Carmen was about to lose her mind with anger.
She stormed out of the conference room, her heels echoing down the hall.
Crystal Lennox barely batted an eye; she’d seen this routine more times than she could count.
“Don’t let it get to you, Celly,” she said, waving off the tension. “That’s Carmen–she’s one of our senior designers. Joined the company the winter you left. She’s not a bad person, just blunt. I think you two started your careers around the same time.”
Carmen? The name rang no bells for Celestine.
But if Carmen joined right after she left, it made sense that she’d taken over her old position.
She probably had talent. And honestly, Celestine couldn’t blame her for feeling a little territorial about the job. Dropping into a new team always ruffled feathers.
But that didn’t mean Celestine was about to tolerate Carmen’s bad attitude, either.
Crystal grinned, eyes twinkling. “You know, watching you two go at it brought me right back to the old days–reminded me of that fiery kid I used to know. I missed that version of you, Smile.”
Celestine laughed. Back at university, she’d once spent three days straight arguing with the hardest–nosed professor in the department over a single point deducted on her design project. In the end, the professor caved and gave her the grade back.
After that, her reputation as a spitfire was set in stone.
But that had been years ago. Somewhere along the way, Celestine had lost her spark–or maybe just learned to swallow her pride and go along with things.
She chuckled. “Didn’t think you’d remember my embarrassing moments, Crystal.”
“Embarrassing? Please, that was legendary.”
Crystal couldn’t help sharing the story with the cluster of interns from Paris University’s art school. As she spoke, Celestine noticed their looks of awe grow even more intense.
“Chief Designer, you really argued with Professor Kent–for three whole days? And actually won? That’s incredible!” one intern gasped.
“Is he still doing well?” Celestine asked quietly, a touch of nostalgia in her voice.
1/3
11:59
Chapter 62
Back before graduation, Professor Kent had always believed she’d go on to shine in the design world. He’d put so much hope in her.
But instead, she’d chosen to leave, get married, and disappear from the industry. She’d never even reached out again.
“He’s as strong as ever!” the intern replied enthusiastically. “But he always uses a ‘Selwyn‘ alum as a cautionary tale now–tells us not to let love distract us from our careers! He’s so dramatic about it, you wouldn’t believe. Honestly, it’s kind of funny.” The irony was lost on the intern, who didn’t realize that the infamous “Selwyn” was standing right in front of her.
Crystal cleared her throat and leaned in. “Celly, she doesn’t know. She really doesn’t.”
Celestine just smiled, unbothered. “Don’t worry, I’m not that sensitive.”
If anything, she was grateful. If her story could serve as a warning for the next generation, maybe her mistakes had some purpose after all.
“Oh, by the way,” Crystal added, “there’s another senior designer here–Violet Rockwell. She’s overseas at a fashion show right now, but when she gets back, I’ll introduce you. She’s a character, I think you’ll like her.”
“Sounds great,” Celestine said.
Celestine’s desk had been set up right next to the group of Polaris interns.
The one nearest her was a young woman with a cropped bob, warm brown skin, and the kind of dimpled smile that could brighten up a whole room. She bounced over with a cheerful wave.
“Hi, Chief Designer! You can just call me Flossie.”
“Nice to meet you, Flossie. I go by Smile or Celestine–whichever you like.”
“Then I’ll call you Celly! You’re amazing, you know that? Three of your designs got featured on Seabay all at once! Could I maybe… see your portfolio sometime?” Flossie’s admiration was almost palpable.
As she spoke, Carmen happened to walk by with a glass of water, nering under her breath.
“Teacher’s pet.”
Flossie blinked and looked up, completely guileless. “Miss Carmen, did you say
someone brought a pet dog to the office?”
“No.” Carmen shot her a look.
“Then why did you say ‘teacher’s pet‘ as you walked past me?” Flossie asked, genuinely puzzled.
Celestine took a sip of water and nearly choked, trying not to laugh.
Sometimes, honesty really was the best weapon.
People all around the office were glancing over, trying to stifle their own grins.
“You misheard,” Carmen snapped, not bothering to hide her irritation. She’d rather not waste time arguing with someone so clueless.
“Oh, okay,” Flossie replied, unbothered. “But Miss Carmen, maybe next time you could speak a little louder, so people don’t misunderstand you.”
Celestine couldn’t help but smile wider. This was shaping up to be an interesting
team.
