"Our firm sets a high bar for designers-not just in terms of creative skills, but also market awareness and the ability to work within a team. Do you think you''re up to the challenge?"


    Effie smiled calmly, herposure unshaken.


    "I''m confident I can handle it. I value not just the aesthetics of design, but also take market needs and client feedback seriously. As for teamwork, I''ve always believed that great design is the result of collective intelligence. I look forward to growing with the team."


    The director nodded, apparently satisfied with her answer.


    A few more technical questions followed, and Effie handled each one with poise and professionalism.


    Once the interview wrapped up, Effie walked out of The Etheridge Group''s ss doors and let out a deep breath.


    Now all she could do was wait.


    Since it was still early, she picked up some fruit and decided to visit her grandmother.


    Lately, her grandmother and the neighbor next door had be inseparable. The two of them often strolled to the park to watch people dancing, thoroughly enjoying their days together.


    It was afort to Effie, seeing her grandmother so content.


    A few dayster, the call came-Effie hadnded the job at The Etheridge Group.


    She''d made it. She was officially a designer at Etheridge & Co. Jewels.


    That evening, when Lyman came home, Effie could hardly wait to tell him the


    news.


    He didn''t look especially surprised, just smiled with quiet pride. "I knew you could do it."


    Effie grinned back, a sense of anticipation swelling inside her. She was determined to make her mark in this new role.


    The next morning, after breakfast, she put on a fresh, natural makeup look. She wore wide-legged trousers and a crisp white blouse, giving her an elegant, sophisticated air.


    When Lyman saw her, his gaze lingered a little longer than usual.


    They left the house together, but Effie had him drop her off at the corner just before thepany building.


    Lyman chuckled, shaking his head. He knew Effie''s principles-she wanted to keep work and personal life separate.


    Effie walked the rest of the way, arriving early.


    At reception, the front desk staff did a double take when they saw her.


    She must really be something-they hadn''t expected anyone to breeze through the interview process so easily.


    After all, getting a job at The Etheridge Group took real talent. Even the receptionists had gone through rounds of assessments, let alone designers.


    The design department here was one of the best in the industry. People would give anything to get a foot in the door.


    So this time, the receptionist looked at Effie with a touch of awe.


    Effie headed straight to the design office.


    The director had already set up her workspace.


    Soon after, Nelly walked in and spotted Effie. She frowned in disbelief.


    So this woman actually got the job?


    What''s her story?


    Now she was going to be colleagues with her?


    A few minutester, the director called everyone over for introductions. "Everyone, this is Effie, our new designer. I hope you''ll make her feel wee and help each other grow."


    Effie gave a modest nod. "I''m honored to join the team-please guide me as I settle in."


    Everyone apuded her arrival-everyone except Nelly.


    Nelly was a senior designer with a string of awards to her name, and she carried herself with an air of superiority. The director usually let her attitude slide as long as she didn''t cross the line.


    But seeing how effortlessly beautiful Effie was, Nelly felt a pang of annoyance.


    She''d always been the star of the design department.


    Now, with Effie around, that spotlight felt a lot dimmer.


    Tch. There''s no way she''d let this neer have it easy.


    Nelly couldn''t help herself. "So, they''re hiring anyone with a diploma from a no- name college these days?"