Chapter 77

Chapter 77

The next morning, Patricia grabbed her design sketches and headed over to Mark's studio.

Mark's studio was unlike any other designer's. It was nestled in the countryside, with a villa and a ranch right next to it.

Inside, Mark held Patricia's sketches, nodding with admiration. "Ms. White, your designs have this unique blend of traditional seriousness and modern flair. It's pretty rare."

Patricia's grip on her purse tightened a bit, and she said softly, "Thanks for the compliment. It's an honor to get your feedback."

"No, thank you for bringing such amazing work." Mark set the sketches down and looked at her seriously. "Mr. Scott mentioned your talent to me before. I'd like to formally invite you to join my studio and stay in Regal City."

Patricia was a bit taken aback, and Mark continued, "We've got the best fabric resources and a creative atmosphere here. If you stay, you'll definitely become an internationally renowned designer."

Even though she had mentally prepared herself for this, hearing an invitation from a top industry master still made Patricia's heart race with excitement.

This was the opportunity that many designers dreamed of!

Patricia opened her mouth, ready to say something, but then she pictured Emily hugging her neck and being adorable.

She hesitated for a moment and then changed her words, "I'm sorry, but I might have to decline."

"Why?" Mark was clearly surprised by her refusal, his eyes full of confusion. "Is it about the pay? We can discuss it further. I'm sure Mr. Scott is willing to offer a high price."

"It's not about the money." Patricia shook her head, a gentle smile appearing in her eyes. "I have a daughter. She's only three years old, and I don't want to miss her growing up."

"Ms. White, you shouldn't let family hold you back," Mark sighed. "You have a gift for design. You shouldn't give up your dreams for a child."

"To me, being there for my child's growth is also very important." Patricia looked up and smiled at Mark.

Mark saw the determination in her eyes, sighed helplessly, and walked to his desk. He took out a gold-embossed ticket from a drawer and handed it to her.

"Alright, I respect your choice. This is a VIP ticket for Regal City Fashion Week. Watch the show and then decide. Maybe you'll change your mind."

Patricia took the ticket and was about to thank him when Mark said meaningfully, "Calvin asked about your schedule yesterday. He seems very concerned about you."

Patricia was startled and quickly explained, "We're just business partners. I think you misunderstood."

Mark's smile deepened. "I don't think I misunderstood."

He walked to the window, lifted the blinds, and pointed to a car parked outside by the ranch. "I think I understand him better than you do."

Patricia followed his direction and was stunned.

Why was Calvin here?

Mark chuckled, organized her design works, and put them into a more formal briefcase. "I understand young people's matters. Go on, don't keep him waiting."

Patricia couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Outside by the ranch, Calvin was unaware of the conversation inside. He leaned against the car, looking at some documents.

The wooden door creaked open.

Calvin looked up and saw Patricia coming out. He immediately closed the folder and walked towards her. "All done? Mark must really appreciate you."

"Why are you here?" Patricia asked with a smile, remembering what Mark had said, and instinctively keeping some distance from Calvin.

Calvin walked to the passenger side and opened the door. "I just finished some work nearby and thought you might be done with Mark around this time, so I came to pick you up."

Patricia nodded, but she couldn't help thinking about what Mark had said.

"I assume Mark has already given you the Fashion Week ticket, so I won't give you another one." Calvin smiled as he held the steering wheel, clearly in a good mood. "I know a restaurant with authentic escargot. Want to try it?"

"Sure, anything's fine," Patricia replied softly, feeling a bit guilty as she saw Calvin's expectant expression in the rearview mirror.

She knew Calvin had gone to great lengths to bring her to Regal City, hoping she would accept Juniper's offer to be a resident design consultant.

Did Calvin really value her design talent?

"I declined," Patricia hesitated for a moment before saying, "Emily is still young. I can't leave her alone back home."

Calvin was taken aback, confused. "If it's because of Emily, I can make arrangements for her."

Patricia shook her head.

"Maybe you'll change your mind after Fashion Week?" Calvin forced a lighthearted smile, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the steering wheel. "Don't think too much. Let's go eat first."

After lunch, Calvin suggested taking Patricia for a walk around the area.

The street was lined with boutique shops.

Patricia stopped in front of a jewelry store, her eyes fixed on a pair of obsidian cufflinks in the window.

She thought of how Charles looked in a suit and hesitated after seeing the price.

"Do you like these?" Calvin followed her gaze. "I'll get them for you."

"No need." Patricia pulled him back with a smile. "It's his birthday next month. I'll buy them for him."

She went inside, paid for the cufflinks, and carefully placed them in a box.

A hint of sadness flashed in Calvin's eyes.

In the evening, Calvin drove Patricia back to her hotel.

As they reached the hotel lobby, Calvin suddenly called out to her, "Patricia, there's something I don't know if I should tell you."

"What is it?" Patricia looked at him, puzzled.

He hesitated before speaking, "The day you were kidnapped, Charles..."

"He blocked all the news and refused to call the police." Calvin lowered his voice. "In my opinion, he didn't care about your safety at all. He even seemed willing to abandon you."

He knew that calling the police that day was Charles's last resort, and seeing Patricia still caring about him made Calvin feel sorry for her.

Patricia was stunned. When she was rescued and saw Charles and the police, she hadn't had the chance to ask before passing out.

After waking up, Charles never mentioned those details.

Patricia's heart felt like it was pricked by a needle. She was about to ask more when the elevator dinged open.

Charles stepped out of the elevator. He was wearing a dark gray suit, his collar slightly open. Seeing them together, his eyes instantly turned cold.

"Mr. Anderson? What a coincidence." Calvin stepped in front of Patricia, breaking the silence first, his tone hostile. "What are you doing here?"

Charles ignored him and walked straight to Patricia, naturally putting his arm around her shoulders. 

He gave Calvin a standard business smile. "Thank you, Mr. Scott, for bringing my wife back. It's just about dinner time. Why don't you join us?"

Patricia looked up sharply, not understanding what he was trying to do.