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With the sudden surge in orders, the five–person studio was clearly overwhelmed.
It was obvious that the team of five just couldn’t handle that many orders anymore.
Xylia and Josie quickly put the expansion n into action. Josie took charge of hiring new talent, while Xylia focused on finding arger workspace.
Josie handled recruitment, while Xylia started searching for a bigger studio to move into.
Joshua showed up just when they needed him most.
Xylia wasted no time inmandeering him as her personal driver.
“My baby’s really stepped up her game,” Joshua teased.
Xylia was used to him calling her all sorts of mushy names and didn’t bat an eye–she just wasn’t sure what ‘progress‘ he was talking about.
“She knows how to put her boyfriend to work now,” he added with a yful grin.
Xylia just stared at him speechlessly.
‘I’ve had him drive me around plenty of times already,‘ she thought.
Xylia just brushed him off with a couple of casual replies, then turned her attention to texting the realtor to check on the studio options.
Joshua realized she was tied up, so he wisely kept his jokes to himself and let her focus.
Following the address Xylia gave them, they arrived at an office building about three kilometers away.
The ce was recently built, just within thest couple of years–and the Garcia Group had actually invested
in it.
Xylia didn’t know any of this, while Joshua simply nced at the building, keeping quiet, though he knew exactly what’s up.
The realtor brought Xylia up to the sixteenth floor, and the whole ce was totally vacant.
While the realtor and Xylia were talking about renting only half the floor, Joshua finally chimed in.
“Just take the whole floor. Your studio’s not gonna stay small–having the whole ce will be way more convenient for you,” he said.
Xylia couldn’t help but hesitate.
This floor was at least ten times the size of her current studio. Even if they hired a bunch more people, there’s no way they could use all that space right away.
Renting the whole floor just seemed kinda excessive.
Joshua pointed to the two offices next door.
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“These could work great as pattern–making rooms. If you don’t have a ton of people yet, each designer can have their own private space–they won’t get in each other’s way, and everyone can really get into the zone and do their best work,” he suggested.
Xylia found Joshua’s suggestions a little odd.
He sounded reasonable enough, but honestly, it just wasn’t necessary.
‘You only need a quiet space when you’re actually designing; pattern–making’s not that demanding,‘ she thought.
She pulled Joshua aside and asked, “Why are you so insistent I rent the entire floor?”
Joshua lowered his voice and came clean. “The Garcia Group helped fund this building. If you take the whole floor, the rent’s discounted–it’s actually a steal.”
Xylia caught on immediately and didn’t hesitate–she went ahead and rented out the entire floor then and there.
‘Who says no to a discount?‘ she thought.
Plus, the ce had a great vibe and was close to where all the team lived–couldn’t get more convenient than that.
Just like that, the studio’s new location was settled.
Joshua had wanted to whisk Xylia away for a little fun, but with the mountain of studio work piling up, she couldn’t swing it.
She sweet–talked him for a moment to keep him happy, then slipped back to the studio to dive right back into work.
Joshua sat alone in the car, feeling abandoned by the whole world.
He dialed Leon’s number, and said, “Leon, wanna go get a drink?”
Leon just stared at his phone in bewilderment, not sure what Joshua was suddenly calling him for.
‘We’re not exactly close, man…‘ Leon thought to himself.
Joshua must’ve been keeping tabs on Leon’s schedule, because he was hell–bent on getting him out for a drink now that he knew Leon had nothing going on.
Leon tried every excuse under the sun to dodge the invitation.
Joshua said coolly, “I’ve got a way to make Mia the main star.”
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Leon paused for two seconds, then gave in and said yes to Joshua’s invitation for a drink. ‘For Mia, I guess I have no choice,‘ he thought.
The two of them headed straight for the bar.
Since Leon was a bit of a celebrity, Joshua made sure to reserve a VIP room for them.
When Leon arrived, Joshua was already nursing a drink.
“Got dumped by my sis?” Leon said with zero hesitation as he dropped into the seat across from Joshua.
He didn’t bother asking and just grabbed the bottle, pouring himself a drink like he owned the ce.
Joshua gave him a sideways nce. “You must be used to getting ditched, huh? Is that why you’re so quick to assume I got tossed aside too?”
Leon had half a mind to just lob his drink at Joshua’s head right then and there.
