Chapter 8
Howell’s Lace inmediately darkened, his eyes brimming with fury
He thought, Joanna’s already working at his company? They might even be living together by now. How dare she talk about being clear of conscience? How could she be so shamelesut
Howell’s anger was bailing over, and it felt like his jealousy was suffocating him. Soon, he’d be the laughingstock of Osland Cary,
Seeing things spiraling out of control. Hanley wisely decided to leave. He knew if he stuck around any longer, he might end up in the line of fire.
Joanna had officially started her new job. Today, she wore a sleek and stylish outht–wide–leg trousers paired with a button–up shirt. It was professional yet elegan, giving off a poised and confident vibe.
When Philip came downstairs and saw her, he said, “Il arrange a driver to take you to and I from work.”
Joanna smiled and shook her head. “No need. I can drive myself. I saw there are plenty of cars in the garage. I’ll just pick one that’s more low–key
pilars still wasn’t convinced.
“But you’re pregnant “Philip
“TIl be time. I’ll be careful, Joanna reassured him. She’d a
already told her family about the pregnancy. After all, in three or four months, she wouldn’t be able to hide it anymore. It was better to prepare them in advance.
Dexter and Philip were thrilled. Having more children was never an issue for their family.
They were all very supportive, which made Joanna feel deeply moved. Her family had wanted her to stay home and rest, but she didn’t feel like she needed to
Plus, staving busy with work would help pass the time, and this was the job she loved–designing.
“Alright, but if you get tired, take a break. I’ll have Britney assist you. She’s very detail–oriented, You can hand things off to her, and I’ll have the senior designers help you out as well”
“Thanks, Philp
“Lets go then. I’ll take you today,” Philip said. He had some things to discuss with her
“Okay. By thar way, when’s Donald coming back?” Joanna asked, knowing that Donald Menzie was on an overseas tour. With the time difference. they hadn’t been in touch much lately.
Donald was a superstar, adored by countless fans.
“He booked solid, but now that you’re back, he’ll try to get home as soon as he can. He’ll definitely surprise you when he does, Philip replied, a sunile tugging at his lips.
As they walked into the office, all eyes turned toward them
The handsome man and the beautiful woman drew plenty of curious glances. Whispers filled the air, and employees began speculating about their
laonship
They thought. If they weren’t clour, who would believe it! They showed up at the office together so early in the morning. They must be living
Maybe it was the industry of office lide that made everyone so interested in gossiping, but no one could resist speculating about Philip and Joanna After all, the topic was just too juicy.
At team, the meeting
meeting began…
Philip formally introduced Joanna to the team. This is Joanna, our new design director. I hope you all enjoy working with her. Everyone clapped. unison. Whale most of them had already beard about her, it was customary to show respect when Philip made an official
After the meeting. Plalip called ov
Lover Sirena. She was a veteran employee who knew the ins and
outs of the design department
“Ms. Field, postre a senior member of the team and familiar with the design process. During this time, I’ll leave Ms. Osborne in your capable hands,” Philips said, his voice calm aral authoritative.
Though Sirena was reluctantly thinking about it, she couldn’t refuse. With a forced smile, she replied, “Of course, Mr. Menzie. You can count on me
11:58 AM
Chapter &
to suppon Ms. Oibome”
Cher Phily left. Sirena immediately dropped the polite facade.
She gave Joanna a look laced with mockery, and said, Joanna, I don’t know what methods you used to land the position of director, but in our design department, there’s no room for freeloaders.
Joanna raised an eyebrow, her voice steady but firm. “Ms. Field, I’m your superior now, so from now on, please refer to me as Ms. Osborne We wouldn’t want people thinking there’s no discipline in our department, would wel
Joanna had caught that look of disdain on Sirena’s face–it was hard to miss. She knew she had a challenge ahead of her, but she wasn’t about to back down
Sirenas eyes widened for a moment before she responded, clearly not pleased, “Ms. Osborne, understood.
she quickly shifted her expression, a sly smile curving her lips, as if plotting to make J
Joanna back off.
- y. There’s one that’s especially tricky. I thought you might
“Ms. Osborne,” she began, “our department has taken on quite a few new projects recently want to take a look.”
Joanna was calm, unruffled “Is that so Send me the client’s details, and I’ll take a look.”
Though she’d been out of the industry for three years, she still knew how the game was played. This was probably just an attempt to establish authority, but Joanna wasn’t one to be intimidated
“They should be arriving soon, along with their agent, Sirena continued. “We can meet them in the conference room. Originally, we planned for yesterday, but since it’s your first day, I’ve left this one for you”
Joanna nodded without hesitation. “Alright. I’ll grab my notebook and be there shonly
Sirena sauntered out of the room, hips swaying as she went, and not long after, Britney Sims entered.
Britory was the assistant assigned to Joanna by Philip. She had a round, sweet face and a lively personality. Quick, efficient, and always cheerful, she was a delight to work with
“Mi. Osborne, the client hasn’t arrived yet, but I heard from the other designers that she’s a very demanding dancer with high standards.
“On the plus side, though, she’s offering a p
a price that’s hard to beat. Just a heads–up–be careful, Britney warned, passing on what she’d heard. Joanna thought. A dancer? For some reason, Joanna’s mind immediately flashed to a familiar face–Margot.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got in handled” Joanna replied confidently. Back when she was abroad, she’d designed for royalty, so no client was too much of a challenge für her
She Law ‘demanding clients as a good thing–they knew what they wanted, and if their feedback was valid, she would be more than happy to adjust. She welcomed criticisan if it helped her improve. After all, die was always striving for perfection.
Britney wa
was impressed by Joanna’s self–assurance, Sie sonded to herself. Confidence was the most attractive trait, after all–and only someone truly skilled could carry themselves with suchj
When the first met Joanna, she couldn’t help but be struck by her beauty and elegance. There was an inherent nobility in her demeanor- something other people couldn’t fake, something she was born with
And as she spent inore time with her, she noticed that Joanna was refreshingly down–to–earth. In fact, when she saw the sketches Joanna had casually drawn, shur was blown away by low extraordinary they were
Britney was convinced the rumors about Joanna being Philip’s lover were complete nonsense. Those people were just spreading malicious gossip, She incretly hoped Joanna would shut them down once and for all,
As Jania parked her things, she and Itritney walked toward the conference room
“By the way, do you happen to know the name of the clien? Joanna askel, wanting to know more. She thought, ‘Knowledge is power, after all- “Labink her last matte i Caldwell Shes a dancer who just returned from abroad, Britney replied.
of
The moment she heard the name, Joanna’s brow furrowed. She thought, Caldwell A dancer? She hoped it wasn’t the same person she was thinking
