Chapter 165
Chapter 165:
The morning after her return to Zhatwell, Sophie slipped back into her routine, heading straight to the office without missing a beat.
News of her victory had already spread through the department, and her coworkers crowded around her, eager to shower her with congratulations. With a gracious smile, Sophie thanked them one by one, her heart quietly glowing with happiness.
No sooner had she taken her seat than the internal phone buzzed. Juliet was calling her.
𝘙e𝘢𝘥 wi𝗍ho𝘶𝘵 іn𝘵e𝗋𝗋𝘶𝗉𝘵𝗂𝗼ո𝘀 о𝘯
Inside the office, Juliet’s expression carried open admiration. “Come in, Sophie. Sit down. I’ve got some wonderful news—your promotion letter has arrived p>
Sliding a file across the desk, Juliet continued. “Your work has done more than impress the company. Winning that international award sealed it. From today, you’re officially the lead designer p>
Her tone warmed with genuine respect. “Can you believe it? Even at Pinnacle Group’s headquarters, where talent is everywhere, I’ve never witnessed someone advance as quickly as you have p>
Her words slowed, curiosity shining through. “What puzzles me most is that you began here as nothing more than an assistant designer. With your ability, that hardly adds up p>
Though Sophie had braced herself for such remarks, hearing them directly from Juliet left her slightly flustered. She rubbed the back of her head with a shy smile. “Thank you, Juliet. It’s because my academic background is fairly ordinary, so the assistant role was my only way in p>
Memories stirred as she thought back on her schooling.
Several years ago, she had been accepted into a renowned university overseas, but the steep tuition fees stood in her way. Choosing a modest university instead, she managed to finish her degree on a full scholarship.
She realized that the decision had cost her plenty, especially when searching for jobs after graduation, since her credentials seemed far less impressive.
While applying to the former version of her current company, her education allowed her nothing higher than an assistant designer role. The system there was rigidly structured, trapping fresh hires without prestigious degrees in low-level tasks with almost no chance of advancement.
At first, she had planned to set aside some savings and eventually try her fortunes elsewhere. Fate intervened when Pinnacle Group bought out the company—an unforeseen turn that became her lucky break.
Once Sophie stepped into the role of lead designer, her daily rhythm took on a whole new pace.
She was no longer the junior expected to answer every call for help. Now she held the authority to steer projects on her own.
Juliet, mindful of her limited experience, chose not to assign her a team right away but instead let her tackle a few projects independently to build confidence and sharpen her skills.
To Sophie, the opportunity felt liberating and deeply rewarding. At last, she could sketch freely, select her own materials, and let her creativity flow without being bound by a superior’s judgment. Each workday became a whirlwind of activity, yet it overflowed with purpose and artistic fire.
One afternoon, Juliet appeared at Sophie’s desk with a folder in hand, tapping lightly to catch her attention. “Sophie, pause what you’re working on for a bit. This is the draft plan for our product line next quarter. It requires Mr. Morgan’s approval. I’ve got to meet an important client, so could you take this up to his office on the top floor p>
“Of course, Juliet.” Sophie accepted the folder without hesitation and set off for the upper floor.
The climb brought her to a level she had never visited before. Wide hallways lay draped in plush carpeting, the brightness of the space mingling with a hushed stillness that carried a sense of distinction.
Sophie trailed the signs carefully until she found Simon’s office. When she knocked, silence answered back.
A passing secretary noticed and leaned close to whisper, “Mr. Morgan isn’t here right now. He’s reporting to Mr. Knight p>
The secretary motioned toward the imposing double doors at the far end of the corridor. “You’ll find him in Mr. Knight’s office p>
Mr. Knight?
Sophie’s pulse quickened at the name. If Simon was in there reporting, then the elusive Mr. Knight had to be present as well. Was she truly on the verge of meeting the legendary founder face-to-face?
Drawing in a breath to calm her racing nerves, Sophie made her way to the president’s office. Her knuckles lifted, and with a careful touch, she tapped against the polished wood.