<b>Chapter </b>188
Joshua’s voice was deep and maic.
Xylia’s ears turned red at the words. She calmly pushed Joshua away and sat up straight.
She said, “Funny, I don’t like taking shortcuts. Rest assured, Mr. Garcia. Xylic Studio will get this order!”
Joshua looked into Xylia’s eyes, which sparkled with confidence.
The smile on his lips grew wider. He liked Xylia’s confidence and vitality.
Xylia spent another hour in Joshua’s office. After fully understanding the order’s requirements, she was about to head back to her studio.
Joshua frowned, displeased.
He’d been really tiredtely and just wanted to spend more time with Xylia. He thought of it as recharging.
Sometimes, Xylia felt like Joshua was a kid. Sheforted him, and after a long hug and some kisses<b>, </b>she finally left the office.
Joshua didn’t walk her downstairs because he had another international meeting to attend.
When Xylia left, her lips were a little red and swollen.
The group of secretaries outside the CEO office didn’t dare look at her directly. They just nced at her out of the corner of their eyes.
After Xylia took the elevator, a few gossipy secretaries started whispering.
“Didn’t I tell you she’s Mrs. Garcia? Look at her lips. They’re all red.”
“I saw it! I saw it! Noelle acted like a hostess as soon as she joined. She came out with red eyes just now.”
“She definitely has a crush on Mr. Garcia, but now that he’s into someone else, she’s disappointed.”
“It’s way more than disappointment. He must have seen something really scandalous, which is why her eyes are so red!”
*****
A few people were chatting about the gossip when David silently walked up behind them and suddenly spoke up, startling them. “Is the work done?”
The gossipy secretaries quickly returned to their cubicles, their expressions serious and focused.
David shook his head helplessly. He thought, <Gossiping about Mr. Garcia inside thepany? These secretaries are really ying with fire. Wouldn’t it be better to gossip outside thepany?>
<b>8:28 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>18 </b><b>N </b>
:
<b>88 </b>
55 vouchers
Noelle stormed back to her office, feeling agitated. She saw the items on her desk and swept them all onto the floor in one motion.
The design drawings her subordinate had delivered that morning, along with the coffee cup, fell to the floor and got dirty.
The employees outside heard themotion and exchanged uncertain nces. None dared to enter or ask what had happened.
Noelle’s anger didn’t subside.
In her mind, Xylia had already been torn into a thousand pieces.
She thought, ‘What gives a remarried woman the right to win Joshua’s favor? Just because she saved him once? But my brother lost his life to save Joshua. Why does Joshua ignore me like this?
‘No. I can’t let Xylia and Joshua keep dating. Otherwise, I’ll have no chance at all. I remember that I investigated and found out that Xylia’s ex–husband was involved with another woman. It looks like Connor and Tessa are about to get married.’
A calcting smile curled at the corner of her lips.
<b>** </b>
Xylia arrived at the studio alone.
She had given the employees the day offst night, thinking the studio would be empty. But when she got there, she found the door was open.
Josie was lying face down at the front desk, looking unwell.
Xylia hurried over. “Josie? Are you feeling sick? Weren’t you supposed to be off today? Why are you here?”
Josie hadn’t expected Xylia toe to the studio. She lifted her head from her arm, her face a little pale.
Xylia felt her forehead. “Luckily, you don’t have a fever.”
She grabbed a bottle of liquid medicine from the medicine cab and handed it to Josie. “Have this. It’ll help.”
Josie had never tried this liquid medicine before. After the first sip, she nearly gagged. “What is this?”
“Robitussin. It’s like a cure–all.”
Xylia smiled and took a piece of candy from her bag, handing it to Josie.
This was snuck out of Joshua’s office.
After eating the candy, Josie felt better and looked at Xylia. “Why are you here too?”
Xylia pulled up a chair and whispered, “We’re about to get a huge order, ten thousand employee uniforms.”
8:28 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>18 <b>N </b>
:
88
55 vouchers
Josie snapped into work mode, her previously listless expression reced by a sharp, focused gaze. “Ten thousand? Are you sure this order is for our small studio?”
Xylia nodded, and then shook her head.
Josie was confused. “What does that mean?”
Xylia told Josie about her coboration with Joshua. “The Garcia Group is a toppany in Alvend. If wend this order, we’ll not only make a lot of money, but we’ll also have the chance to expand our studio and boost our reputation. It’s a win–win.”
Josie’s eyes lit up. “You and Joshua are dating. Securing this order is a done deal, right?”
Xylia rolled her eyes. Josie was so good at teasing. She didn’t bother exining.
Josie burst intoughter, shedding her earlier listlessness. “Alright, Ms. Sadler. I know you don’t like pulling strings. Let’s work together. Xylic Studio has to win this order!”
Xylia gently patted Josie on the shoulder. “You’ve got great potential!”
Josie, being from abroad, didn’t get many of the local expressions. “What does that mean?”
Josie followed her upstairs. “Come on. What does it mean?”
Kylia climbed the stairs with her
bag, ignoring the q
Xylia said, “I’m saying you’re smart.”
“You bet,” smiled Josie.
*****
The next day, after sending Joshua’s requirements to the employees, Xylia went to meet Eliza. They attended a jewelry exhibition.
When Eliza saw Xylia, her face lit up.
Eliza looked amazing at nearly fifty. Her face was fresh and dewy, not a bit like her age.
“Xylia, check it out. If you like anything, I’ll buy it for you,” said Eliza.
They browsed the jewelry. Though Xylia specialized in fashion design, she could still chat about some jewelry design concepts with Eliza.
As Eliza looked at Xylia, she realized she was growing fonder of Xylia.
“No need, Mrs. Garcia,” Xylia said.
“Don’t stand on ceremony with me.” Eliza looked Xylia up and down.
Today, Xylia wore a light yellow Chanel–inspired top and skirt, looking yful yet intellectual.
8:28 Thu, Sep 18 N
<b>88 </b>
55 vouchers
“Your temperament is one in a million. I must design a set of jewelry for you,” Eliza said.
O
Xylia felt a bit uneasy. “Mrs. Garcia, that’s so sweet of you. You must be tired. How about we grab something to eat nearby?”
“Sure!” Eliza’s focus shifted immediately. She was pulling Xylia outside.
“Yesterday, I checked out all the good restaurants around here. There’s a seafood ce next to the jewelry exhibition that’s supposed to be great. How about that?”
“I’m good with anything,” said Xylia.
They agreed and headed to the seafood restaurant.
<b>8:28 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b>Sep 18 <b>N </b>