Chapter 215: Mrs. Valence, Long Time No See
"What should I do? Just make sure he's doing well." I was momentarily taken aback before replying quickly, "I don’t want to complicate things anymore."
My feelings for Jerry were a tangled web. For the past two years, I had clung to the hope of hearing news of him, and while he was indeed alive and well, the depth of my emotions for him remained elusive.
The next day, Elissa and I went to ElevateJoy.
Keith, now the Deputy Director of the Design Department, had his own office. Through the floor-to-ceiling glass, he spotted me and couldn't contain his excitement. He burst into Elissa's office, exclaiming, "Ms. Royston! You’re finally back at the company. I've been waiting day and night for your return."
Over the past two years, ElevateJoy had grown rapidly, even renting office space downstairs. The design department had expanded significantly, and Keith had gained considerable authority. Despite this, Elissa insisted on reserving the position of Design Director for me. During my absence, Keith had been the acting head of the department.
Keith scratched his head sheepishly. "Of course. I can learn a lot more from Ms. Royston."
I smiled. "Even when I'm not at the company, I reviewed every design draft, especially yours. I’ve always been the strictest judge."
Keith’s eyes widened in surprise. "So you were the final reviewer all along?"
I nodded. "Yes."
After I moved abroad, the final drafts had been sent to Elissa, who forwarded them to me. No one else knew the true identity of ElevateJoy's primary designer. Collaborating with Dave had emboldened my design style, making it nearly impossible for anyone to recognize my work.
Keith looked elated. "Ms. Wilson, you've been keeping secrets!"
Elissa shrugged playfully. "Well, what if knowing the reviewer was an acquaintance made you slack off?"
Keith, passionate about design, turned to me thoughtfully. "Does this mean the fewer rejections I’ve been getting lately are a sign of improvement?"
I agreed, "Absolutely, even my mentor has approved of your designs."
Keith couldn't help but ask, "Really? Are you also behind the custom pieces? Our team was blown away by this year's showpieces."
Elissa shooed him away. "Alright, enough questions. You'll know when the time is right."
She then handed me a stack of resumes for the design department, asking for my help in screening potential candidates. HR had already reviewed basic qualifications; my job was to evaluate candidates’ past work.
The next day, I had an appointment with Madison at 4 PM at a five-star hotel. Elissa had been staying at my place for the last few days, claiming she wanted to add some life to my new home. We decided to set off for the hotel together.
Madison’s high profile meant the hotel maintained strict security to avoid any incidents. Someone had to escort us. Upon arrival, Madison's assistant guided us to the presidential suite on the top floor.
As we settled into the luxurious living room, the assistant served us coffee. "Ms. Wilson, Ms. Borgia, please enjoy your coffee. Madison is with her daughter and will join you shortly."
"Thank you." Elissa and I smiled as we accepted the coffee. Elena Borgia was the name I used in the design field at Fantasia Federation.
Despite staying in a hotel, Madison maintained her high standards of living. The air carried a faint, soothing aroma, perfect for a summer afternoon.
Shortly, the bedroom door opened, and Madison emerged, wearing a simple silk slip dress. She truly lived up to her reputation as a long-standing star in the entertainment industry. She looked even more stunning in person than in videos and photos online, showing no signs of aging. Around fifty years old, she remained a breathtakingly beautiful star.
"Ms. Ortiz." I stood up with a smile and greeted her.
Elissa also stood up and sincerely added, "Ms. Ortiz, seeing you in person is even more impressive! The media photos don't do you justice!"
Madison responded playfully to Elissa's compliment and, with the assistant's introduction, quickly distinguished between Elissa and me. She walked over with a smile. "Let's sit and talk."
She took my hand and chatted enthusiastically, "I loved your design at last week's show. I never expected the designer to be so young."
A bit embarrassed but smiling, I replied, "If you like that piece, I can have it shipped from Fantasia Federation."
Madison remarked, "Really? My agent reached out to them previously, and they said it wasn't available for loan."
I nodded. "Really."
Dave didn't want to loan that piece.
Dave had been reluctant to loan that piece out. But I had a good sense about Madison. "That piece is considered my magnum opus by my mentor, and he treasures it, so he was reluctant to loan it. But I have autonomy over my work."
"No need," Madison replied gently. "Since it holds special meaning, it should remain in your collection. It's already a huge honor that you're creating a custom piece for me."
"Alright then. I heard from your assistant that you're looking to commission a red carpet gown?"
She smiled. "Yes. While you're making waves internationally, you need more visibility at home. I adore your designs and can help you step into the spotlight here. It's mutually beneficial."
Her approachable demeanor made our conversation fluid and comfortable. The discussion progressed seamlessly, and by the end, I already had a rough design in mind. My inspiration wasn't endless, but Madison's stunning beauty ignited my creativity.
Elissa and I bid farewell to Madison. She glanced at her watch and stood up as well. "I have a dinner downstairs tonight, so let me see you off."
Being in the elevator with a star drew curious glances, but Madison handled it with her usual grace, nodding politely and smiling while declining photos.
As we exited the elevator, Madison, walking slightly ahead, suddenly stopped and greeted someone warmly, "Mr. Valence, such perfect timing."
"Ms. Ortiz, I wouldn't dare disrupt your schedule."
The voice, humble yet cold, sent a shiver down my spine. Two years had passed, and yet Christopher's features had only sharpened, his presence even more commanding.
Before I could compose myself, Madison turned and introduced us enthusiastically. "Let me introduce you. Perhaps you'll collaborate in the future. This is the owner of the RF Group, Christopher Valence."
I clenched my fists, calmly looked up calmly into his piercing blue eyes, and extended my hand. "Mr. Valence, a pleasure."
Madison was about to introduce my identity when Christopher, without taking his eyes off me, shook my hand.
"Mrs. Valence, long time no see."
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