But thinking about that deal Joshua dangled over the phone, Leon gritted his teeth and somehow kept it together. ‘Anything for Mia, I guess,’ he sighed to himself.
“So, how are you nning to help Mia?” Leon cut right to the chase.
“Well, that really depends on what you’re willing to do, Leon,” Joshua replied, a sly smile ying at his lips.
Joshua curved his lips into a subtle smile, and Leon caught the sly, almost dangerous glimmer in his eyes— something about it sent a chill right down his spine.
Leon stared at Joshua, all nerves and suspicion. ‘What kind of scheme is he cooking up again?‘ he thought.
Leon narrowed his eyes and demanded, “What exactly are you nning?”
Joshua gave a short, crisp p, signaling for something to happen.
The VIP room door flew open, and a bunch of gorgeous women, each with her own vibe, strolled right in.
With a cheeky grin, Joshua gestured toward Leon. “Ladies, this is none other than Leon Sadler–the superstar himself. Make sure he gets the royal treatment tonight.”
As soon as Joshua finished speaking, Leon’s face darkened.
The women immediately swarmed around Leon, their eyes lighting up with excitement as they stared at him.
“Oh my god, it’s really Leon! Can I get your autograph? Forget the photo–don’t wanna get you in trouble,” one of them squealed, practically bouncing with excitement.
“Come on, Ruby, Leon picked us! What’s there to worry about? Leon, we’ll take great care of you,” another one chimed in, her voice dripping with flirtation.
Before any of them couldy a finger on him, Leon shot up from his seat, his face a mask of ice.
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His cold, piercing gaze swept across the room, and in an instant, the women froze, too scared to move any
closer.
Leon fixed Joshua with an icy stare, his eyes sharp and full of warning.
“Joshua, what the freak is this supposed to mean?” Leon barked, barely keeping his temper in check.
“Oh, nothing. Just thought you could use a proper break,” Joshua replied, totally unfazed.
Joshua casually pocketed his phone and gave Leon a cocky, punch–worthy smirk.
Leon finally snapped. He swung a fist straight at Joshua, not holding back for a second.
Joshua just sidestepped, letting the punch whiz right past him with ease.
Seeing the chaos about to pop off, the women bolted for the door, not wanting to get caught in the middle of a bro showdown.
“Joshua, I’m seriously gonna beat you to a pulp today! How dare you scheme against me? I’ll make sure Xylia cuts you off for good–she’ll never speak to you again!”
Joshua kept sidestepping with an annoyingly calm look. “If Xylia knew what I was doing, she’d be so thankful she wouldn’t even know how to repay me.”
“Please! With how quick you are at calling in girls, you must be a regr here. I’m definitely telling Xylia what kind of sleazeball you really are. As long as I’m around, forget ever marrying her!” Leon snarled, practically fuming.
“Getting married is between me and Xylia. You might be her long–lost brother and have your opinion, but you can’t stop her from choosing what she wants,” Joshua shot back, calm and confident.
Joshua lookedpletely sure he’de out on top.
Leon was even more pissed now.
Joshua figured the timing was just right, so he rushed over to the door. Just as he got there, the door flew open with a bang.
Joshua quickly sidestepped.
Leon’s fist, already in motion, couldn’t stop in time and went straight for Mia, who was standing right in the doorway.
Leon’s eyes went wide as he tried to pull back, but it was toote.
Mia, on the other hand, was super calm. She just stepped aside, and Leon’s punch sailed right past her.
But in a split second, Leon instinctively pulled Mia into his arms, holding her tight.
Their momentum sent both of them crashing down, but Leon managed to twist his body mid–fall, shielding Mia in his embrace. He took the brutal impact himself, mming his back onto the floor with a heavy thud.
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“Ugh!” Leon let out a muffled groan as the pain coursed through him.
Mia instantly hurried over and helped Leon to his feet<b>, </b>concern written all over her face.
“Did you get hurt? Are you alright?<b>” </b>she asked, her voiceced with worry.
Leon just gazed at Mia in a daze, afraid that even a single word might send her running again.
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Mia had been dodging him for ages, and all this time, he hadn’t been able <i>to </i>even catch a glimpse of her.
Now that she was finally right in front of him, he wasn’t about to mess things up–he had to be extra careful not to scare her away.
Joshua stuck his hands in his pockets, giving them both a chill, satisfied nce from above.
