Chapter 12
She absently adjusted a few loosening roses, saying, “I don’t have to give in to her every single time. Things like this are personal, and I have no intention of discussing them with anyone. From now on, stop using her as your go–between for everything.”
He was obviously stunned at her attitude.
After quite a few seconds, he finally spoke, “Alright.”
As the elevator doors opened, she nodded at him. “I’ve got a meeting, so I’m going back to the Jewelry Department now.”
When she returned to her department, her secretary, Susanna Pollard, had already been waiting for her. At the sight of her, Susanna smiled, “The bouquet is from Mr. Phelan again, right? Everyone already knows that he upset you and apologized to you in public.”
“Where is the meeting brief?” She handed Susanna the bouquet.
Susanna nodded toward the office. “It’s on your desk already.‘
While walking inside, she said, “Get rid of the bouquet. From now on, toss every gift from Caleb.”
Stunned, Susanna instinctively stopped in her tracks.
***
The meeting was about planning the pre–launch campaign for the new limited–edition winter collection.
Laverne Davison, who was responsible for the draft marketing copy,
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presented it for Phalicia’s review.
Phalicia glanced at the copy, taking in its lavish, flattering praise.
“Prepare to be amazed by Carlene Pruitt, the brilliant, talented designer of the Jewelry Department! Her stunning new collection pays tribute to the retired designer Freyja’s legendary style and even elevates it to
extraordinary new heights!”
Phalicia’s gaze paused.
Freyja, the symbol of love and beauty.
Legend said that Freyja would show up and give her blessing when two people in love met for the first time.
When she had chosen Freyja as her design name, she had sworn to be the Freyja of the jewelry world. She wanted everyone who gifted her
creations to their loved ones to be happy.
“Ms. Pruitt didn’t show up today. She has given her approval on this draft.”
Noticing Phalicia’s silence, Laverne thought she was unsatisfied with the
copy.
Laverne’s tone grew more cautious as she probed, “Ms. Lombard, is there anything you don’t like about this copy? I can revise it as you want.”
Phalicia blinked, snapping out of it.
“No. Let’s go with this,” she said.
Carlene loved being praised, especially when she was put on par with Freyja.
But she should really consider whether she could actually bear the weight
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of that crown.
Phalicia sat down, and the meeting continued.
After the meeting ended, she received a call.
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“Hello, Ms. Lombard. This is Triumph Law Firm. You have a meeting with our lawyer at 1:30 p.m. today. Is it possible for you to be here half an hour in advance?”
Phalicia paused for a second, remembering she had indeed scheduled a meeting with a lawyer from there last night.
Triumph Law Firm was top–notch in Haerford and even in the country.
She had looked into it and made sure Caleb had no connections there.
In fact, his PR team and lawyers happened to be Triumph Law Firm’s
competitors.
Therefore, having a lawyer from Triumph Law Firm to look into Shelton’s sentence and the Lombard family’s downfall was her safest choice.
She said, “Alright. I’ll be there on time.”
At lunch break, she headed to Triumph Law Firm.
A receptionist, who had been waiting for her, led her upstairs to a meeting room.
“We’ve prepared some tea and snacks for you. Mr. Thatcher will be here at 1:30 p.m. sharp.”
Phalicia frowned. She had thought Horacio Thatcher, the lawyer, would
wait for her instead.
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