Chapter 26

"Your sister?" Bella asked.
Jordan smiled. "She looks so much like me, don't you think?"
Bella was quiet, so Charlotte spoke up. "Of course, she does." She waved at Jade. "Hi, Jade. Nice to meet you. I am Charlotte. Bella's best friend."
Jade waved. "Hi, Charlotte. Nice to meet you. Hi, Bella. I saw you on the stage a while ago and love your presentation."
Bella only stared at Jade, saying nothing and Charlotte had to nudge her.
"Bella? She is talking to you,"  She said in a low voice.
Bella blinked slightly. "Hi, Jade. Nice to meet you too."
"And thank you for loving my presentation," Charlotte whispered to her.
"Thank you for loving my presentation, Jade," Bella added quickly.
"I was so happy when my brother said he had spoken to you, and you are such an easy-going person," Jade said. "I thought it would be difficult getting close to you."
Bella smiled. "You can always come to me anytime." 
She had pulled herself together now, knowing Jade is not Jordan's girlfriend but his sister.
Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief too. She doesn't have to worry about Jordan or Jade noticing Bella's strange attitude.
"I have read your story in the fashion magazine and I really admire your growth. I also love your friendship and how you both support each other. I would love to meet Mia too. I like you so much, Bella."
Charlotte nodded. Jade did read Bella's growth story.
"I like you too," Bella said. "You reminded me so much of Mia. You both are similar in so many ways."
Charlotte nodded. "I am sure she will love to meet with you too."
"Can we stay in touch? I don't know if my brother has your number. If he does, I do not want to get it from him."
Bella nodded. "Sure."
She exchanged numbers with Jade.
"And yours too, Charlotte. I have read about your company. I would love to have my internship there. I do not want to work with my brother."
"Does your brother own a fashion company?" Bella asked.
Jade nodded. "He owns..."
"Don't mind her," Jordan chopped in. "She wants to run from home. And for the company, it's just a small one still growing up."
"It's going to be a big one day," Bella said with a smile. 
Charlotte gave Jade her number. Jade went on to ask some questions. She kept on asking questions until Jordan stopped.
"That's enough, Jade. Bella has a presentation tomorrow. She needs to rest."
Jade groaned. "I still have a lot to talk about. Can I find you after your presentation?"
"You can't," Jordan answered. "She will be tired."
Bella smiled. "You can come to me the day after tomorrow. I would have rested enough."
Jade shrieked happily. "Thank you, Bella. You are the best!"
"Thank you, Bella, for creating time for us," Jordan said.
"She doesn't have a choice," Charlotte mumbled.
"It's my pleasure," Bella answered.
"Thank you, Charlotte. You've been of great help," Jordan said.
Charlotte smiled. "My pleasure."
They exchanged a few more greetings before Jordan and Jade left.
"Look who is blushing," Charlotte teased.
"I am not blushing. How did you see me in the dark..."
"No, it's not dark. I can still see your red cheeks glowing."
Bella smiled. "Whatever, Charlotte."
"You must feel better knowing Jade is his sister and not his girlfriend."
"I felt better without that," Bella answered.
"I can tell that you do. It's a good thing he is not a jerk."
"We can't say," Bella answered and Charlotte nodded.
Daniel never showed it at the beginning of the relationship.
"We should head back inside," Bella said. "The party will end soon."
They went in, and after a few minutes, the party ended. They returned to their room.
"It was such a busy day," Charlotte said sitting on the bed.
Bella nodded. "It is." She sat beside Charlotte and began to remove her jewelry. "Do you want me to order anything?"
Charlotte shook her head. "No, please. I don't think I have the strength to eat anything. You can order some food if you want."
"I do not want to eat either." Bella stood up. "I am going to take my bath."
Charlotte nodded. "I need to call Gina."
Bella went to the bathroom and Charlotte called Gina.
"Hello, ma'am," Gina's vibrant voice was heard.
"Gina, how are you doing today? How was work?"
"I am doing great. And with your help, work has been going smoothly."
"Did you see my messages? Do I have any messages?"
"Oh yes, I saw your messages. I have sent out the documents. And yes, you have some messages. I sent you an email with some documents. I described what you need to do and also highlighted them according to their urgency."
Charlotte smiled. Gina has been the best assistant she could ever ask for. All thanks to Bella's recommendation and training.
"You have done a great job, Gina. Thank you."
"You're welcome, ma'am. How was Miss Bella's welcoming speech? I am pretty sure she did well."
Charlotte nodded. "It was a success."
"That is good news."
"Yes, it is," Charlotte answered. "Have you sent an email to Mr. Joel to brief him about the project's progress? He is coming back to the country next month."
"I did. He was satisfied with the new clothing materials we chose for the summer dresses. But said he would like us to add some new patterns rounding them up to 100."
Charlotte groaned. She had suggested that to him some months ago but he insisted that 90 different patterns were enough. Why did he suddenly change his mind now?
"Did he say why?" She asked.
"He did not tell me why but promised to explain everything to you when he returned," Gina answered.
Charlotte sighed. She doesn't have a choice. Does she?
Mr. Joel had been working with her way back to when she was working in Melvin's company. He wasn't into fashion but joined after he knew she had started a fashion company.
"Do you think we can meet up?" She asked.
"Yes, ma'am. We have an extra 10 patterns in place."
Charlotte was surprised. They do?
"We do?"
"Yes, ma'am. You asked us to make 100 patterns because you are sure he is going to ask for them soon."
Charlotte blinked slightly. She has forgotten about that completely.
"I don't remember saying that, Gina. But thank you for pulling it through."
"It's my pleasure, ma'am." Charlotte yawned. "You must be tired."'
Charlotte nodded. Today has been a bit busy.
"You should get some rest, ma'am. If there is anything else to brief you on, I will send it to your email or send a voice note."
Charlotte smiled. "Thank you, Gina. Don't worry. I am definitely giving you some bonus this month for a job well done."
Gina chuckled. "Thank you, ma'am. And, do have a good night's rest."
"Good night, Gina."
"Good night, ma'am."
Charlotte ended the call and went to the bathroom to take her bath; Bella was out already. When she was done, she changed into her pajamas and lay down beside Bella to sleep.