Chapter 104

Chapter 104:

A wave of mocking and doubtful whispers swept through the room.

Sophie’s hands trembled, but she forced herself to stay steady. Drawing a quiet breath, she lifted her chin and addressed the host. “Excuse me. I think there’s a possibility someone tampered with my presentation materials. Would it be possible to check the surveillance footage p>

The staff member gave her an apologetic look. “I’m afraid that isn’t possible. This room isn’t under surveillance—it’s considered private for meetings like this p>

From the back, someone from LUXE Fashion spoke up with an impatient huff. “Why don’t you just step aside and let your team leader take care of it p>

Sophie met the remark head-on. “Our team leader’s at home, down with a bad case of the flu. That’s why I’m here to present today p>

She took a second, clenching her fists, then squared her shoulders and faced the LUXE Fashion staff. “If it’s alright, could I get a pen and some paper? I can sketch a new draft right now and explain my design as I draw p>

Keira rolled her eyes and retorted. “What, you want the whole room to wait for you to doodle? Who do you think you are? Why should your mess hold up the rest of us p>

Sophie refused to let the ridicule rattle her. “You two can go ahead and present first. I won’t get in your way. By the time you’re finished, I’ll be ready to show my design too p>

An uneasy hush settled over the room. Keira looked ready to fire back, but Nora, seated beside her, seemed torn, mouth opening then closing without a word.

The LUXE Fashion staff began murmuring among themselves, clearly unconvinced that Sophie could pull off a new drawing in so little time.

Then, from the head of the table, a gentle voice broke through the tension. “Why not give her the chance p>

J𝘰𝗂𝗇 о𝗎𝗋 𝗰𝗈mm𝘶ո𝗂𝘵y oո.с𝗈𝘮

All eyes turned as Angie offered a calm smile. “I agree. Does anyone here have a problem with that p>

The hush that settled over the conference room was absolute. No one seemed brave enough to object.

Without further delay, the presentations rolled on. Keira and Nora each took their turn at the front. Their sketches were flawless, every line polished, and their pitches flowed smoothly.

Keira, brimming with self-assurance, took the opportunity to throw a sharp remark at Sophie while delivering her presentation. “Our collection draws inspiration from this season’s most popular runway looks,” she announced, her voice ringing with confidence. “The rose motif strikes a balance between delicacy and resilience. We’ve also incorporated signature elements from leading brands, so the design is perfectly in sync with LUXE Fashion’s aesthetic p>

She flashed the crowd a dazzling smile, basking in the attention.

Nora’s nerves were on full display as she presented. Her words stuck close to the script, offering little that was memorable.

At the end of the table, Angie listened with practiced patience, her expression cool and unreadable. Every now and then she gave a small nod, never tipping her hand. She let the presentations pass without comment. When the last one ended, she simply checked her watch and said, “Next p>

The attention in the room shifted to Sophie.

She rose quietly, carried her fresh drawing to the front, and unrolled it for all to see. Every stroke was crisp, every detail just as she had envisioned. Even under pressure, she had managed to bring her original idea back to life.

A ripple of surprise and admiration ran through the audience.

Sophie took a steady breath and spoke, her voice clear and confident. “This design is called Echo p>

She paused, letting her gaze rest on Angie. “I believe that every woman carries unspoken words—sometimes it’s hope, or determination, or longing. Sometimes it’s pain or quiet defiance. Echo is for those moments p>

Her voice held steady. “The left earring is about speaking out; the right, about receiving and listening. One side expands in outward rings, capturing the ripple of a voice. The other curves inward, as if drawing a secret close p>

She concluded calmly. “My inspiration came from the way sound bounces back in a canyon—how a voice comes back not as an answer, but as a reminder that you’re listening to yourself p>

For a long moment, the room was still, as if the weight of her words had settled over everyone.