Chapter 82
Wanda had seen the whole thing unfold. As soon as the door closed behind them, she raised her voice and shouted, “Uncle Ashton, that was sneaky!”
“Was it?” Ashton’s eyes were dark and unreadable, his lips curving as he caught hold of her newly braided hair. “We have a few things to settle, Wanda. Since when was I going to the office for a meeting?”
Wanda immediately sensed danger. She took off running and shouted, “Great–Grandpa, help me!”
A door away, the sounds of reprimands were blocked off completely.
Veronica finally had a chance to check her phone. After replying to some work messages, a new follower request came in. It was from a woman using a photo of a stubby–legged Munchkin cat as her profile picture.
Veronica stared at the picture for a while, thinking that it looked familiar.
She switched over to her Twitter account and pulled up Jocelyn’s profile. As expected, the Munchkin cat was the same kitten Jocelyn had posted before. Veronica guessed that the latter was still reaching out about the fashion consultant role.
She accepted the request and immediately received a waving emoji from Jocelyn.
“Ms. Tillman?” Veronica asked.
“Ms. Dolton, you’re so sharp!” Jocelyn replied with a photo of a kitten lying on its back.
Veronica could not help but laugh. She never would have expected someone as aloof as Jocelyn to have such a goofy online presence.
“I know that you must be incredibly busy right now, and I completely understand if you really can’t spare the time. I only invited you to be my consultant because I truly value your opinion in helping me choose my outfits. We have a separate styling and wardrobe team already in place, so please do not feel pressured.”
Since Jocelyn had put it that way, Veronica could no longer find a reason to turn her down.
The Arclight Awards ceremony was happening that weekend. It was only three days away.
Veronica agreed to meet Jocelyn the next day to go over her outfits, which would also mark the end of her brief stint as Jocelyn’s fashion consultant.
It would also close the chapter on a favor that neither of them had ever clearly defined.
Chapter 82
The next day, Veronica submitted the final sample draft of the spring–summer neo–Cinderone
collection.
That afternoon, Courtney suddenly called for an emergency meeting. Her expression was
grave as she said, “Graham Group might be pulling out. We’ll have to delay our offline rollout
for now.”
“What?” Veronica frowned.
Graham Group had been their major investor for the launch of the new neo–Cinderone
themed stores. If the company backed out now, it would throw a wrench into production and everything that came after.
“Their manager mentioned that the boss has recently taken a liking to Windswept Atelier’s designs. The pricing is fair, and with their team of seasoned designers, they offer more stability,” Courtney said, massaging her temples
“What? That’s outrageous. They’re ‘completely going back on their word.”
“Windswept Atelier has already stolen three of our contracts this year. They’re pushing things too far!”
The room was instantly filled with frustrated voices.
Veronica pressed her lips together, quietly piecing things together. Once the meeting ended, she stayed behind with Courtney.
“Courtney, is it because of me?” Veronica’s situation had been widely reported on the internet lately.
The buzz was far from flattering. When investors looked at a brand, reputation was always part of their consideration.
Courtney briefly paused, understanding her underlying question. “Don’t overthink it. Nothing’s set in stone yet. I’m heading over myself to talk things through.”
“I’ll go with you,” Veronica said, grabbing her coat.
This time, Courtney did not stop her. She knew Veronica well. If she did not let the latter tag along now, she would go on her own later.
If that happened, with no one there to watch her back, she might end up seriously outmatched.
Graham Group’s CEO, Keith Graham, preferred peace and quiet. The company’s office building was located on the far edge of the western suburbs, where there was less crowd and traffic.
After nearly two hours of commuting, neither Courtney nor Veronica got to see Keith.
“Mr. Graham went out to attend a ribbon–cutting ceremony in Shalton,” the front desk
AVE WENN
Chapter 82
receptionist said. She recognized Courtney as the head of Novaro and spoke respectfully, showing no signs of hostility.
She did, however, sneak a few curious glances at veronica.
“That’s unfortunate,” Courtney said, her smile polite. “Please let him know we came by.”
Chapter 83
