Chapter 58 The Best Choice


    As soon as Jude said that, both Casey and I were stunned.


    Carson Group''s design department wasn''t just somewhere anyone could waltz into. I remembered Caseyining to me back in the day. She had interviewed twice and didn''t get in.


    But now Jude wasn''t just backing down all for Vivian''s sake. He was offering for Casey to manage Department Three.


    Design Department Three wasn''t exactly known for excellence, but parachuting someone in as department head was unheard of.


    Not to mention, being a department head at Carson Group wasn''t the same as just being a designer at some otherpany.


    I could tell Casey was a little moved, but she still turned to look at me. I knew what that meant. She was tempted.


    Dorian shot Jude a cold nce. "Mr. Carson, you''re really generous. No bottom line at all for your little lover?"


    Jude cleared his throat and tried to look righteous.


    He said, "Since Carson Group used Casey''s designs, it makes sense for her to oversee Department Three''s projects. I''m doing this for thepany, and for her future."


    He put extra weight on the words "her future," and his eyes stayed fixed on me. He knew exactly what I cared about most.


    Casey was one of the few close friends I had. I couldn''t just stand by.


    He knew that if there was even the smallest chance for her, I''d give in.


    And this was her own matter to begin with. Jude really knew how to y the human heart.


    I pressed my lips together and looked at him, a little conflicted.


    He seemed to sense my hesitation and breathed a sigh of relief.


    Jude said, "I keep my word. If she joins ourpany, her best friend will be her direct superior. No one will mistreat her. If designs she considered throwing out were still good enough, that says a lot about her talent."


    "Department Three has long needed the right leader. Casey, think it over carefully." He looked so sincere, like he really admired her ability.


    I lowered my head, unsure of what to say.


    For a designer, Carson Group was no doubt a great opportunity.


    Casey had worked so hard for years, only to get backstabbed by her newpany. Of course, she felt bitter.


    And if she tried to find another job, word of what happened would spread fast in the industry. It''d be hard for her to get a foothold again.


    But if she could join Carson Group, it might turn disaster into opportunity, and p her oldpany in the face.


    Still, letting Vivian off the hook like this...


    I clenched my fists. I couldn''t ept it. She had dared to target my friend. That was a line she crossed.


    Suddenly, Casey''s hand covered mine. She inteced our fingers and gave them a little shake.


    Her eyes flicked toward the door, and I got it right away.


    I said, "Jude, we need to discuss this first. We''ll get back to you."


    I pulled Casey out of the station, with Dorian following us.


    Jude took a few steps but didn''t follow.


    But Vivian would still need to cooperate with the investigation. She might be stuck


    in there for 24 hours. Let her stew a bit.


    Dorian gave us a ride and even offered Casey a position at hispany.


    He said, "My design department is still in its early stages, but there are lots of external projects lined up. We really need someone like you."


    He was just as sincere, but after a brief hesitation, Casey politely turned him down.


    When we got back to her ce, she copsed onto the sofa and looked at me pitifully. "Ada, what should I do?"


    "Take the money. Compensation is non-negotiable," I replied without hesitation.


    No matter what, whether Casey joined the Carson Group or not, we took that money.


    It might only be around 60 thousand dors in total. It was just small project drafts, but it was still something.


    But if she joined the Carson Group, that would be a whole different story. Even if she left a few yearster, the resume


    Chapter 58 The Best Choice


    would be impressive, not to mention theworking opportunities.


    Thinking about how I might be divorcing Jude soon, and looking at Casey''s conflicted face, I smiled.


    I replied, "Carson Group''s design department is top-tier. The projects they take on are nothing like your oldpany''s."


    I added, "I know your ability. With two years of experience there, your career could really take off. Carson Group is a good move."


    She sat up straight with a look of annoyance on her face. "Ada, what are you saying? You want me to give in?"


    I knew why she was really struggling. She was thinking about me.


    I put my arm around her shoulders and said gently, "We''re not kids anymore.


    Don''t be so emotional. You know Carson Group is your best option.


    "And I''ll definitely be leaving Carson Group after the divorce. You''ll have better prospects. Don''t you get it?"


    Most of Carson Group''s design work was team-based now. Aside from me as the director, there wasn''t muchpetition.


    If I left, with her skills, Casey could very likely be the new director.


    She stared at me in a daze, tears welling up in her eyes. "Casey..."


    She hugged me tightly. I smiled and raised my hand. Then everything went ck,


    and I felt myself falling backward,pletely out of control.