Chapter 362
Chapter 362:
Yelena, on the other hand, lingered in the shadow of a different reputation. Rumors of her frosty demeanor and detached attitude had reached Lynn, and they weren’t flattering. Lynn glanced at her briefly, suspicion clouding her thoughts.
Did Yelena see this prestigious internship as a mere stepping stone? A passing obligation?
Lynn had little patience for half-hearted ambition. But she wasn’t worried. Yelena’s time in the design department was limited—three months, to be exact. And when it ended, Lynn would ensure her review left no doubt that Yelena wasn’t a fit. Bella, though? Bella was poised to flourish, and Lynn intended to nurture that potential.
For now, however, appearances mattered. Lynn distributed the project assignments with the same impartiality expected of her role. It didn’t matter to her whether Yelena or Bella excelled—this was a box-ticking exercise.
Yelena skimmed through the project brief with the precision of someone who’d done this a hundred times before. Her expression remained impassive as her mind quickly mapped out the project’s requirements. It wasn’t challenging, and it certainly wasn’t worth overthinking. For Yelena, this was a matter of efficiency, not flair.
Bella, in contrast, threw herself into her work with almost theatrical enthusiasm. Her desk transformed into a chaotic canvas of notes, sketches, and inspirations within minutes. Every design decision was deliberated upon as though the entire department’s reputation hung on her shoulders.
This wasn’t just another project to Bella—it was her grand debut. Her opportunity to prove she wasn’t just her father’s daughter but a designer in her own right. The stakes only heightened for Bella as she overheard whispers of senior executives attending the final presentation. She doubled down on her efforts, envisioning the moment she would dazzle them, her father’s pride reflected in their nods of approval.
Confidence radiated from her as she worked. Outshining Yelena wasn’t just a goal—it was a necessity.
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Over the next few days, the design department buzzed with quiet determination as everyone poured their energy into crafting their proposals. The looming Monday meeting hung over them like a spotlight waiting to be switched on—a chance for each designer to step into the limelight and showcase their creative prowess.
The weekend finally rolled around, bringing a welcome pause to the hectic week. Donna, always one for indulgence, had suggested a visit to Sterling and Grace, a high-end jewelry store she had frequented and was now showcasing new arrivals.
After a leisurely breakfast, Donna, Yelena, and Bella set out for the store. Nestled in the heart of the city, Sterling and Grace occupied a historic mansion that exuded understated charm. From the outside, it looked like a quaint, well-kept home. But stepping inside was like entering a world of timeless elegance, where every detail—from the polished wood paneling to the antique furnishings—spoke of luxury and refinement.
The centerpiece of the store was its dazzling glass cases, each filled with an array of exquisite jewelry: emerald-studded bracelets, intricately designed necklaces, shimmering rings, and pieces that seemed to whisper stories of sophistication. The atmosphere practically hummed with the allure of opulence.
Bella’s face lit up as she crossed the threshold. Despite having visited numerous times before, the store never failed to captivate her. Her eyes sparkled as she took in the sight of the new additions, scattered throughout the cases like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Donna, ever the connoisseur, had already zeroed in on a case displaying a particularly stunning collection. She grabbed Yelena’s hand, pulling her along. As soon as Donna stepped inside, the staff greeted her warmly, their smiles reflecting both genuine enthusiasm and the recognition of a prized customer.
“Mrs. Harris, welcome back! You’re just in time. These are our latest arrivals,” one of the sales assistants said, gently placing a tray of dazzling new pieces in front of her.
Donna nodded graciously, her discerning eye already scanning the collection. “Yelena, do you see anything you like? I’ll get it for you,” Donna said warmly, glancing over at her quieter daughter. The thought struck her suddenly that she hadn’t gifted much jewelry to Yelena so far. Perhaps it was because Yelena rarely wore any.
Yelena offered a soft smile. “Mom, how about you pick one out for me?” she said simply. Jewelry didn’t hold much appeal for her, after all.