Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 478

Chapter 478 The Party

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“It’s mine,” Dawn said, her voice steady. “You probably don’t know this, but I used to be a jewelry designer.”

The career itself wasn’t rare, but the skill she showed after leaving it behind was nothing short of remarkable.

Gina’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “So you understand design. That means you could lead your team to create something completely unique. Maybe even a custom bike frame. I’ve become obsessed with them lately. The color, the balance, the thrill–it’s addictive.”

Before Dawn could reply, a man’s voice cut in.

“She can, of course,” he said loudly. “But with all due respect, Ms. Gina, designing bikes isn’t just about flair. It’s about expertise. And that’s something only I can provide.”

Marshall stood nearby in a blinding white tailcoat, puffed up like he’d stepped out of some old movie.

Maybe he thought he looked like royalty.

To Dawn, he looked more like a loud rooster who had lost his sense of direction.

Gina raised a brow, unimpressed. “And you are?”

“Oh, forgive me. I believe introductions are in order.” Marshall smiled, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to it. “Marshall Shelton. You may not recognize me, Ms. Gina, but your father and I have known each other for years.”

“Is that so?” Gina’s polite smile tightened. “Then perhaps you should speak with my

Her father had been bedridden for years, unable to lift his head, let alone speak.

Marshall’s grin froze for a beat before he turned to Dawn, masking his irritation.

father.”

“Ms. Dawn,” he said, tone smooth but forced, “you didn’t tell me you’d be here tonight. I could’ve sent a car to pick you up.”

Dawn smiled faintly. “That’s thoughtful of you, but I brought my own.”

The tension between them was sharp enough to feel. Gina caught it immediately.

She looped her arm through Dawn’s with a charming smile. “I wanted to talk more about your

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10:53 Mon, Jan 5

Chapter 478 The Party

design work. It’s far too noisy here. Why don’t we go somewhere private?”

It was an unmistakable rejection to Marshall’s advances.

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Marshall’s eyes darkened, but he stayed silent. His assistant shifted nervously, ready to speak until Marshall stopped him with a look.

“Let them go,” he muttered under his breath. “Two women chatting won’t change a thing. Remember why we’re here.”

Gina led Dawn into the lounge, where the noise of the party faded to a low hum. Dawn hadn’t imagined that a single necklace could open such a door so effortlessly.

Gina couldn’t stop admiring the piece, her fingers brushing the emeralds as if she were afraid they might vanish. She even snapped a few photos, her eyes gleaming like a child’s.

“It’s settled,” Gina said finally. “You have a designer’s eye, and I trust your instincts. I want your company to take this project. That’s why you came tonight, isn’t it?”

Her directness caught Dawn by surprise.

She blinked, a little shy, and brushed her fingers against her cheek.

“Yes. And I promise you this–you won’t regret it.”

“I think so too,” Gina said, flashing an eager smile. “So when do we lock it in? Most people bring their contracts with them. Did you? We could sign right now.”

Dawn blinked in surprise. “Of course not. Tomorrow works better.”

“Perfect. Then it’s settled.”

Gina was unlike anyone Dawn had ever done business with. She was sharp, impulsive, and bold enough to seal a deal before hesitation could creep in. To make sure nothing changed, she announced it right then and there.

The gesture caught Dawn off guard. For a moment, she felt something almost like gratitude.

Before they parted, she promised, “Once I’m back home, I’ll design another necklace for you myself.”

Gina laughed softly. “No gifting though. I’m paying. This one’s already expensive enough. If you gift me another, you’ll be paying for my entire contract. Let me at least pay market value for it.”

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Chapter 478 The Party

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Her words had that easy mix of humor and sophistication that made Dawn understand exactly why she was so successful. Gina thrived on precision and charm.

In a short span, they’d built a surprising connection, something that felt effortless and real.

Gina linked arms with her and led her through the estate, her voice warm as she described the family history.

“This tree here,” she said proudly, resting a hand on the bark, “has stood here for over a century. My great–grandfather planted it himself.”

Dawn smiled faintly as she listened, but her gaze drifted–and froze.

Marshall. And Ethan.

Her pulse stumbled. What was Ethan doing here?

For a second, she thought her mind was playing tricks on her. But no–he was standing right there under the dim garden lights, tall and composed in his black suit. He held a cigarette between his fingers, unlit, the veins on his hand standing out as he turned slightly toward Marshall.

He said something, quiet and deliberate, then his lips curved into that faint, knowing smirk she knew too well.

A handshake. Then silence.

“Danica?” Gina’s voice pulled her back to earth.

Danica was Dawn’s other name. Gina noticed her spacing out. “What is it? Did one of them catch your eye?”

Dawn’s heart gave a small jolt. She looked again, but Ethan had already stepped behind one of the marble columns. Only Marshall remained, his smug grin still in place.

“Him?” Gina wrinkled her nose. “Honey, you can do better. Go get something to eat before you lose your taste.”

Dawn said nothing. Her throat felt tight.