Chapter 52
A surge of displeasure gripped Lukas.
Advancing to the head of the table, he spoke icily, “Aren’t we here for a meeting? Or has this room transformed into a marketplace for idle chatter?”
truth, the room had already fallen silent when Lukas entered. His outburst prompted everyone to retreat further into silence.
Cole locked his gaze on Lukas, addressing the tension. “I apologize, Mr Strakovski. I should have managed things more effectively. “
Lukas huffed, his impatience palpable. “Let’s begin the meeting.”
His dissatisfaction seemed to linger as he directed Cole to present the last quarter’s summary and delve into the design department’s forthcoming development plan.
Fortunately, Cole was prepared and tackled these topics adeptly.
Once Cole wrapped up his presentation, Lukas resumed the floor. “Three pivotal points anchor Strakovski Jewelry’s Design Department. Firstly, leverage various competitions to elevate your individual reputation, thereby solidifying the company’s recognition of your şkills. Secondly, deliver design drafts tailored to your strengths for the upcoming quarter’s product releases.”
Silence reigned, and I, being relatively new to the company, wasn’t entirely acquainted with the nuances within Strakovski’s Design Department. However, it seemed Lukas’s words
were directed at me.
Lukas pressed on, his tone unbending. “The last and most crucial point is personalized customization. Each designer at Strakovski jewelry holds private clients. Your task is to craft personalized jewelry designs based on their specifications. This remains our high end design route. Suppose any among you lacks private clients or struggles with specific requirements. In that case, I suggest you take the initiative to enhance your understanding.”
As Lukas spoke, he cast an almost imperceptible glance in my direction.
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While others might have missed the subtle indication, I didn’t
I grasped the unspoken communication–Lukas was addressing me. As the newest member, who else but I lacked private clients?
Despite my inward reaction, Lukas persisted, his gaze grazing me again. “Furthermore, an announcement for this assembly. After thorough deliberation among the company’s top echelons, it has been unanimously concluded that Designer Lopez’s works are original and free from plagiarism. Consequently, we have decided to have her represent Strakovskí Awelry in the ongoing Century Jewelry Competition! Are there any objections?”
Lukas’s proclamation met with continued silence from the room.
Everyone in the room was aware of the stringent qualifications for the Century Jewelry Competition. Even after five years at Strakovski, many might not meet the competition’s
criteria.
Thus, my sudden inclusion naturally stirred envy among my colleagues.
In a timely manner, Cole stepped forward, his voice carrying conviction. “Mr Strakovski, the design department holds no objections, and I have full faith in Designer Lopez’s capabilities.”
Lukas responded with a cold snort. “Meeting adjourned. Director Hopkins, come to my
office later.”
With that, he strode purposefully toward the exit.
Cole greeted me briefly before trailing after Lukas.
Third POV
Once within Lukas’s office, the latter turned to face Cole.
A peculiar tone threaded through his words. “What do you think of Sophia?”
“Isn’t she a recruit personally appointed by you, Mr Strakovski?” Cole was taken aback.
A faint shadow crossed Lukas’s countenance. He shed his coat, tossed it onto a nearby sofa, and then paced toward his desk. “You two seem rather close. If I didn’t know better, I’d
$2.69%–
Chapter 32
think you were the one who brought her in.”
Cole’s eyes flickered slightly, not quite sure what he meant. Abruptly, he felt uncertain about Lukas’s attitude toward Sophia.
During the meeting, Luukas had extended Sophia an opportunity by allowing her to participate in the Century Jewelry Competition. Simultaneously, he’d highlighted her absence of private clients.
Thas
this Lukas’s new approach in managing his subordinates–providing openings while simultaneously dealing blows?
Observing Cole’s silence, Lukas let out a light scoff. “Why are you hesitating to answer? Is my question that challenging?”
“I only learned this morning that the new designer is Sophia!” Cole hastened to clarify.
“You knew her before?” Lukas detected something in Cole’s tone, causing his brows to furrow slightly.
Cole’s smile was wistful. “She was my junior in the same major at university.”
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A ripple of surprise and uncomfortable coursed through Lukas.
No wonder the two of them seemed so intimate.
He calmly unfurled a dossier before him, “Why you didn’t mention it before?”
A bitter smile touched Cole’s lips as he answered honestly, “I lost touch with my university acquaintances for a long time. It’s been three years since I last saw Sophia.”
Lukas felt a measure of relief hearing this explanation.
He mulled over that he must have deemed Sophia as his possession, that’s why he would
feel uncomfortable.
After all, she was an integral part of his family from legal part.
Leaning back in his chair, Lukas spoke casually, “Since you know her well, tell me what you
know about her.”
Cole pondered briefly, “Sophia is fiercely loyal and possesses exceptional design talent.“,
“What do you mean by ‘exceptional design talent“?” Lukas arched an eyebrow, seeking further clarity.
Unfaltering, Cole replied candidly, “Amongst all the designers I’ve encountered, she stands out as the most talented.”
A fractional contraction danced within Lukas’s pupils, his tone stripped of sentiment. “I wasn’t aware you held such a high opinion of her.”
