Chapter 15

With Veda joining the team, John called a meeting to introduce her to the senior execs.

"Veda's gonna be the new Director of the Design Department," John announced, "and she'll be handling our collaboration with the Golden Birch Group."

"She's got a master's from Fusion Design Academy and even snagged first place in a jewelry design competition back in college."

John knew all about Veda's accomplishments.

Emily raised an eyebrow and gave a cold smile when she heard this.

She watched lazily. If Wilder were here today, he would've definitely slapped him.

Everyone's eyes turned to Emily. One of the senior execs asked, "What about Ms. Emily Johnson? Who do we go to for urgent drawings in the Design Department? Mr. Williams, have you thought this through?"

He added, "Does Ms. Veda Johnson really know the Design Department?Sure, she won an award in college, but how long has it been since she graduated? Has she done anything impressive since then?"

Having two directors in one department was just crazy.

Every word from the senior exec seemed to cha llenge John,the general manager. Emily casually glanced at John. Veda, trying to be sensible, said, "Mr. Williams, I can just be a regular employee. No need to make things hard for Emily."

"In that case, since this is a senior management meeting, you're not qualified to be here. Please leave," Emily said calmly, looking at Veda.

Veda's face turned red with embarrassment. She clenched her teeth, ready to leave,but John stopped her.

John glared at Emily. "I said she'll be equal to you in status in the future!"

Emily asked, "Who agreed to that?"

The room fell silent.

Forcing Veda into the department was one thing, but making her directly involved with the Golden Birch Group was just absurd.

John tightened his lips. Just back at the company, he didn't want to push too hard. He could only say, "Since you all don't agree, let's see whose design the Golden Birch Group picks."

Emily frowned. She had already given her design to James. She thought,Could it be that it got rejected?'

Just then, John pulled out her design and sneered, "Thanks to my efforts,the Golden Birch Group agreed to work with us. But Emily, your design was rejected."

Emily's expression darkened. James was probably getting back at her for not moving into Crystal Valley Manor. Since John had already backed down a bit, there was no need for everyone to push too hard. The meeting ended in a tense atmosphere. After the meeting, John took Veda to his office.

Once inside, Veda naturally sat on John's lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and said, "John, even though Istudy design, I'm not sure about Mr.Smith's preferences. Plus, the Golden Birch Group didn't tell us the theme this time. I want to meet Mr. Smith. Any ideas?"

John thought for a moment and said, "Tomorrow, James is going to a jewelry appraisal event at the Royal Venue. You can try your luck there."

Veda hesitated and sighed. "But I need a jewelry appraisal certificate for that event."

"You can go as Mrs. Williams. The organizers will definitely give the Williams family some respect."

"What about Emily?"

John chuckled. "She didn't go. Besides, what does she have to do with me?"

Veda looked worried, but a hint of complacence crept into her heart.

Back in her office, Emily took out the design James had rejected and studied it for a while.

She thought to herseIf, 'James, you really have no taste.' Soon, Veda returned to the Design Department from upstairs. Her clothes were a bit disheveled, and her steps were unsteady. It was unclear if she was intentionally provoke Emily. Anyone with keen eyes could see what had happened.Emily was fuming. Just then, her direct line rang-a line reserved for calls between leaders.

She answered, and John's cold voice came through. "Emily, because of you,Veda won't be able to become a mother in the future. Veda is now in your department. I warn you not to bully her! Otherwise, get out of the company."

Emily snorted, finding it somewhat amusing. "She doesn't have enough ability herself and now blames me for getting questioned? She doesn't show gratitude and instead criticizes me after benefiting."

John knew the last sentence was a dig at Veda, his voice becoming even colder. "She just used your design. Why hold onto it now? Emily,why didn't I notice before that you were so petty?"

Emily wanted to retort, but John had already hung up. She was extremely frustrated.

Veda had taken Emily's work, yet in the end, Emily was the one being blamed for being petty.

Emily glanced at the design, took out her phone, and dialed James'number. In less than five seconds, the call was answered.

"Mrs. Williams, do you have something to discuss with me?"

Mrs. Williams? James was still jealous and angry. Or perhaps, he knew how ridiculous and embarrassing he had been those years, and wanted to draw a clear line. Emily cleared her throat and said seriously, "I would like to discuss the design with you. Mr. Smith, can you spare some time?" James snorted. After a long silence, he asked, "Mrs. Williams,have you always been this shameless? You stood me up yesterday, and today you want to talk about work wwith me?"

Emily thought for a moment before speaking slowly, "Mr. Smith, shouldn't we separate work and personal matters?"

James chuckled. "Come to Crystal Valley Manor, and we can have a good chat."

Emily pursed her lips. Each time Emily came to Crystal Valley Manor,she never failed to be completely drained from their intimate encounters

She refused. "Let's talk outside. As for other matters, Mr.Smith,don't think about them. Can you suggest a time and place?"

James knew she was always firm and would probably not move to Crystal Valley Manor. And her stubbornness was almost frightening.

James spoke coldly, "There is a world-class jewelry appraisal event at the Royal Venue tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you there."

Emily had heard about this jewelry appraisal event a month ago. There were rumors that many private collectors' jewelry would be on display,along with some high-end jewelry evaluations.

Many jewelry designers were trying every means to get in.