The Billionaire's Accidental Bride (Emma and Eric) novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

A ripple of surprise and uncomfortable coursed through Lukas

No wonder the two of them seemed so intimate.

He calmly unfurled a dossier before him, “Why you didn’t mention it before?”

A bitter smile touched Cole’s lips as he answered honestly, “I lost touch with my university acquaintances for a long time. It’s been three years since I last saw Sophia.”

kas felt a measure of relief hearing this explanation.

He mulled over that he must have deemed Sophia as his possession, that’s why he would feel

uncomfortable.

After all, she was an integral part of his family from legal part.

Leaning back in his chair, Lukas spoke casually, “Since you know her well, tell me what you know about her.”

Cole pondered briefly, “Sophia is fiercely loyal and possesses exceptional design talent.”

“What do you mean by “exceptional design talent“?” Lukas arched an eyebrow, seeking further

clarity.

Unfaltering, Cole replied candidly, “Amongst all the designers I’ve encountered, she stands out as the

most talented.”

A fractional contraction danced within Lukas’s pupils, his tone stripped of sentiment. “I wasn’t aware you held such a high opinion of her.”

Sophia POV

Meanwhile, I descended to the lower floors.

Even before stepping into the design department, rumors of my participation in the prestigious Century Jewelry Competition had already swept through the office.

Though veiled, people couldn’t help making indirect remarks about me.

I brushed these comments aside, determined not to be affected.

Unspoken Farewell at noon feet

Chap

However, the atmosphere took an unexpected turn as someone suddenly mentioned private jewelry customization. A chorus of sour remarks echoed through the office,

“Some people, regardless of how talent, can never match Olivia. Her list of private clients at

Strakovski is unparalleled!”

“Yes, apart from our regular seasonal designs, our prime focus here is private customization. We do set a monthly minimum quota for private custom orders!”

“I guess someone won’t have a bustling list of clients waiting for their designs.”

ine.

brows knitted as I absorbed the details displayed on the private custom orders document before

Indeed, there existed a minimum quota – a financial threshold each client had to meet for personalized orders per month.

Falling short for three consecutive months resulted in bonus deductions and even potential

dismissal

F

My eyes flickered as my mind drifted back to my tenure at Trifleming. While a few clients had sought me for custom work, the atelier didn’t possess a dedicated unit for private custom orders. Furthermore, Hugo had forbidden me from engaging in such undertakings privately.

But now, an avenue had opened up. I resolved to reach out to my previous clients, gauging whether they retained a demand for my expertise.

Amidst my musings, Raven sidled up, her expression a canvas of indignation.

I playfully prodded Raven’s cheek and chuckled, “What’s irking you this time?”

My smile was soft as I explained, “Back then, fame wasn’t my pursuit. I just wanted a simple life. And there’s another aspect…”

“My ex–boyfriend didn’t like the idea of me becoming too prominent. He often said, ‘A tree standing tall invites the strongest wind.‘ He believed I didn’t need to engage in a rat race to draw attention to ryself and be the center of it all. His vision was for me to settle down as a full–time homemaker!”

up

I cast a sidelong glance at Raven, my laughter gentle. “I was genuinely furious at that time. Yet, after a few days of contemplation, it’s not easy to distinguish right from wrong in these situations.”

Did Hugo ever truly love me? I pondered, eventually nodding to myself. Yes, he probably did, I could

sense it earlier on.

My own lukewarm demeanor might have eroded his affection. Despite his despicable affair with Bella, love, and relationships couldn’t be blamed entirely on one person

Witnessing my calm expression, Raven sensed my reluctance to delve further. Swiftly, she changed the topic. “People in the design department can’t stop whispering about you.”

“Who hasn’t been the subject of gossip? Don’t let it weigh on you, and don’t make adversaries to swiftly. Our design department is teeming with individuals. Not all are hostile.” I shrugged.

After a pause, I added. “Moreover, a gentleman doesn’t harbor suspicions towards the innocent, and scoundrels can’t be pre–emptively guarded against. Just be prudent in your actions.”

Raven held genuine affection for me, and I reciprocated the sentiment, my advice genuinely caring.

Raven nodded, though she couldn’t resist quipping. “Director Hopkins seems to have you

With him in your corner, they might tread more cautiously.”

your back.

ple’s name suddenly resurfaced in my mind. I’d forgotten to update Ava about this development.

Unspoken Farewell at 300000 Feet

Quickly reaching for my phone, I excused myself. “Raven, you should get back to work. I need to

make a call!”

As my call connected. Ava was just wrapping up a substantial project and descending the stairs.

My voice carried excitement through the phone, “Guess who I bumped into just now?”

Ava, who had spent last night searching for Cole, was feeling a bit out of sorts. Absently, she responded, “Who?”

My chuckle danced in the air. “It’s Cole!”