Chapter 27
Chapter 27:
Sighing heavily, Sarah sounded torn. “I know I usually have something bad to say about her, but honestly… this time, she actually pulled it off. Her design is all over the company site, and they’ve already announced her promotion p>
That was enough to spark Sophie’s interest. She pulled up the new Pinnacle Jewelry homepage, her eyes quickly scanning for the featured designs. A gleaming new logo flashed across the screen, followed by a carousel of the “Best Designs” from the recent competition.
As soon as the high-resolution image popped up, Sophie shot out of her seat, her jaw nearly dropping.
Front and center, labeled as the winning entry, was her design. She would recognize her own work anywhere.
The realization hit her like a punch: Lila had switched their submissions. Lila’s messy draft had somehow become her “failed” entry, while her own design now sat at the top, credited to Lila.
Anger boiling over, Sophie grabbed her bag and called a cab, determined to confront Lila face-to-face.
When she reached the company building, she spotted Sarah pacing by the entrance, worry etched across her face. Sophie had barely set foot on the curb when Sarah rushed over. “Sophie! Did you really mean what you said on the phone?” Sarah’s eyes darted around. “How are you going to prove any of this p>
𝖮𝘳𝘨а𝗇і𝗓𝗲 𝘺𝘰𝘂𝘳 𝗅𝗶𝗯r𝗮𝗋y оn
Without hesitation, Sophie answered, “There were cameras in the conference room. If I drew that piece, there’ll be video proof p>
They hurried to the front doors, Sarah flashing her employee badge to get through security.
Sophie was about to follow when a guard suddenly stepped in her path. “Sorry, you’re not authorized. Former employees aren’t allowed inside p>
Thinking fast, Sarah put on her most charming work smile. “She’s an important sales client. We have a meeting upstairs p>
The guard didn’t budge, pressing his earpiece as his face remained a mask. “Orders from management. This woman is blacklisted; she’s not allowed inside under any circumstances p>
Meanwhile, far above them, Lila gazed out the tall office windows, a smug smile playing on her lips. Into her walkie-talkie, she snapped, “Keep Sophie out. Anyone who lets her through is out of a job p>
Not far from the entrance, a sleek black Bentley idled at the curb. Terry, slouched behind the wheel, kept sneaking glances at his boss through the rearview mirror.
Adrian sat in the backseat, lost in a sea of paperwork, completely absorbed.
Terry shook his head in silent disbelief. Back in the day, Adrian had practically lived in his office, moving from one meeting to another. No one could compete with his dedication to work.
Since tying the knot, Adrian had changed in ways that amazed everyone who knew him. The once-obsessed workaholic now clocked out on time, heading straight back to their penthouse every evening.
Terry couldn’t help but marvel at the transformation. What kind of magic did Adrian’s wife possess to get him to trade late nights at the office for home-cooked dinners?
Today felt stranger than usual. Adrian had slipped into the car as usual, but instead of giving the order to drive home, he sat in silence, eyes glued to his paperwork.
For thirty minutes, Terry waited quietly, barely daring to tap the steering wheel.
He glanced at the rearview mirror and tried to puzzle it out. Maybe they had had an argument, and now Adrian was avoiding going home. He had never seen his boss stall like this before.
Meanwhile, in the backseat, Adrian skimmed over charts and figures, but none of it registered. His thoughts kept circling back to Sophie’s request. Why had she insisted he shouldn’t come home early? Who was this mysterious person she had to meet? And why hadn’t she called to say she was finished?
Just then, Terry broke the silence, his voice filled with surprise. “Boss, look over there! Isn’t that your wife?” He leaned forward, squinting through the windshield. “It looks like she’s getting into it with someone p>