bustling list of clients waiting for their designs.”
My brows knitted as I absorbed the details displayed on the private custom orders
document before me.
Indeed, there existed a minimum quota – a financial threshold each client had to meet for personalized orders per month.
Falling short for three consecutive months resulted in bonus deductions and even potential
dismissal.
My eyes flickered as my mind drifted back to my tenure at Trifleming. While a few clients had sought me for custom work, the atelier didn’t possess a dedicated unit for private custom orders. Furthermore, Hugo had forbidden me from engaging in such undertakings privately.
But now, an avenue had opened up. I resolved to reach out to my previous clients, gauging whether they retained a demand for my expertise.
Amidst my musings, Raven sidled up, her expression a canvas of indignation.
I playfully prodded Raven’s cheek and chuckled, “What’s irking you this time?”
Raven’s voice dropped, a conspiratorial hush between us, “Word has it that Olivia didn’t boast such a prolific private clientele. However, when Emily left a while back, she passed
ssed by Mr Hushand. I Flashed Married to a Billionaire
63.7%
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on a significant portion of her clients to Olivia.”
My eyes widened. Raven implied that Emily had endorsed Olivia as the successor for her private clients.
Under these circumstances, most patrons would heed Emily’s endorsement, granting Olivia an opportunity to craft their jewelry visions.
No wonder Olivia staunchly defended Emily.
I met Raven’s gaze, my smile unwavering. “It’s fine. As long as we’re skilled, clients will
naturally find their way to us.”
Observing my composure, Raven’s curiosity got the best of her. She blinked, gazing at me with an inquisitive intensity. “Sophia, why did you share your design drafts with Bella
before?”
She distinctly recalled my initial statement that it had been my own choice.
My smile was soft as I explained, “Back then, fame wasn’t my pursuit. I just wanted a simple life. And there’s another aspect…”
“My ex–boyfriend didn’t like the idea of me becoming too prominent. He often said, ‘A tree standing tall invites the strongest wind.‘ He believed I didn’t need to engage in a rat race to draw attention to myself and be the center of it all. His vision was for me to settle down as a
full–time homemaker!”
Raven, privy to the online chatter about me, felt a twinge of anger. “Then why did he end up with Bella…”
She left the sentence unfinished, but I grasped the unsaid implication.
I cast a sidelong glance at Raven, my laughter gentle. “I was genuinely furious at that time. Yet, after a few days of contemplation, it’s not easy to distinguish right from wrong in these
situations.”
Did Hugo ever truly love me? I pondered, eventually nodding to myself. Yes, he probably did. I could sense it earlier on.
My own lukewarm demeanor might have eroded his affection. Despite his despicable affair
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with Bella, love, and relationships couldn’t be blamed entirely on one person.
Witnessing my calm expression, Raven sensed my reluctance to delve further. Swiftly, she changed the topic. “People in the design department can’t stop whispering about you.”
“Who hasn’t been the subject of gossip? Don’t let it weigh on you, and don’t make adversaries too swiftly. Our design department is teeming with individuals. Not all are hostile.” I shrugged.
Anter
fter a pause, I added, “Moreover, a gentleman doesn’t harbor suspicions towards the innocent, and scoundrels can’t be pre–emptively guarded against. Just be prudent in your
actions.”
Raven held genuine affection for me, and I reciprocated the sentiment, my advice genuinely caring.
Raven nodded, though she couldn’t resist quipping, “Director Hopkins seems to have your back. With him in your corner, they might tread more cautiously.”
Cole’s name suddenly resurfaced in my mind. I’d forgotten to update Ava about this development.
Quickly reaching for my phone, I excused myself. “Raven, you should get back to work. I need to make a call!”
As my call connected, Ava was just wrapping up a substantial project and descending the
stairs.
My voice carried excitement through the phone, “Guess who I bumped into just now?”
Ava, who had spent last night searching for Cole, was feeling a bit out of sorts. Absently, she responded, “Who?”
My chuckle danced in the air. “It’s Cole!”
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Chapter 54
