Reborn to Marry My Best Friend's Uncle novel Chapter 25

Noticing Annie's silence, Roxanne pressed on, "This is a great chance, Annie. You can join the contest under your name now, completely free from the company's restrictions."

Annie snapped out of her thoughts, though her fingertips remained cold. She slowly shook her head as her gaze returned to the resignation letter on the desk.

Her resolve remained unshaken when she spoke. "Thank you, Ms. Hudson, but I still wish to resign."

She couldn't bear the idea of working under Sean's surveillance every day. Just the thought made her stomach churn.

"Why? The opportunity's right here, so why are you so determined to leave?" Roxanne seemed genuinely confused.

"I refuse to work under Frost Group," Annie said flatly, and Roxanne immediately understood. This was a matter of principle and a deep-seated aversion.

Roxanne exhaled and decided to adopt a different approach. As her gaze returned to Annie's resume, she asked, "If I remember correctly, you marked your marital status as married, right?"

Annie was taken aback, clearly not expecting the sudden question. She nodded.

Roxanne continued in an earnest tone, "I'm a few years older than you, Annie. What I'm about to say might sound unpleasant to hear, but it's the truth.

"I know that you have talent and pride, but everyone has to make a living. You're married now, and maybe you'll think about kids someday. All of that needs money.

"Mosaic Studio may not be huge, but the pay, benefits, and career growth offered are top-tier within the industry. If you leave in a fit of pique now, finding an equally suitable position is incredibly tough."

Money wasn't Annie's primary concern, but her thoughts couldn't help but drift to her marriage to Christian.

Though it started as a trade, she wasn't about to let him think that she was an unaccomplished, unemployed freeloader, was she? The studio could serve as a strong launchpad.

Roxanne's pragmatic advice gradually cooled the rage that had clouded Annie's judgement. To walk away from such a perfect platform for someone like Sean wasn't worth it. She would stay, not for him, but for herself.

After a long pause, she reached out for the resignation letter on the desk and slowly pulled it back toward her.

Then, she looked up to meet Roxanne's eyes. "Thank you, Ms. Hudson. I get it now."

A genuine smile of relief finally spread across Roxanne's face.

The office door was cracked open, so Cecilia had heard every word. Her fingers tightened around the doorknob.

Why? She'd schemed so hard to steal that slot, confident that she could crush Annie beneath her heels and drive the latter out of the studio for good.

But now, the rules had changed. Not only could Annie join the contest, but she wasn't leaving either.

Night had fallen, and the office had gradually emptied. Annie shut down her computer and briefly tidied her desk. She was ready to leave.

Just as she stood up, a timid voice sounded behind her. "Annie… are you leaving now?"

It was Abigail. She was hugging a stack of materials to her chest and wore an embarrassed, shy expression.

"Yes. I'm heading out."

"Well… I've been stuck on a few questions about fabric techniques, and I can't figure them out. C-Could I maybe take a few minutes of your time?"

Annie glanced at the clock. Though eager to go home, she nodded after seeing the sincerity in Abigail's eyes. "Sure. Go ahead."

She sank back into her chair and listened patiently as Abigail pointed out her questions. As the latter asked, she spread the papers she'd been holding across the desk and inadvertently leaned in just a little too close.

Completely unsuspecting, Annie was entirely focused on explaining the properties and handling techniques of different fabrics.

Throughout the explanation, Abigail kept her head bowed and looked like she was diligently taking notes. But her lowered lashes hid the true emotions in her eyes.

Only she knew that her other hand, hidden under the desk, was clutching her phone with a dangerously tight grip.