Verna''s eyes were filled with a cold light. She was determined to make Natalie aughingstock. How dare they treat her this way? But she conveniently forgot that she was the one who had abandoned Q&N Collective when the Spencer Group made an offer.


    Sarah, one of the designers, couldn''t hold back her frustration. "Ms. Young, we followed you here for a monthly sry of less than a thousand dors, with the rest depending on our performance. That''s a thousand dors less than what we were making before." For new designers like them, it was a huge setback. If they had stayed, they might have developed their own style. More importantly, their oldpany was willing to showcase their designs to the public, giving them a chance at fame. At the Spencer Group, they would always be in the background.


    Verna looked at her arrogantly. "What are you so worried about? Do you think the fashion business is that easy? They''re just a smallpany. Do you really think they canpete with Mr. Spencer? If I remember correctly, the real owner of thatpany hasn''t been seen in four or five years. It''s been Mr. Jones managing everything. Thepany''s recent sess is because of me. Without me, and with a new designer, it''s aplete overhaul. Do you think they have any right to be so bold?"


    Sarah bit her lip and said no more. Listening to her now, it sounded like she was taking all the credit. Q&N Collective''s sess was due to their excellent operational management. But there was no going back. She had to make a name for herself here. Every industry waspetitive now; she hoped she could rise to the challenge at the Spencer Group.


    That evening, Natalie had arranged to have dinner with Marshall and his


    grandmother. As she stepped out of thepany building, her phone rang. It was Marshall.


    "Hello," Natalie said, her voice cool.


    "Natalie, it''s me. Don''t be so cold. We''re friends now, remember?" Marshall''s voice had a devilish charm.


    Natalie basked in the evening sun, a faint smile on her lips. "Mr. Spencer, I''m not being cold. I wouldn''t dare be cold to you. In an age of


    connections, can''t afford to bol.ne


    Send me the address, and be right there."


    Marshallughed. "I can''t have youing on your own. I''m here to pick you up. I''m right at the entrance. Look to your left. See that ridiculously shy red sports car? That''s me."


    Natalie looked to her left and, sure enough, there was a red sports car parked by the curb. Marshall waved at her, a naturally handsome man with a dazzling smile.


    Natalie told Luna to follow in her car and walked toward Marshall. He got out and opened the passenger door for her.


    "Thank you," she said, a slight curve to her lips.


    Marshall''s charming eyes sparkled as he looked at her exquisite face. He disliked suits and preferred è casual wear today he wore a white casual shirt and jeans, giving him a youthful look. Natalie had also changed into afortable sweatshirt after work. Their casual attire made Marshall even happier.


    "Let''s go, Natalie." He drove off toward the restaurant.


    Ine


    Not far away, Sebastian arrived just a moment toote, watching as Marshall drove away with Natalie. Joanna, who hade to find Sebastian, also witnessed the Scene. A sh of jealousy crossed her eyes. Marshall used to be so nice to her, but after that incident, he had turned all his attention to Natalie.


    Her voice was soft and gentle. "Sebastian, what''s going on with Natalie? First


    Matthew, now Marshall. Isn''t she ying the field?"