Chapter 53
Megan’s POV
I stared at the designs displayed on the screen, my fingers tightening
around my leather portfolio. What the actual hell? This level of craftsmanship couldn’t possibly be from that little homewrecker. My heart thudded uncomfortably against my ribs as I studied the
intricate details of Iris’s jewelry design.
“This can’t be right,” I thought, blinking rapidly. “She’s supposed to be some trophy wife who slept her way into Sebastien’s life. She can’t
actually have… talent.”
The room had fallen silent, everyone gawking at her work like they’d
never seen professional designs before. I watched Lisa’s mouth fall
open slightly, her eyes darting between the screen and Iris with
undisguised amazement. My stomach twisted with irritation.
“These employees are so easily impressed,” I thought bitterly. “They
probably haven’t seen real high–end design work before.”
I quickly scrolled through the rest of Iris’s portfolio, keeping my
expression neutral while my mind raced. The designs were
sophisticated, innovative, and perfectly balanced–exactly what North Star would respond to. The moonstone arrangement caught the light
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in ways I hadn’t considered possible. Every piece screamed expertise
and vision.
I couldn’t let her succeed. Not here. Not in my territory.
“Well,” Lisa’s voice cut through the silence, “I think we can all agree
that Iris’s designs are… exceptional.” Her voice held genuine
admiration that made my teeth clench. “I’ve never seen anyone
integrate traditional elements with modern luxury quite like this.”
All eyes in the conference room pivoted toward Iris’s designs, then
toward me. I felt a muscle twitch in my cheek. I needed to regain
control of this meeting immediately.
“As a newcomer,” I said smoothly, keeping my voice steady despite the
anger bubbling inside me, “Iris has certainly shown promise.” I
carefully emphasized the word ‘newcomer,‘ reminding everyone of her
junior status. “But this collaboration with North Star requires
experience and understanding of market trends that comes with years
in the industry.”
I watched Iris’s face for any reaction, but she remained frustratingly
composed. Not a flicker of emotion crossed her features.
“For a beginner, her work is admirable,” I continued, the words tasting
bitter in my mouth. “But I believe Jason’s approach aligns better with
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our overall strategy.” I gestured toward Jason’s serviceable but
uninspired designs. “His concepts have the commercial appeal and technical feasibility we need for this partnership.”
The room remained uncomfortably quiet. I could see doubt on several faces, and it made my blood boil. These people were actually considering this upstart’s work over my professional judgment?
When the meeting finally ended, I lingered by the door, waiting for Iris to walk past. I needed to establish dominance, to make sure she understood the hierarchy here.
“Iris,” I called, flashing my most convincing smile as she approached.
“I wanted to say I’m not dismissing your work entirely. Your sketches show real potential.”
She looked at me with those calm, unreadable eyes and simply
nodded. No gratitude, no response to my obviously fake olive branch.
Just a polite acknowledgment before she continued walking.
My smile froze on my face as she walked away. “Did she just… ignore
me?” The thought made my chest tighten with rage. I noticed Lisa
watching our interaction from across the hall, her expression curious.
“Nosy little bitch,” I thought, quickly composing myself. I couldn’t let
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