Chapter 413 The Stolen Design Draft
Soon after, Sienna returned with a stack of drawings and presented them to Ashley.
"What do you think?" Sienna asked. "I feel they're decent, but something's missing that I just can't identify."
Ashley accepted the portfolio and examined each sketch carefully. Even with just a minute per drawing, she could quickly pinpoint both strengths and weaknesses.
After reviewing all the designs, she felt relieved—there wasn't a trace of her own design elements in any of them. She felt foolish for having suspected her closest friend of plagiarism.
"Your work is excellent, Sienna," Ashley said, feeling a twinge of guilt. "For this diamond ring design, I'd suggest bolder lines—perhaps something like this." She offered suggestions for each drawing, pointing out areas for improvement. Sienna, being a quick study, refined each sketch right there under Ashley's guidance until they approached perfection.
Though Pauline had little interest in design, she watched intently as the two women worked. The three became entirely absorbed in the creative process, and two hours passed in what seemed like minutes.
Finally setting down her pencil, Sienna wrapped an arm around Ashley. "You're a lifesaver! With these revisions, I'm certain my submissions will get approved this time."
"You're not the director of your design team?" Ashley asked.
Sienna shook her head regretfully. "Rumor has it our current director has a... special relationship with the boss. Many of us are more talented, but no one can unseat her."
"Office politics are everywhere," Pauline remarked.
Ashley hesitated before asking, "Has anyone used the guest room I was in recently?"
She'd wanted to directly ask about finding copies of her designs but found herself taking a more diplomatic approach.
"Our department director stopped by this morning," Sienna explained. "She spilled her drink and needed to change. Why do you ask?"
After a moment's hesitation, Ashley said firmly, "I saw my design sketches on the desk."
Sienna smacked her forehead. "I completely forgot about those."
She looked at Ashley with genuine remorse. "While you've been staying at the Yates Mansion, I helped tidy up your place at Maple Grove Estate and came across your beautiful designs. I took photos and printed them for reference when I'm lacking inspiration. I meant to put them away but forgot."
"I've never copied your work," she insisted. "I just look at them occasionally for general inspiration, never borrowing actual design elements."
Sienna's expression was earnest. "You don't suspect me, do you?"
Ashley studied her face intently before saying, "No, Sienna. I believe you."
Sienna hugged her with relief. "Thank goodness!" Then she suddenly pulled back, alarmed. "Oh no—my director was in that room this morning. What if she saw those sketches? She's been known to steal ideas before."
"Don't worry," Ashley assured her. "All my designs are patented with clear timestamps."
Though Sienna still looked concerned, Ashley smiled, content that her friend hadn't betrayed her trust.
By dinnertime, the staff had prepared a feast. Just then, they heard two cars pull up outside. The women looked out to see Ethan and Nathan walking toward the house together.
"Looks like your husbands have arrived," Pauline teased.
Ashley and Sienna exchanged smiles. "Just wait," Ashley quipped. "You'll have a husband of your own soon enough."
Pauline blushed crimson while Ashley and Sienna laughed.
As Ethan and Nathan entered, Nathan asked, "What brings you here today, Ethan?"
Ethan glanced toward Ashley. "Just picking up my wife."
Ashley moved to his side, taking his arm affectionately. "Thanks for coming, darling."
Nathan shook his head with amusement. "You two are inseparable. Since everyone's here, why not stay for dinner?"
Ethan and Ashley exchanged glances before he replied, "We'd be delighted."
The evening passed pleasantly. After dinner, Ashley took Ethan to see baby Kieran. Looking at the chubby, clean-faced infant, Ethan remarked, "He looks so different from when I first saw him—he's actually cute now!"
"Told you babies get cuter as they grow," Ashley said.
"You were right," Ethan agreed, his gaze drifting to Ashley's slightly rounded belly, wondering what their own children would look like.
As darkness fell, they departed with Pauline catching a ride with them. During the drive, Ashley said, "I had no idea motherhood was so complex. I've arranged to attend parenting classes starting tomorrow."
"What time?" Ethan asked. "I'll come with you."
"Tomorrow morning."
"Perfect," Ethan nodded, then added more seriously, "There's something I need to ask you."
"What is it?"
With an expectant look, Ethan asked, "Did you ever rescue a young boy when you were a child?"
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