The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 36

"Earth to Nora! You haven't blinked in a minute."

Janie practically glided over like a breeze, holding a delicate plate of mousse cake. She nudged Nora's arm lightly, her large eyes practically sparkling with gossip.

Nora snapped back to reality and shook her head with a laugh. "It's nothing. I just met a guest who actually understands the craftsmanship, so we chatted a bit."

"A guest who understands craftsmanship?"

Janie's eyes widened dramatically as she leaned in close. "That was Julian Pierce! The head of the Pierce Investment Group. Professor Lawrence personally welcomed him at the door. I was watching from the sidelines, and the way Mr. Pierce looked at you was totally different. The admiration was written all over his face. Does he like you? Did he ask for your number?"

Amused but helpless, Nora lightly tapped Janie's forehead to cut off her wild imagination.

"Stop talking nonsense. He just got back to the country; his mind is entirely on expanding his business."

Nora grabbed a napkin to wipe her hands. "He just happened to be interested in a niche inlay technique, so we discussed design concepts. If you keep spreading rumors, Professor Lawrence is going to make you redraw basic drafts tomorrow."

Janie stuck her tongue out, scooping a bite of cake into her mouth and mumbling, "Do you really need to smile that gently to discuss design concepts? If you ask me, he was totally captivated by your talent."

Their conversation was cut off by a sharp, cold scoff.

A female designer who usually clung to Sloane happened to be walking by. Hearing Janie's words, Kelly Ward stopped in her tracks and rolled her eyes blatantly.

No one in the studio knew Nora's actual background. They only saw a woman who had parachuted into the company, dressed impeccably, yet refused to speak a word about her past three years.

Janie rolled her eyes even harder. "If you have time to gossip, why don't you go check if your drafts got rejected again."

Kelly's face turned beet red. Glaring fiercely at them both, she stomped off in her high heels.

"Don't listen to her, Nora. She's just jealous. You looked absolutely radiant standing by your exhibit today."

Watching Janie defend her so fiercely, a wave of warmth spread through Nora's chest. She reached out and patted Janie's shoulder.

"People can say whatever they want. My true value is right here."