Adelaide maintained her calm smile. “Our designers hold themselves to the highest standards. I guarantee that the blueprints we deliver in ten days will meet your satisfaction, Mr. Greco. In fact, if you were to work with another design firm, I'm sure it would take even longer—and I think you know that as well.”
Mr. Greco considered for a moment, then nodded with a resigned sigh. “Alright, ten days it is. I expect to see the blueprints when I return.”
“Absolutely!”
After escorting Mr. Greco out, Adelaide asked her assistant to send Edwina to her office. She greeted Edwina with a kind, welcoming smile. “Edwina Edgar Bishop!”
Edwina hurried in. “Good afternoon, Adelaide!”
“Take a seat,” Adelaide said, her voice gentle. She asked casually, “What did you think about me criticizing Emily during today’s meeting?”
Edwina’s eyes darted uncertainly, and she hesitated. “Emily is actually very capable. The real problem was just how tight the timeline was this time.”
Adelaide sighed. “It’s not that I’m being harsh—maybe I just had too high expectations for her.”
“I understand,” Edwina replied immediately.
Adelaide gave a touched smile. “I was afraid you all might think I was being too strict, or that I was picking on Emily.”
Edwina quickly shook her head. “No, no one thinks that.”
“I really just want what’s best for Emily. I push her because I want her to excel,” Adelaide explained.
“We all understand,” Edwina said.
“I’m glad you understand.” Adelaide smiled warmly. “But to be honest, Emily is a bit overrated. The people at Sterling Properties were furious, and I was the one who had to calm things down. If upper management were to find out, Emily would be facing more than just writing a report.”
She handed Edwina a folder. “These are Emily’s designs. Take them; use them as a reference.”
Edwina froze in surprise.
“What’s wrong? Take it. You’re on a tight deadline. Learn from its strengths and weaknesses—combine the best and avoid the worst, and your work will be even better.” Adelaide looked at her meaningfully. “You’re still young, and you have a long career ahead of you. I believe in your potential. Don’t let me down!”
Edwina’s fingers curled anxiously, her eyes fixed on the blueprints, her mind racing. But when she looked up and met Adelaide’s expectant gaze, she finally took the file, her voice trembling. “Thank you, Adelaide.”
“No need to thank me. I know you’ll be my right hand one day, so from now on I’ll be investing more in your growth,” Adelaide replied with a gentle smile.
Edwina felt even more grateful, thanking Adelaide repeatedly and assuring her of her dedication.
When she returned to her office, she nearly ran into Emily. Instinctively, Edwina moved the file behind her back.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Thank you for the updates....
I love it, I love it! Thank you for the updates....
Dear author Lucy, may we please have updates. Thank you....
There's a song currently playing via YouTube and TikToc by LowDii "Touch Me Softly" that makes me think of Norah and Xavier (Gonzalez). Please, I'm looking forward to updates. Thank you for your writing....
May we please have updates. Thank you....
As the plot thicken. Adrian is done for and he can't try to control Norah, so he'd probably tattle to Janice who's gone for two weeks. Thank you soooo much for the updates....
These updates were too funny. Thank you so much for the updates....
I forgot to add Amy to the group of pregnant women,since she was the first. Emily and Sylvia better be careful since pregnancy is in the air....
Wow! This is great, both Estelle and Magdalen are pregnant at the same time and I hope that Xavier is Norah neighbor. Thank you for the updates....
Author Lucy you're a blessing. Thank you so my for the updates. I hope that Norah's neighbor is Xavier she gets her memory back....