The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 34

"Ms. Xavier, your talent is astounding. You have completely saved 'The Dawn.'"

Charles shook her hand firmly. "I look forward to our continued collaboration."

Nora stood up and returned his handshake with effortless grace.

"Thank you for the recognition, Charles."

Her tone was perfectly balanced, her gaze calm and confident.

After the meeting, the French delegation left completely satisfied.

Sloane's face was a stormy gray. She sat up abruptly, clenching her fists, forcing a stiff smile onto her face.

"Don't celebrate just yet, Nora."

Sloane gritted her teeth, still trying to pull rank as the lead designer, desperately looking for flaws. "The French only care about the concept, but manufacturing is another beast entirely. The techniques required for your design have a massive scrap rate. This is going to skyrocket the production costs. If the yield rate fails, can you afford the breach of contract penalty?"

Nora stopped in her tracks, staring coldly at Sloane.

Before she could even retort, Professor Lawrence's steady voice came from behind.

"I've already had the budget calculated."

Professor Lawrence turned, glaring sharply at Sloane.

"Sloane, your vision is getting narrower by the day. If we only cling to safe profit margins and outdated, uninspired formulas, this studio will eventually be phased out by the market."

Professor Lawrence's tone grew harsh as he publicly dismantled her arguments. "Nora has proven with sheer talent that innovation and commercial viability can coexist. As the lead designer, you should focus on improving your own skills instead of nitpicking and suppressing capable colleagues."

Janie ran up to Nora's desk, excitedly grabbing her arm.

"Nora, you were amazing just now! You should have seen Sloane's face—it was a kaleidoscope of colors! I could barely hold back my laughter!"

Nora's voice was steady. "As long as the work is outstanding, all the gossip simply falls apart."

Later, Professor Lawrence called Nora into his office privately.

"Your previous work was exquisite, but it lacked a certain edge."

Professor Lawrence poured her a cup of tea, his eyes crinkling with proud warmth. "Today's sketch showed me your true backbone."

"Hold onto that fire, Nora. You're going to go further than anyone else."