Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Samuel's chest heaved violently. He was clearly furious, but more than that, he was scared.

He had just seen with his own eyes the coldness in Matthew's gaze. If Sophia kept spouting nonsense, forget about cooperation - their entire company could be crushed by the Brown Group.

Gritting his teeth, Samuel said, "I hit you to knock some sense into you! Watch your mouth! Who are Mr. Brown and Ms. Scott? How dare you slander them? This whole thing was your fault to begin with, and you still have the nerve to throw a tantrum here?"

After saying this, he stopped looking at Sophia, turned around, walked up to me, and bowed deeply. "Ms. Scott, I'm truly sorry. It's all because I failed to discipline her properly, letting my sister cause you so much trouble. I've already taught her a lesson and made her resign. She'll never appear in front of you again. Please don't hold it against her."

Looking at Samuel's bent back, I felt no satisfaction at all. Instead, I felt suffocated.

I knew too well - he wasn't genuinely apologizing to me, nor did he really think Sophia was wrong.

He was afraid of Matthew, afraid of the Brown Group's power, afraid that losing this partnership would ruin him.

This apology had nothing to do with me. It was all for Matthew's benefit.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. This feeling was so frustrating. 

I was clearly the one in the right; I had won the competition fair and square with my own abilities, but in the end, I still had to rely on someone else's power to protect myself.

If Matthew hadn't come today, I'd probably already be fired, maybe even threatened by Samuel, never able to work in the jewelry industry again.

Looking at Samuel's humble demeanor, then at Sophia still crying and refusing to accept it, a strong thought suddenly rose in my heart: 'I need to climb higher, become more capable.'

When I had enough power of my own, when I didn't need to depend on anyone, I could protect myself and make these bullies who relied on their connections think twice before looking down on me. Then, the justice I sought would truly belong to me.

Seeing my silence, Samuel called out cautiously, trying to please me. "Ms. Scott, does this solution work for you? If you have any other requests, just say so. As long as I can do it, I'll make it happen."

Before I could speak, Matthew spoke first. His eyes fell on me as he asked, "Layla, how do you want to handle this? It's your call."

Everyone's eyes focused on me.

Actually, I knew deep down - even if I pushed harder, demanded more compensation from Samuel, humiliated Sophia further, what would it change? It wouldn't change my current situation, wouldn't change the fact that they were only backing down because they feared Matthew.

Besides, making a bigger scene wouldn't do me any good.

People at the company would just think even more that I was relying on Matthew's backing. The gossip would only get worse.

What I wanted wasn't temporary satisfaction, but long-term stability.

I spoke up. "Forget it. I accept the apology. Sophia doesn't need to resign either. After all, this is her job. How to handle it should still be up to the company."

Sophia froze for a moment, then quickly looked disdainful again, probably thinking I was scared of Samuel, or trying to look generous in front of Matthew.

Samuel also breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "Thank you, Ms. Scott, thank you. Sophia, hurry up and thank Ms. Scott!"

Sophia bit her lip and said nothing for a long time. Finally, after Samuel glared at her fiercely, she reluctantly mumbled, "Thanks."

Matthew looked at me, seeming surprised that I'd chosen to compromise. He didn't say much, just turned to Samuel and said, "Since Layla says to let it go, this matter ends here. But I hope you'll discipline your sister properly from now on and stop letting her cause trouble everywhere."

"Yes, I will." Samuel nodded and bowed respectfully.

After Samuel left with Sophia in a hurry, the atmosphere in the conference room finally eased.

Alan walked up to me, his face no longer stern but showing some approval. "Layla, you did well this time. Didn't disappoint."

Then, looking at the colleagues present, he announced loudly, "From today on, Layla will be fully in charge of the 'Spring Meadow' series planning. Everyone else will support her work."

As soon as he said this, there was an uproar. People started whispering, and the looks they gave me no longer held the previous doubt, but more respect.

Cara and Mica kept their heads down, not daring to look at me, probably afraid I'd hold a grudge.

Selina winked at me, looking happy for me.

I quickly nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Fields. I'll do my best."

"Good. Work hard, don't make me regret this decision." Alan patted my shoulder and headed back to his office.

Colleagues gradually dispersed. Selina was the first to run over, excitedly grabbing my hand. "Layla, you're amazing! Not only did you win the competition, but you got the planning project too. You're going to be a core designer in our design department now!"

I smiled. I was genuinely excited inside. This was the first important opportunity I'd earned through my own abilities since leaving Emerald City. It meant something different.

"I should still thank you for covering for me these past few days," I said sincerely.

Selina waved her hand. "Don't be so formal with me! If you need help with anything in the future, just tell me. By the way, when Mr. Brown showed up earlier, he was so cool! He shut Samuel down the moment he arrived - like your knight in shining armor!"

At the mention of Matthew, I smiled but didn't respond.

When I finished packing up and was ready to leave work, Matthew's car was already parked downstairs at the company.

I hesitated for a moment, but still walked over.

He rolled down the window and looked at me. "Done for the day?"

"Yeah." I nodded, saying somewhat awkwardly, "Thanks for today."

As I said this, I didn't dare look him in the eye. I felt like I owed him more and more, and didn't know how I'd ever repay him.

Matthew smiled. "Just a 'thanks'? Isn't that a bit too casual?"

I froze, looked up at him， and said, "Then what do you want? I'll treat you to dinner?"

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted it a little.

My relationship with him was already sensitive. Having dinner alone together didn't seem quite appropriate.

But unexpectedly, Matthew immediately responded, "Sure, that's exactly what I was thinking. I know a private restaurant with great food. Let me take you there."

After saying this, he opened the passenger door directly.

I looked at the car door, hesitated for a long time, but eventually got in.

The car drove smoothly, the silence making things a bit uncomfortable.

Matthew would occasionally say a few words to me, asking about my situation at the company, whether anyone was giving me trouble anymore.