“I’ll leave you two to it,” he said with a smirk.
With that, he strode out of the room like a boss who’s just wrapped up his business–mission aplished.
Leon finally realized–Joshua must’ve been the one who got Mia toe over.
Realization hit him and his face grew even darker.
“Why did Joshua tell you toe here? Did he threaten you or something? I’m not letting him get away with this–I’m gonna give him a piece of my mind!” Leon blurted out, about to chase after Joshua that instant.
Leon was about to storm off after Joshua when Mia grabbed his arm, stopping him dead in his tracks.
“What’s there to settle with him? I’ve got some things to settle with you first!” Mia snapped, her voice sharp and full of fire.##226.Chapter 226 Cheer Her Up
Joshua stepped out of the private room and slipped straight into another one.
Xavi was already waiting inside; Howard was with him.
Joshua didn’t even bother to look at them when he came in. He just opened hisptop and pulled up the feed from Leon’s room.
On the screen, Mia had Leon by the arm.
Leon turned to look at her.
Mia said coolly, “Leon, I didn’t expect you to be so wild behind closed doors.”
It wasn’t a question–it was a statement.
Leon felt his scalp prickling.
Leon shot back without thinking, “How was I being wild?”
He felt so wronged, he almost jumped up in protest.
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Mia just stared at him, her face expressionless. Those stunning eyes held no emotion, but somehow they made Leon feel like everything was crashing down–chills crept down his spine.
“What were you doing in that room?” she asked.
That’s when Leon remembered–back when all those girls were crowding around him, that jerk Joshua had actually been taking pictures with his phone.
Leon caught on to Joshua’s scheme almost instantly.
Joshua must have known Mia was here, so he cooked up some excuse just to make sure she’de up and see
Leon.
There was no doubt–Joshua had sent those photos straight to Mia, most likely with a little threat attached.
Something like: if she didn’t show up, he’d leak the pictures and trash Leon’s reputation for good.
So chances are, Mia only came up here because she was worried about him.
At that realization, a spark flickered in Leon’s eyes.
No time to be mad at Joshua now–he grabbed Mia’s hand andunched into his exnation at lightning speed.
“Joshua totally set me up! He dragged me out for drinks, and as soon as I got here, he threw a bunch of girls at me. He’s obviously trying to destroy me!”
This was his cue to pin everything on Joshua without hesitation.
‘ming Joshua? Best idea ever,‘ Leon thought to himself.
Joshua froze mid–recording.
If Xylia saw this, there’s no way he’d ever clear his name.
He narrowed his eyes, a frosty glint directed at Leon.
‘Seriously? This is how you pay me back?‘ Joshua thought.
Mia remembered that strange text, and instantly linked those threatening words to Joshua.
She was pretty much convinced now.
Leon pushed his luck, gripping Mia’s hand like he was afraid she’d run off the second he loosened his hold.
“Last time was my fault. I shouldn’t have tried to control your decisions. Please, don’t be mad at me, alright?” Leon pleaded, sounding a little desperate,
That was one thing about Leon–when it came time to swallow his pride, he never hesitated.
Mia was the girl he’d been secretly in love with for years, and now that he’d finally managed to win her over,
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Leon wasn’t about to let this rare chance slip through his fingers.
“I’m not mad,” Mia said softly.
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Her brows drew together as she realized just how different Leon was from the distant, untouchable man she thought she knew from the spotlight.
He was always so intentional–not only that, but he could be shameless when it mattered, and the way he clung to her with that out–of–nowhere possessiveness left her honestly baffled.
For the longest time, Mia never really believed Leon actually liked her–much less that he’d decided no one else would ever do.
But the way he acted around her made it painfully clear—he’d fallen for her, and he wasn’t trying to hide it at all.
She nced at Leon, curiosity in her voice. “Did we know each other before?”
There was always this odd sense of familiarity every time she was with Leon.
But if they’d crossed paths before, how could she not remember?
I mean, with a face like his, seriously–how could she ever forget him?
But instead of his usual quick reply, Leon gazed at her, eyes filled with undeniable affection and longing.
He didn’t say a word.
Mia knew exactly what that look meant.
“My agent told me I’m still set as the lead for Mr. Schumer’s series, so you don’t need to do anything,” Mia said, sounding rather nonchnt.
