Chapter 32
Chapter 32:
Sophie didn’t give her a chance. Lifting her left hand, she tilted it toward the light so the diamond ring sparkled brilliantly. “That man’s ring was designed as a set, with this one right here p>
Her finger glided across the engraved band. “The K stands for the man I created it for. His last name begins with K p>
The gleam from the ring caught Simon’s eye, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe, nearly choking on his gum.
Realizing the room was waiting on him, he snapped back into his role. His face hardened. “Lila Thorpe, you’re finished. Theft of another’s work means you’re fired on the spot. And not just from here—you’re blacklisted from the entire industry p>
His attention then shifted to Zachary, his tone razor-sharp. “And you, Zachary—if you can’t make basic judgments, you have no business running a department. Report to the factory floor tomorrow. Learn what design really is p>
When his gaze landed on Sophie, it softened with curiosity. “Sophie, isn’t it? Consider this a welcome back. What position were you holding before p>
𝗠𝗈𝘴t r𝖾a𝘥 𝗍𝗵іs w𝖾𝗲𝗄 о𝗇
“Assistant designer,” Sophie admitted without hesitation.
Simon blinked, taken aback. A woman with that level of vision and technique, reduced to such a minor role?
He briefly weighed the idea of slotting her directly into Lila’s old job, but her résumé argued for a steadier climb.
“Then we’ll bring you in as a junior designer,” he said, firm but encouraging.
Inside the president’s office, Adrian sat before the security monitors, his eyes scanning the footage until every piece of the truth lined up. On his screen lay the ring design Lila had stolen. The sketch showed a bold men’s band with a matte finish, platinum prongs, and a square-cut black diamond glinting darkly at its center. Every detail radiated careful craftsmanship.
The motif echoed the ring on Sophie’s finger, the two clearly meant as a pair.
Adrian traced the tiny etched K on the page, and the faintest smile tugged at his mouth.
The office door suddenly slammed open. Simon barged in, flushed with adrenaline. “Adrian! So? How did I do out there p>
“I’ll be taking this company over myself.” Adrian didn’t even look up.
Simon staggered back in mock agony, clutching his chest. “What? You’re kicking me off the throne already? I just got the title p>
Adrian finally glanced up, his tone steady and commanding. “If you’re ready to head back to headquarters, I’ll see to it you’re promoted p>
Simon’s sly grin returned, eyes twinkling. He leaned across the desk. “Ah, I get it. This is for that new woman in your life, isn’t it? Don’t think I didn’t notice. You gave her the family ring your mother passed down p>
His teasing vanished as he tapped the desk firmly. “But, Adrian, come on. You’re already married. Alice might drive you crazy, but at least file the divorce papers before you start chasing someone else p>
Adrian’s brow darkened, irritation breaking through. “What nonsense are you spouting p>
Simon snorted. “Don’t play dumb. You sent me down there to protect Sophie Barnes, didn’t you? You were worried she’d get steamrolled p>
The name struck Adrian like a sudden blow. His frown deepened, an uncharacteristic uncertainty flickering in his eyes. “Sophie… Barnes? Who’s that p>