Chapter 59 Sophia
Chapter 59 Sophia
Juniper clapped her hands with a bright smile. "Hey, everyone, listen up!"
The office immediately buzzed with chatter.
"Who's the new girl?"
"Never seen her before. Where's she from?"
"So cute! Come sit by me, sweetie!"
Maya, standing nearby, noticed Elara's subtle expression and whispered, "Ms. Voss, don't let it get to you."
Elara smiled and raised an eyebrow.
It was hard not to feel a bit slighted.
She wasn't naive enough to think Juniper would hand over control just because she was new.
During her introduction, everyone seemed cooperative, but it was just for show. Many didn't even give her a proper look.
But when Juniper walked in, the place came alive.
Anyone could see that Elara was being excluded on her first day.
Ethan, however, was not just anyone.
If Ethan usually came across as a loyal but clueless friend, right now, he was like a lovesick puppy, shy, hiding behind Elara and whimpering.
Maya, seeing Ethan's uneasy expression, asked with concern, "Mr. Craigmor, are you feeling alright? Maybe we should go to the hospital?"
"Ignore him," Elara muttered angrily.
For the first time, she truly understood why Sylvia couldn't stand Ethan.
Juniper's intentions were clear.
With Kieran backing Elara, Juniper wouldn't dare make a direct move.
But Elara's associates were fair game, especially Ethan, who had a notorious reputation.
It was well-known that he liked Sophia, even if he himself was oblivious, thinking he was secretly in love.
Elara felt a wave of helplessness.
If not for their years of friendship, Ethan would have likely switched sides already.
Just then, Ethan rushed forward.
"Sophia, fancy seeing you here!"
"Don't you remember me? I'm Ethan!"
"Yeah, I'm with Story Revival Atelier, currently working at Blackwood Heritage Group. Mr. Blackwood personally invited me!"
"Why don't you join us at Story Revival Atelier? My buddy just became the new VP here. He's got a lot of pull. You won't regret it!"
Elara felt like crying.
Did Ethan really not understand the situation?
The battle lines hadn't even been drawn, and he was already fraternizing with the enemy.
What did he mean by saying Mr. Blackwood personally invited him?
And what was this about his buddy being the new VP?
Was he trying to get Elara into trouble?
"Ms. Voss, your friend..." Maya said awkwardly, not knowing what to say.
Elara's face turned pale.
She shook her head. "You've got the wrong person. I don't know him."
"Right..." Maya bit her lip, nodding in agreement.
Ethan's identity was no secret to a sharp HR like Maya.
His clumsy approach and clear stance showed he was firmly on Elara's side.
Not because she knew Elara well, but because it was the first time she saw Kieran so interested in a woman.
Betting on Elara seemed like a safe move.
"So, Mr. Craigmor, what position did Mr. Blackwood invite you to fill in the business team?" Juniper asked, sizing up Ethan with a cold smile.
"Not sure yet. Personally, I prefer business roles. That's what I did at Story Revival Atelier," Ethan replied, his attention still on Sophia.
"Business, huh? At least you're on the right track," Juniper said dismissively. "Do you know what my position is here?"
Ethan had no idea.
He scratched his head, glanced at Elara's stern face, and pointed at Maya. "You're a senior HR like her, right? It's tough doing young people's work at your age. Thanks for introducing the new member. She's great!"
Elara and Maya both facepalmed.
Even Sophia couldn't help but smile briefly before it vanished.
Ethan had hit Juniper's sore spot. Was he calling her old?
Elara realized Ethan had only heard about Juniper during a meal and had never seen her in person.
With Sophia's sudden appearance, he was clearly overwhelmed and mistook Juniper for HR.
So, he had gone to greet her?
"I'm the president of this project team!" Juniper snapped, glaring at Ethan.
In her years at Blackwood Heritage Group, she had never been so disrespected.
Even Kieran showed her some courtesy.
But Ethan acted like a wild child, oblivious to hierarchy.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Hart," Ethan replied nonchalantly, still smiling at Sophia.
Juniper, a seasoned professional, was stunned.
"Ethan, this is a workplace, not a playground. There are rules. You should greet me properly," Juniper said sternly, her anger and disdain evident.
"But my superior is Elara," Ethan pointed at Elara.
Elara, intrigued, crossed her arms and stepped forward. "Hello, Ms. Hart."
Juniper wanted to put Ethan in his place, but Elara stood by her friend.
Ethan continued, "And, you must be very capable, right?"
"What do you think?" Juniper raised her head proudly, looking down on Elara and Ethan.
"Then I have a question. If you're so capable, why did Mr. Blackwood bring us to the project team? There are two reasons: either to cause trouble, which is unlikely, or because you can't handle it alone and need help. And we're just the right fit."
Elara stared at Ethan in disbelief.
When did Ethan become so articulate?