Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3018

Adelaide immediately seized the floor. "Mr. Greco specifically requested Ms. Emily, but she's been completely swamped lately with an overwhelming client load. Terrified she might delay your timeline, I instructed Edwina, who is equally talented, to prepare an alternate design. Since you're both here today, why don't we see which concept catches your eye?"

Mr. Greco glanced deferentially at Orval.

"Why not?" Orval agreed pleasantly. "Let's review both. Whoever delivers the better concept will become Sterling's exclusive architect moving forward."

Thrilled, Adelaide shot Edwina a covert, triumphant look before addressing the room. "Let's begin with Edwina's presentation. She's had far more time to prepare."

Orval offered a mild smile. "Are you implying that Ms. Emily's presentation is half-baked?"

Adelaide laughed awkwardly. "Not exactly. It's simply that she hasn't had the luxury of dedicating as much time to it as Edwina has, given her recent workload."

Edwina darted a nervous glance at Emily, expecting her to furiously defend herself. But Emily sat there in total silence, seemingly accepting Adelaide's blatant sabotage without a fight.

Orval turned his attention directly to Emily. "And what exactly have you been so busy with, Ms. Emily?"

She finally looked up, her smile bright and unbothered. "Running around construction sites, touring new developments, and studying architectural philosophy with a mentor of mine. It's been incredibly enlightening."

Adelaide's lip curled in poorly concealed disgust.

To her shock, Orval burst into genuine laughter. "Fascinating. Care to share what you've learned?"

Emily confidently patted the sleek portfolio resting on the table. "It's all right in here. I'll show you shortly."

Adelaide's eye twitched. Desperate to regain control, she interjected, "If it pleases the board, let's review Edwina's concept first."

"Very well," Orval agreed, leaning back in his chair with an expectant look.

Adelaide activated the massive digital screen and loaded the presentation. Edwina walked to the front of the room and began walking them through the slides.

Orval watched intently, but as the presentation dragged on, the smug satisfaction on Adelaide's face slowly melted into a look of absolute horror.

With a confident nod, she turned to the screen and began walking them through her completely overhauled vision.

She spoke for a solid thirty minutes. By the time she finished, Mr. Greco's eyes were alight with genuine excitement. He turned to Orval, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. "Sir, what do you think?"

"What do you think?" Orval countered.

"I think it's absolutely phenomenal," Mr. Greco practically gushed. "This is nearly ready for the final stamp. They weren't kidding when they said she designed for the James family. You have completely blown me away, Ms. Emily!"

Receiving such immense praise on a preliminary draft was virtually unheard of.

Orval nodded in firm agreement. "It is truly spectacular."

Emily offered a modest smile. "I owe it all to my mentor's brilliant advice."