“It’s not like you ever really needed my help anyway,” Leon mumbled under his breath,
feeling totally pointless just hanging around—‘Ugh, I’m literally no use at all,‘ he thought.
Mr. Schumer’s show switched the female lead back to Mia, probably because Tessa had just gotten hit with waves of bad press online thesest few days. Even with investors trying to force someone in, there’s no way they’d risk the show’s future just to keep Tessa as the star.
Honestly, it was very likely she wouldn’t even make it into the cast at this point.
Even though the news was something to celebrate, Leon couldn’t help but feel bothered that Mia didn’t really want his help.
Mia was fiercely proud–she definitely didn’t want to be the reason his career got held back.
That’s why, when it came tonding roles, she preferred Leon not get involved in her business.
Leon mumbled under his breath, earning a teasing look from Mia. “What was that you were muttering?” she
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“Nothing!” Leon grinned, trying to y it cool as he met her eyes. “So, does this mean we’re cool again?”
Mia just tilted her head toward their hands, still firmly entwined, making her answer clear without a word.
“You tell me,” she said with a little smirk.
‘Man, I’m really happy right now,‘ Leon thought, unable to hide the grin on his face.
All the gloom from thest few days seemed to just vanish in that instant.
Joshua caught sight of the pair locking lips on the screen, then casually shut off the surveince feed.
Grinning, he forwarded the second half of the recording straight to Xylia.
Honestly, Joshua knew Xylia had been super busytely–a bit of entertainment like this was just the thing to lift her spirits.
Once Joshua wrapped things up, Howard finally spoke.
“Mr. Garcia, you called me in here and then just zoned out staring at yourptop. Isn’t that a bit off?” Howard said, his tone a little teasing.
Joshua snapped hisptop shut, leaned backzily, and looked like he was in no rush to talk business—just chilling, not a hint of urgency on his face.
“Rx, Mr. Jennings. I just brought you here for a little chat, nothing serious,” Joshua said with azy flick of his hand.
Howard wanted to protest, “I’m not nervous at all.” Still, he just couldn’t figure out what Joshua was really up <ol><li>to. </li></ol>
Over the years, the Jennings family and the Garcia family had worked together plenty of times—you could even say they were pretty tight. Howard had met Joshua, the sole heir to the Garcia Group, a few times before.
Joshua carried a maturity way beyond his years. His business instincts were frighteningly shrewd—he could be ruthless when it counted, and his judgment was razor–sharp.
Howard genuinely admired Joshua.
Still, he couldn’t figure out why Joshua had handed over most of thepany’s real power to his father, all for a girl.
To just set aside his own business empire like that–yeah, that definitely wasn’t the move of a shrewd
businessman.
“So, what’s the topic, Mr. Garcia? If you’ve got something to say, just say it,” Howard replied, keeping things open and direct.
Joshua cut straight to the chase. He locked eyes with Howard and said, “Ford Group wants to get a foothold in
Norhill, so working with you is pretty much inevitable.
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“But honestly, I think the Garcia Group is the better match for this project you’ve got on the table.”
Howard could tell right away–Joshua definitely didn’t want Connor staying in Norhill.
“Why are you targeting Mr. Ford?” Howard asked, ncing over with honest curiosity.
He had no idea about Xylia’s past with Connor, so the reason behind Joshua’s hostility was a total mystery to
him.
From Howard’s perspective, having one more friend in the business world was always better than collecting new enemies.
Well… except for the Sadlers, obviously.
Joshua didn’t waste time with exnations. He went straight for it: “Honestly, the Garcia Group leaves Ford Group in the dust when ites to sheer strength.
For the Jennings Group’s resort project, we’re obviously the better fit to partner up with–not Ford Group.”
‘Well, obviously,‘ Howard thought, not even needing to say it out loud.
‘If I could just partner up with Garcia Group, what’s the point in jumping through all these hoops with Connor?‘ he mused.
Seeing that Connor wasn’t about to exin himself, Howard honestly had zero interest in hearing all the drama between Joshua and him.
“Thing is, I’ve already given Mr. Ford my word about the partnership,” Howard said, sounding a bit resigned.
“Verbal promises mean nothing in business, Mr. Jennings. I mean, if a guy has to pull strings to win an official design contest, do you honestly think he’s got the smarts to be your partner?”
Howard paused for a moment, gaze lowered. Then he looked up at Joshua.
“Alright. You’ve got a deal,” he said.