Chapter 4
“At least you had some self–awareness back then–knew you and Dylan were from different worlds, that it was never gonna happen. Smart of you to bail. Though sounds like things didn’t exactly work out?”
“Now look–Dylan’s heir to the Ashford empire, and I just took over my family’s fashion brand. Actually in talks with top international design houses for collabs. If you’re really struggling, maybe we could help you out.”
I sipped my water calmly. ‘Thanks, but I’m good.“]
Tina shot me this dismissive look, voice dripping with superiority
“You probably don’t even know what I’m working on. Ever heard of Lumina? Hot new French luxury jewelry brand!”]
Their head designer is this genius who won major international awards in Paris! Super talented, super exclusive. I pulled every string I had just to get a meeting. If she designs a signature collection for my brand… it’ll absolutely blow up the whole fashion world!”
“When that happens, I could literally throw you scraps and you’d be set.“[]
Everyone immediately started kissing ass:
“Oh my g
my god, Luminal Their designs are incredible!“]
“I heard their designer is insanely picky–most people can’t even get a meeting!”
“Tina, your connections are unreal! Landing a designer like that–you’re perfect for Dylan!]
Tina practically preened under all the praise.
This was exactly the reaction she wanted.
“What’s the designer’s name? Sounds amazing!”
Someone asked curiously.[]
“Eileen Lane. She’s American actually.“]
Tina kept laying it on thick about this mystery designer.[]
“Super young but brilliant–major player in Paris fashion circles.”
“Getting someone like her for our little brand won’t be easy, but I’m confident!”
She snuggled closer to Dylan. “Right, babe?“||
Dylan gave this distracted “Mm hmm.”
His eyes stayed glued to my face, something like hatred simmering there, jaw lacked tight.
Everyone kept absolutely demolishing me while building Tina up.
I just lifted my water glass, took another sip, completely unfazed.
Then someone knocked softly on the door.]
This young woman in a business suit poked her head in, clutching a thick stack of files, looking urgent but respectful.]
“Ms. Clarke, sorry to interrupt.”
“I brought those urgent Lumina project files you wanted, and about the designer…“]]
Tina immediately perked up. “What happened? Did she respond? Did she agree to meet?”
Her voice was full of anticipation []
The assistant nodded with her files. “I met with the designer today, but she had evening plans, so we scheduled for tomorrow.“[]
Hearing her assistant confirm they’d actually met this mysterious designer and locked in tomorrow’s meeting. Tina’s face lit up with pure triumph.
“Perfect!”
She turned to Dylan, eyes sparkling with victory.
“See, babe? Told you I could make it happen! Tomorrow I’m totally sealing this deal!”
The room immediately exploded with ass–kissing:[]
“Ms. Clarke, you’re absolutely incredible!”
“Amazing! We’ll all be counting on your support from now on!“]
“Dylan’s so lucky to have such a perfect partner!“]
All the brown–nosing fed Tina’s ego perfectly.
Her gaze drifted lazily over to where I sat quietly in the corner.
“Oh, Jenny–does the company have any entry–level positions open? Maybe janitorial or something?”
