Chapter 126 Invitation

After getting back from the restaurant, Maria and Henry's relationship took off fast. Even Kenna noticed the chemistry between them and teased them about it with Ethan.

Maria's job at Luminex Innovations was going great. Joe had always valued her, and after seeing her skills, he appreciated her even more.

One morning, Maria arrived at work and was immediately called over by Joe. In his office, she found Thea and Laura, both looking confused.

They exchanged glances, clearly puzzled.

"Alright, since you're all here, I'll make this quick. We're launching a new winter collection. Each of you needs to submit two sketches. The theme is stylish and minimalist. Get your designs in within the next few days."

They all nodded, thinking that was it. As Maria was about to leave, Joe called her back, "Maria, you stay. The rest of you can go."

Thea didn't think much of it and left without hesitation. Laura, however, was a bit reluctant but followed Thea out.

"Thea, what do you think Mr. Watson wants with Maria?" Laura asked, pretending to be curious and innocent. Thea saw right through her act and replied mockingly.

"If you're so curious, why don't you ask Mr. Watson yourself?" Thea said bluntly. Laura's face tightened, biting her lip in frustration, but Thea ignored her and walked away.

Back in the office, Joe handed Maria an invitation, speaking casually, "This is from Celestial University. They want me to give a lecture, but I don't have the time. You're going in my place."

Maria was momentarily stunned, realizing Celestial University was where her sister Molly studied. She hadn't expected Joe to give her this opportunity. "But Mr. Watson, they invited you."

Joe rolled his eyes and sighed, "I get invited to a lot of places. If I went to every one, I'd never get anything done. Stop making excuses. Are you going or not?"

Maria knew this was Joe giving her a chance. Giving a lecture at the university would boost her visibility, making it hard to refuse. "Mr. Watson, I'll go. Thank you."

Maria sincerely thanked Joe, who waved her off impatiently, "Alright, alright. You're not just giving a lecture. You'll also be scouting for some talented designers."

Joe valued talent over academic achievements. He had chosen Maria after seeing her first sketch, recognizing the creativity in her designs.

Maria agreed immediately and left the office with a smile. Before she could reach the design department, Laura intercepted her in the hallway. "Maria, I've been waiting for you for quite a while. What took so long?"

Maria was used to Laura's way of speaking but still couldn't understand how she could be so brazen. Was it because she was shameless?

"Do you need something?" Maria asked directly, not wanting to argue. Laura blinked, pretending to be curious, "What did Mr. Watson want? If it's something good, don't forget to share with us."

Maria was amused by Laura's shamelessness. She replied coolly, "If you want to know, go ask Mr. Watson yourself. And if he gives me something, it's my business. Stop trying to mooch off me. If you want something, earn it yourself."

Laura was taken aback, her face turning red with anger, but she still tried to act pitiful. "Maria, that's harsh. We all started together. What's wrong with sharing good things? Thea is your friend too."

"So," Maria said with a sly smile, "I'll share with Thea because we're friends."

Seeing Laura's frustrated expression, Maria walked away feeling satisfied. She wasn't targeting Laura on purpose; Laura was just more shameless than she had imagined.

On the first day of work, Laura had tried to swap desks with Maria, claiming she needed more sunlight for her health.

Thea had immediately retorted, "If you're not well, stay home. Why come to work? Do you think everyone is your mom and has to accommodate you?"

Laura, likely never having been scolded so harshly, had teared up, claiming she didn't mean it that way and just wanted to treat them like sisters. Thea had rolled her eyes and said, "I'm an only child. I don't have a sister."

Maria had added with a smile, "I have one sister, and that's enough. Being a sister is tiring."

Laura had run off crying, but none of the other designers, unfamiliar with them, had stood up for her. Despite Laura's anger, Maria returned to the office in a good mood. She had meant what she said; she planned to share the opportunity with Thea. Giving a lecture wasn't a solo task, and some things required help. To Maria, Thea was the friend she could trust and rely on.

"Maria, what did Mr. Watson say? Is it something good?" Thea asked as soon as Maria entered the office. Though the question was the same, Thea's eyes were filled with curiosity, not calculation.

Maria smiled and replied cheerfully, "It's good news."

She explained the lecture and the selection process to Thea. Their desks were close, and there was no one else around, so they didn't worry about being overheard.

Although the others in the office were quite curious, after all, as soon as Laura returned, she pointedly mentioned that Maria had been left alone to talk with Joe, and Thea couldn't stop her, they were a bit far away and wouldn't eavesdrop indiscreetly.

Now, hearing about the lecture, Thea's eyes lit up. "That's great news! You really are valued by Mr. Watson. He thought of you for this."

Thea's words were purely admiring, without any hidden agenda. Maria could tell and smiled, winking playfully. She leaned closer to Thea and whispered, "Ms. Ellis, do you have time to join me?"

Thea's eyes brightened. She looked at Maria and asked, "Wouldn't that be inappropriate? Mr. Watson only mentioned you."

Maria shook her head, correcting her, "Mr. Watson entrusted this to me, not just me alone. If I go alone, it might not be enough. The university might have other thoughts. But with you, it's different. Two top-three designers from the competition can make up for Mr. Watson's absence. So, going together is the best option."

Thea was touched. She knew Maria was trying to ease her mind. This was a great opportunity, and anyone in the office would gladly go if asked.