Thereafter, Cayden nodded in satisfaction. Just as expected, Avery didn't let me down.
His design might not have any obvious flaws, but any knowledgeable architect could see that wasn't the case. Although he could actually have fixed them given his skills, he decided to leave them there on purpose.
Therefore, Avery was right when she pointed out that the design's perfection was by itself a flaw.
By exaggerating the use of natural elements in the design without limits, Cayden had caused it to lose all practicality. Based on current levels of human economic and technological development, turning the building into reality was nothing but a pipe dream.
And thus, this was the second flaw that Avery had clearly pointed out.
After clapping a few times, Cayden remarked, “The points raised by Ms. Rumpley are indeed the flaws of my design which I left there on purpose. Every one of you should take a leaf out of her book. You have to always tell something as it is and not back down in fear just because I'm the CEO. Do you understand?”
Briefly stunned, Avery quickly broke out into a smile.
That's the CEO of Trident Group for you. As a world-class architect himself, no one would dare criticize him even if he was consumed by his ego. In addition, most geniuses are weird and intolerant of negative comments. However, when someone pointed out a flaw in his design, not only was he not angered, but he also used the opportunity to encourage his subordinates to criticize him. It's now clear to me that he hasn't let his fame get to his head. No wonder he's admired by so many!
“I didn't expect you to have something like that hidden up your sleeve. I'm sure Mr. Moore must have leaked the design to you prior to the meeting,” Yulissa whispered in Avery's ear, her tone filled with both envy and jealousy. “All this while, Mr. Moore has rarely praised anyone. Now that he has complimented you, and in front of so many people at that, I'm sure you must be relishing in your glory. Avery, how much time have you spent in his bed?”
Avery ignored Yulissa's snarky comments, for she knew that the more attention she gave the latter, the harder Yulissa would cling to her.
By not entertaining Yulissa, Avery would prevent the former from gaining any satisfaction from the provocations.
Just as expected, even though Avery's cold shoulder outraged Yulissa, she could only stare daggers at the former on account of Cayden's presence.
“Avery, from today onward, you are officially promoted to the position of an architect,” Cayden declared in a steady tone.
“Thank you, Mr. Moore. I'll definitely do my best!” she replied confidently, elated over her promotion.
This is wonderful. All the effort I have put in has finally been rewarded!
Staring intently at Avery, Cayden instructed, “We'll be working on a new construction project together with Vivi Group. You, Trevor, and Cecelia will be in charge of it.”
The arrangement came as a shock to everyone.
Vivi Group was a huge multinational company in which Trident Group had a twenty-five percent stake. Being both partners and competitors at the same time, the relationship between the two companies was a little strange. As for the project in question, it was massive in scale as it involved the development of a historical city into a tourism center.
Thereafter, Cecelia and Trevor nodded at Avery to express their acknowledgment.
Although they were aware of Avery's limitless potential after being colleagues for a long time, they were still astounded by her earlier performance.
As the good-natured Avery was both humble and meticulous, many of her colleagues enjoyed working with her.
However, those who were competitive or jealous of her—such as Yulissa—didn't share that sentiment.
When she heard Cayden hand over the responsibility for the Vivi Group project to Avery, Cecelia, and Trevor, her rage almost caused her to burst a vessel.
It's fine for Trevor and Cecelia to manage the project, but how is a newbie like Avery qualified? Also, where does this put me as the department head?
Suppressing the anger within her, Yulissa protested, “Mr. Moore, since Avery is still new and inexperienced, I don't think she's capable of taking on such a heavy responsibility. Instead, I feel that I—”
Cayden's stern gaze fell upon Yulissa. “Are you questioning my decision?”
The piercing look in his eyes caused Yulissa's knees to buckle, and she nearly lost her balance.
It was then that she realized the idiocy of her action—she had actually challenged the CEO's authority.
She knew very well that once a decision was made, Cayden would never change his mind unless there was a conflict with his principles. Consequently, Yulissa, who wasn't a fool, was cognizant that now was a bad time to anger him further.
Frowning in resignation, she replied meekly, “No, Mr. Moore. Given that Avery has a good foundation in design, this will be a wonderful opportunity for her to train with the team.”
Meanwhile, the rest of the architects shot Avery a complex look.
All of them had started out as lowly assistants before climbing to their current position, shedding blood and tears throughout their entire journey.
Due to Trident Group's strict criteria for vertical mobility, one needed at least a year to progress from an assistant to an architect.
Therefore, it came as a surprise when Avery made the transition within a few months. Furthermore, she even assumed responsibility for a huge project together with other manager-level architects.
They could not believe how lucky she was!
Avery sighed to herself. Although others might be envious of her extraordinary luck, she felt as if she had just had a hot potato thrust upon her.
At the same time, she wondered why Cayden was willing to let a new employee assume such an important role.
This clearly is one that should be taken on by a department manager.
In a mansion on the outskirts of the city, a luxury car gradually came to a halt at the main gate. Thereafter, a middle-aged couple emerged from it.
The man had sharp features and a distinguished air around him. Even though he was dressed casually, it failed to diminish the authoritative aura he exuded.
As for the woman, her beauty hid her age well. As she carried herself with elegant poise, she gave off a melancholic vibe that elicited sympathy from anyone who saw her.
They were none other than William and his wife, Claire. They had arrived at the old mansion to visit his father, George Lambert.
Once George had retired, he returned to his old home, which was showing its age.
Cognizant of the mansion's condition, William had suggested to his father to rebuild it. He figured that a new home would be more comfortable and naturally cheer the latter up.
The moment the couple stepped in; a hearty laugh echoed throughout the house. Given how resonant the laughter sounded, they had no doubt it came from George.
“Dad, you seem to be in high spirits. What happened?” the curious William asked as he helped his wife into the house.
His father had maintained a stern demeanor throughout his entire life. After working for years as a government official, one could no longer tell when he was happy or feeling otherwise. Consequently, to hear his hearty laughter was indeed an extremely rare event.
“You're finally back to visit us. Your dad and I have been complaining about you every day.” A distinguished-looking old lady came forward to receive them, her face brimming with joy.
At the sight of his son and daughter-in-law, George delightfully handed William the blueprint he was holding. “Look, I finally found an architect I like. Whoever it is, they are really talented to have fulfilled all my requirements!”
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