Chapter 5
The secluded treatment was just an excuse. He just wanted to make sure her parents were in his control and stall for time.
But it might just work. Caleb would ensure Melvin received proper treatment because he didn’t want her to notice anything amiss.
She shouldn’t ask too much, which might alert him.
She clenched her fists so hard that her nails dug into her palms deeply. After quite a while, she said, “Have the caregiver send me photos every day. I wanna see Dad making progress.”
Caleb paused slightly before smiling, though his eyes were devoid of any
warmth. “Sure.”
Then he changed the subject. “Licia, could you do an interview today? Make sure the word is out that we’re holding a wedding soon. It’ll be a great chance to promote the winter collection, too.”
Squinting, she said in a flat tone, “My eyes are swollen. Some other day, maybe.”
Her eyes were indeed swollen, and he couldn’t argue with that. After reminding her to get some rest in the afternoon, he soon left.
Once his figure disappeared, Phalicia came to the opposite office.
Carlene’s office faced south, and it was even larger than hers. Back then, she had personally seen to it.
Over the years, she had helped Carlene build a reputation by using her own designs.
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12:35
Chapter 5
In her eyes, Carlene was like a sister to her.
Now she realized how foolish she had been.
Carlene got so carried away that she had forgotten the truth–her fame was borrowed. Without Phalicia, she was nothing.
The same hands that lifted her up could push her down just as easily.
Phalicia pushed open the door to Carlene’s office.
The computer was left on, displaying Carlene’s chat records with Caleb on WhatsApp:
Phalicia spotted her name at once.
Carlene texted, “Does Phalicia really think her designs are that perfect? They just happen to align with popular taste.”
Caleb replied, “I couldn’t agree more. Her work isn’t that special at all. It’s so ridiculous that every piece of them is trendy. The Jewelry Department simply can’t function without her now.
Carlene sent him an eye–rolling emoji and texted, “Her work is so tacky. My designs would’ve trended just as hard.
11
Phalicia’s gaze lingered on these words for a few seconds before she scoffed and clicked on the design files she had sent Carlene..
Then she deleted them all without hesitation.
Everything was gone now, including the upcoming limited collection and every subsequent design draft.
Since Carlene could pull it off, she was on her own now.
***
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Chapter S
Carlene didn’t show up at the office till the end of the day.
11
It was so typical of her. Phalicia always did all the design work for her, and after she became popular, she acted like she owned the Jewelry Department and came and went as she pleased.
Phalicia knew her well enough to know she wouldn’t open the files till the last minute.
She’d always post the work on her social media and the official website when it was time to release it, and then wait to be praised by her fans.
Phalicia walked out of the elevator and typed on her phone.
She scheduled a meeting for tomorrow with a lawyer from Triumph Law Firm, ready to look into Shelton’s case.
Just then, a familiar voice rang out next to her.
“Are you serious? Shevonne is back in the country?”
She looked up, only to see Caleb on the phone with his back facing her.
The excitement in his voice was palpable
She stopped in her tracks.
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