Chapter 159


    Patricia’s voice wasn’t exactly hush-hush; her mellow, chuckling tone immediately had the whole office


    turning heads towards Sophia.


    The office was filled with newbies; no one knew Patricia, but herment about “thepensation my


    son gave you” reeked a bit of the ol’ casting couch, and the crowd’s expressions quickly turned into a


    mixed bag.


    Right there in the office, Don happened to look up and catch the scene at the door. He quickly put on a


    smile and stepped in to smooth things over.


    “Hey, Mrs. Crawley, what brings you here?” He approached with a grin, subtly wedging himself


    between Sophia and Patricia. “Sophia here’s our head honcho in design, handpicked for the job.”


    Patricia scoffed, ready to retort, but Don beat her to the punch. “You’re here about the project, right?


    Let’s talk shop in my office.” While leading her away, he shot a worried nce back at Sophia.


    Sophia’s face was the picture of serenity.


    Seeing Don’s concerned look, Sophia returned a courteous smile and turned to face the HR specialist.


    The HR person knew Patricia and had been specifically instructed by the big cheeses to handle the


    elevator card. Their gaze at Sophia was nowced with extra curiosity and probing.


    Sophia didn’t ept the card.


    “I won’t be needing that, thanks,” she said softly, her voice as gentle and calm as ever. “If you’re


    worried about exining this to the higher-ups, just tell them I refused. If there’s an issue, they can


    come to me directly.”


    The HR person hesitated but finally nodded, “Alright.”


    And then they were gone.


    When Sophia got back to Cindy’s desk, Cindy couldn’t help but ask, “What was that all about?”


    The HR person had tried to hand Sophia the elevator card, but she had turned it down, and no one in


    the office was in the loop about the exchange.


    “It’s nothing.”


    Sophia didn’t want to delve into it. She leaned over, pointed at theputer screen to guide Cindy on


    some changes, and then headed back to her office, leaving behind a trail of curious stares and


    whispers.


    The office door closed behind her, shutting out the buzz from outside.


    In Don’s office, once the door was shut, Patricia turned to him and asked, “This design director position


    wasn’t something Brandon asked you to save for her, was it?”


    After more than two decades as a wealthy socialite, Patricia was no stranger to talking down to people,


    especially the younger


    ones.


    Don didn’t take it personally, replying with a smile, “You must be joking, Mrs. Crawley. Is Brandon the


    type to y favorites?”


    “Well, who knows?” Patricia wasn’t convinced. “Brandon’s always been big on loyalty. He obviously got


    the short end of the stick in this marriage, but he still feels guilty, like he owes her. It’s only natural he’d


    want to make amends.”


    Don kept his smile, “If Brandon wanted to make it up to Sophia, there are plenty of ways to do that


    without using such a key position as a token gesture.”


    “It’s not that key, it’s just a figurehead,” Patricia chuckled. “The real power’s in your hands anyway. You


    give her a fancy title, a little gold ting, and everyone’s happy. She looks good, you’re not out of


    pocket, and Brandon’s done his bit.”


    Patricia knew this game all too well, having been given plenty of these ceremonial titles by Brandon’s


    father, Daniel, over the years.


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    Don steered the conversation back to business without arguing, “Anyway, Mrs. Crawley, did youe


    to talk about the Zenithan-style resort design case?”


    “Yes,” Patricia got back on track, dropping the smirk. “What’s the deal with this project? It’s been


    dyed for so long, why hasn’t it moved forward?”


    “We had some headhunters trying to poach our designer with a fat paycheck, and I didn’t want to push


    forward without someone to follow through, just in case we lost them,” Don exined, feigning a frown,


    “I remember you were adamant about having the designer involved throughout the project.”


    09:12


    grew anxious, “How can we let someone poach the designer at a time like this?”


    She then looked at Don with concern, “What’s the status now? Do we have to scrap the design?”


    Don nodded hesitantly, “There’s a risk, so we’re weighing our options. How about we assign a new


    designer toe up with another proposal?”


    “No way,” Patricia cut him off without a second thought, “I want that design. If pushes to shove,


    sweeten the pot for the designer, throw in a bigger cut. Who doesn’t like money?”


    “It’s not about the money. I’ll find you another designer,” Don still looked troubled. “Our other designers


    are just as good, I promise the oue will be satisfying.”


    “Come on, Don, what’s the problem?” Patricia frowned at him. “This design was made for our project.


    I’m the client, and I want it. Why are you making it so difficult?”


    Don replied, “I’m just worried you’re acting on impulse. Look at this design,” he said, pulling out


    Sophia’s Zenithan-style resort proposal, “the style isn’t that remarkable.”


    “I think it’s quite distinctive,” Patricia took the proposal from him, flipping through it casually. “Although it


    uses themon ancient architectural style overall, the pavilions, terraces, towers, and the pairing of


    bridges and flowing water are quite unique and natural. The gardenyout perfectly interprets the


    subtlety of hidden paths and concealed views. Boldly incorporating elements of the north style into the


    courtyard design, the integration of white gates and ck tiles with blue brick and stone bridges is


    seamless, creating a dream-like space reminiscent of an ancient city.”


    Looking at Don, Patricia continued, “You can tell the designer is creative and talented. Our project


    needs to be more than just beautiful-it must offer an immersive experience. She’s nailed it.”


    Don looked at her with a smile, “I had no idea you were so knowledgeable.”


    “I studied architectural design when I was younger,” Patricia replied with a smile, “Even though I


    switched careers right after college, I’ve learned a bit about architecture over the years hanging around


    my husband. Don’t think I made a snap decision. I’m making a professional judgment here.”


    Don cracked a smile too but quickly reined it in, turning to her, “So, Auntie, are you dead set on her,


    and this is the only n you’ll go for?”


    “Absolutely,” Patricia confirmed with conviction. “She’s the one for me, and this n is a must-have.”