?Chapter 243:


    Tina moved even closer, her voice dropping to a hush. “From what I’ve gathered, she mishandled a major project! Mr. Wall was so outraged that he dismissed her right then and there!”


    For a brief moment, Sadie remained silent, her feelings a tangled web. She averted her eyes, concealing the inner chaos. “I see…”


    Recognizing Sadie’s subdued reaction, Tina jumped to conclusions, mistaking it for concern. “Don’t worry, though. Yes, the partnership faced some challenges, but we’ve managed to stabilize things.” A light nod was Sadie’s only response.


    “By the way, where have you disappeared totely? You’ve been missed!” Tina said, her round eyes filled with both concern and curiosity.


    Sadie quietly gathered her thoughts and offered a faint smile, keeping her tone steady. “My child fell ill and had to be hospitalized.”


    Concern washed over Tina’s face. “Oh no, is it serious? Is everything alright now?”


    “He’s doing much better. Thanks. He was discharged and is back home now.” Sadie offered reassurance.


    It appeared Tina had more questions, but their conversation was interrupted as a man in a dark blue suit, with sses, approached. He offered Sadie a polite nod and said respectfully, “Miss Hudson, Mr. Zane would like to meet with you.”


    Sadie hesitated, then recognition dawned upon her.


    That referred to Gregory Zane, the head of design at Wall Group. With a regretful smile at Tina, Sadie excused herself. “We’ll talk moreter, okay?”


    Tina gave a nod and watched as Sadie departed.


    Sadie tapped lightly on Gregory’s office door, which was slightly open. A firm male voice responded, “Come in.”


    She nudged the door wider and stepped inside. A middle-aged man was reviewing documents at the desk.


    “Mr. Zane, you asked to see me?”


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    Gregory raised his head, his gaze assessing Sadie briefly, admiration flickering momentarily.


    Her demeanor exuded elegance, and there was a subtle resilience in her expression, marking her as distinctlypetent.


    “Miss Hudson, please take a seat,” Gregory said, motioning to the chair across from him.


    The client is beyond pleased with ‘Timeless Love.''” Gregory set down the documents with a satisfied nod. “A coboration between Wall Group and you is nothing short of extraordinary, Miss Hudson. No wonder you’re being hailed as the rising star on the international stage. The jewelry was sessfully handed over to the client yesterday.”


    Sadie’s slender fingers tightened around her handbag, her expression clouding. “Timeless Love?”


    Her clear eyes met Gregory’s, and for some inexplicable reason, her heart skipped a beat at the faint admiration in his gaze.


    “Yes. Is something wrong?” Gregory adjusted his sses, his brows slightly furrowed in confusion.


    Sadie hesitated for a breath before speaking. “Mr. Zane… isn’t Timeless Love the theme of Mr. Wall and Miss Wade’s wedding?”


    The room fell into a brief silence.


    Gregory stiffened, his usuallyposed demeanor cracking for a fraction of a second. His eyes widened slightly behind his sses before he blinked, quickly recovering. “Wedding?” he echoed, a beat toote. “No!” He paused to clear his throat, before exining, “This was a business project personally approved by Mr. Wall. I—I assumed you were aware of it…”


    A flush crept up Sadie’s cheeks.


    She forced a small nod, her lips curving into a barely-there smile. “Oh right. Of course. I must have mixed things up.”


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