**Chapter 51: Thirty Million Dollars**
+5 Pearls
From this moment onward, Hannah’s presence in the design department was no longer a concern for Amelia. The icy demeanor that Amelia wore like armor sent a flicker of satisfaction dancing across Hannah’s eyes, a fleeting moment of triumph that she quickly masked.
Hannah took a step closer, her demeanor shifting to one of feigned shyness. “Ms. Harlow, is it because… I work here now that you’re feeling unhappy?” Her voice was soft, almost innocent, as if she were testing the waters.
Before Amelia could respond, Ava interjected with a light-hearted laugh. “Oh come on, Hannah, don’t read too much into it. Amelia is basically just a visiting designer. She hardly shows up more than once a month. How could she be bothered by a full-time intern like you?”
Hannah’s mind raced, quickly piecing together the implications of Ava’s words.
So, it seemed that the dynamics between Amelia and Ethan were entirely hidden from the rest of the team. To them, Amelia was simply a gifted but enigmatic external designer, shrouded in mystery.
This realization sparked a calculating glimmer in Hannah’s eyes, her smile transforming into something deceptively sweet. “Oh, don’t say that about Ms. Harlow. She’s incredibly talented, and I have a lot of admiration for her work,” she chimed, her tone laced with a saccharine quality.
Amelia chose to disregard the childish display, her focus unwavering. She maneuvered around Hannah with a grace that spoke volumes, making her way directly to Peter’s office. With purpose, she handed over the folder that had been clutched in her hands.
“Mr. Zane, here are the final designs for the Stellar Attire project. All the details have been meticulously updated,” she stated, her voice steady and professional.
“Additionally, I need to inform you that this will be my last project with Rowe Group. As of today, I will no longer be an associate designer here,” she declared, her words clear and resolute.
Peter’s smile faltered, his expression shifting to one of disbelief. He quickly accepted the documents, his shock palpable. “What? You’re leaving us? Amelia, what do you mean? Our collaboration has been exceptional!”
His voice was tinged with genuine regret, a hint of desperation creeping in.
Everyone in the department recognized Amelia as one of their strongest designers. Her reliability was unmatched; she never missed a deadline and consistently delivered exceptional work.
With her departure, the department’s future stability felt uncertain.
“Thank you for the offer,” Amelia replied politely, though her tone left no room for negotiation. “I have my own plans.”
Upon seeing the unwavering determination in her eyes, Peter realized that no amount of persuasion would sway her decision.
He sighed, nodding slowly. “Alright, but this is all very sudden. I can’t approve this on my own. Please wait here while I discuss it with upper management.”
“Okay,” Amelia replied, her voice calm as she returned to her workstation, her mind racing with the implications of her choice.
He retrieved a document from his drawer and slid it across the desk toward her. “Stop making trouble. Sign this. Join the design department officially. I can promote you to team lead immediately. You’ll receive a higher salary and greater authority.”
He had laid out his case. He was offering her opportunities. Surely, she would accept.
Yet, Amelia didn’t even glance at the contract. Instead, her gaze locked onto his, piercing and unwavering, before a smile broke across her face.
“You want me to join officially?” she asked softly, her tone almost teasing. “Sure. But can you hand me thirty million dollars right now?”
Ethan blinked, certain he must have misheard her. “What did you just say?”
Amelia stepped closer, her voice steady as she repeated, “Thirty million dollars. If Mr. Rowe can provide me with thirty million right now, I will gladly sign this contract. And for the next few years, I will work according to your wishes, without a single complaint.”
“Amelia!”
Ethan leaped from his chair, his chest heaving with a mixture of disbelief and fury.
He stormed toward her, his eyes narrowing as he glared down at her, his voice a low growl as he confronted her. “You’re asking for money again! Are you truly that desperate for cash?”

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