Chapter 261
Zephyrus Atelier wasn’t hurting for money, but they just couldn’t swallow their pride this time.
As soon as Mr. Blake gave the nod, the team leader rushed to sign up the entire design crew for the competition.
Of the six designers, three made it to the next round.
Meanwhile, Kismet Collective hadn’t even managed to get one name on the
shortlist.
And yet, here they were, still daring to question the lead judge from The Prescott Group.
Talk about shooting themselves in the foot.
“Miss Lennox, if I were you, I’d take my clueless staff and head back to Kismet Collective before things get any uglier. Otherwise, when the embarrassment hits, it won’t just be her reputation on the line.”
The Zephyrus Atelier director couldn’t resist another jab.
Crystal Lennox was seething, but she knew Celestine Selwyn’s talent was her ace in the hole. There was nothing wrong with her work–she’d stake her own name on it.
“So go ahead, just wait and see.
The Zephyrus director burst out laughing. “Wait and see? Is that supposed to scare me? Sorry, but you’ll have to try harder.”
Carmen couldn’t help joining in. “With Miss Selwyn’s so–called talent, even if she makes the cut, she’ll be out in the first round. Why bother humiliating yourself. against the real pros here?”
She’d let her guard down earlier and given Celestine an opening, but now that she had the chance to kick her when she was down, she wasn’t about to pass it up.
“Finished?” Celestine listened quietly until Carmen ran out of steam, then spoke in a calm, even voice.
Carmen tilted her chin, smug. “What, can’t handle the truth?”
Celestine’s lips curled in a faint smile. “Not at all. I’m just always amazed by Miss Carmen’s combination of brazen confidence and… questionable talent. It’s rare to see such a mismatch in one person.”
1/3
10.19
It took Carmen a moment to process the insult, and then her face flushed crimson. “Did you just call me out?”
“Did I?” Celestine smiled, giving her a slow, dismissive once–over.
With people like Carmen, the angrier they got, the more satisfied they felt. Celestine wouldn’t give her the pleasure.
Carmen seethed. “You! For all that, I still made it onto The Prescott Group’s
shortlist! Unlike some people who couldn’t even get their name in the running. All you can do now is bark. I can’t wait to see you escorted out when the results come in, Miss Selwyn!”
So what if Celestine was talented? If she wasn’t chosen, it meant nothing. This time, Carmen was certain Celestine would lose–completely and utterly.
Celestine had no interest in arguing with petty little bullies.
Running into not one, but two of them in one day–what rotten luck.
Carmen, mistaking Celestine’s silence for wounded pride, only grew bolder. “Honestly, what face do you have left to stay here? Miss Lisa is already being gracious by offering to double–check for you. If you had any dignity, you’d just leave on your own.”
“Carmen, is that mouth of yours good for anything besides eating and spouting nonsense?” Crystal Lennox finally snapped.
She’d had no issue with Carmen leaving after years with Kismet Collective–people
move on, that’s life.
But this constant antagonism, each time worse than the last, was beyond the pale. That kind of jealousy wasn’t normal anymore.
Carmen’s face twisted in anger. “Of course you’ll always take her side! Let’s see how long you can keep protecting her. Wait until Kismet Collective goes under because of your precious Celestine–then see who’s crying!”
Back when Celestine wasn’t with Kismet Collective, Carmen had often heard Crystal sing her praises. As if there was anything special about a housewife who’d.married well! What was there to miss?
Crystal never appreciated the people right in front of her. Carmen had w herself to the bone for five, six years at Kismet Collective and got nothing in
d
return…
Well, she’d make sure Crystal Lennox regretted ever choosing Celestine as chief
“No need to trouble yourself.”
