Chapter 37
Selena knew Jane was just trying to get under her skin.
But Selena wasn't about to take the bait. She just walked over to her desk and sat down.
Jane, on the other hand, was fuming. If Matthew had given her the chance to talk to Raymond, she could've closed the deal too.
Raymond only agreed because he and Matthew were high school buddies. It had nothing to do with Selena.
Selena just got lucky, and now everyone thought she was some kind of genius.
Why did she get all the breaks?
Jane felt like she was about to explode.
Selena's cool attitude only made her angrier.
"Just because Raymond gave you the house design project, don't think you're special. Everyone knows he's waiting for his first love. That Manston Manor is their wedding house," Jane sneered.
In the interior design world, it was easy to meet rich clients. Some colleagues had even had affairs with clients and got caught by their wives.
Jane, with her good looks, always thought she could use this to climb the social ladder. Flattering Matthew was just her first move, but it hadn't paid off.
Jane had been eyeing Raymond's project for a while and had even mentioned it to Matthew multiple times. She even invited him out on her birthday.
But Matthew just said he wasn't close to Raymond and that she needed to rely on her own skills.
If he wasn't close, how did Selena meet Raymond?
Matthew didn't let Jane rely on him; instead, he helped Selena. Through Matthew, she connected with Raymond.
Everyone had the same goal, so why did Selena get to act all high and mighty?
It was infuriating!
Jane was almost calling Selena out by name. Naturally, Selena wasn't going to let it slide. She looked up and asked, "Jane, are you talking about me?"
Jane sneered, "Who else?"
Selena nodded, "Yeah, no one else has secured Raymond's order."
Every word hit Jane like a punch, making her face turn red with anger. "Don't get cocky! Raymond only agreed because of his old school ties with Mr. Clark. What does it have to do with you?"
Matthew frowned, knowing his role was minimal; Selena had done it all on her own.
"Jane," Matthew said, not wanting a scene in the studio. The place was still growing, and Jane did have some talent.
Jane felt wronged, her eyes welling up. "Mr. Clark, I know you and Selena went to the same college, but you can't be so biased towards her."
This struck a chord with everyone in the studio.
"I didn't help with Raymond's project. He doesn't even remember me. Selena secured it on her own," Matthew explained.
Everyone secretly grumbled, 'Isn't he helping her again?'
Selena didn't want Matthew to be in a tough spot. The studio was small, and Matthew tried to keep things relaxed. Except for meetings, everyone acted like partners.
Selena slowly stood up, saying, "If anyone's unhappy, they can find out Raymond's preferences themselves, submit their designs to Mr. Clark, and let him present them to Raymond. It's up to Raymond to choose."
The implication was that she would also submit her report.
And it would be anonymous.
Selena's gaze swept over the others. "Anyone want to join me?" she asked.
Selena knew many in the studio had opinions about her. Making friends or getting along wasn't her priority.
In design, it wasn't about being popular; it was about client satisfaction.
If they doubted her abilities, she would prove them wrong.
Jane, hearing Selena's challenge, angrily slammed the table. "Fine, let's all submit anonymously and let Raymond choose. Do you really think you're that great? Everyone here graduated from top schools. What are you? Without that name, without Mr. Clark's help, Raymond wouldn't even look at you!"
Selena stayed calm. "So, are you in?"
Jane's anger grew, and she glanced at the others.
Everyone knew Selena's skills. Every project she designed got rave reviews from clients, benefiting everyone.
But the fact that a part-timer like Selena brought benefits to a group of professionals wasn't something to be proud of.
If they agreed and Raymond still chose Selena, the embarrassment would be worse than now. They might not even be able to stay in the industry.
This was a high-stakes gamble.
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