Chapter 51
Chloe didn't stay in the hospital for long this time. Fearing an encounter with Arthur, she left immediately after her examination.
As she was leaving, Karen happened to arrive upstairs. Spotting Chloe, she deliberately hid.
Wait a minute—why was that little brat revisiting the obstetrics department?
If she truly intended to divorce Arthur as she claimed, why would she still be taking those fertility medications?
That Chloe—stubborn as a mule since childhood, but too clever for her good.
Karen recalled how Chloe had clutched her abdomen as she left.
Logically, the cold water from the swimming pool shouldn't have caused such severe abdominal pain.
Could she be pregnant?
This needed confirmation immediately.
Nothing could be allowed to jeopardize Avery's position.
...
Being new to her job, Chloe felt uncomfortable taking too much time off. The next morning, after confirming she didn't have a fever, she headed to HC's jewelry department.
First thing, Bella summoned her to her office.
"Chloe," Bella wore a crisp blue suit, her short hair perfectly styled, complemented by HC's latest earrings—the epitome of polished professionalism.
She looked up at Chloe and paused. "Your design will be our featured piece this quarter. If it's well-received, you could make a name for yourself quickly."
"Therefore, it cannot have flaws. But I have a question."
"Ms. Collins, please go ahead."
"Have you seen Crystal Haven's recent jewelry exhibition?"
"Not yet."
Bella frowned, clearly displeased. "Chloe," her voice cooled considerably, "though you're technically an intern, you should have basic market awareness. It's understandable for new designers to draw inspiration from others, but surely you realize that in this industry, once labeled a plagiarist, you're permanently disgraced. Staying current with industry trends, modifying designs to avoid similarities—these are fundamental professional requirements."
Blindsided by this rebuke, Chloe was bewildered. She pressed her fingertips to her temples. "Ms. Collins, I don't understand. My design is original..."
"Then why do so many details in your design resemble the Lunar Glimmer's new collection?"
Without further discussion, Bella pulled up preview images of Lunar Glimmer's new collection on her phone.
"Explain this."
"HC isn't here to pad your resume. Even if Mr. Miller likes your designs, if you maintain this attitude, I can dismiss you at any time."
Chloe took the phone, zooming in on the jewelry images. Understanding dawned on her.
"Ms. Collins, I'll modify all the similar details. It was my oversight—I didn't consciously avoid these design habits."
She offered no excuses or self-defense.
The professional world wasn't a place where words alone proved your worth. Chloe had no desire to rest on past laurels.
Sunnee had been her previous design signature.
That name was buried forever with Lunar Glimmer.
Seeing Chloe's reasonable attitude, Bella softened. "Beyond the elements similar to Lunar Glimmer, these other details need adjustment as well."
Bella directly outlined all the aspects she found unsatisfactory and the effects she wanted to see. Chloe took careful note of everything.
By the time she left the office, half an hour had passed.
Nyla craned her neck anxiously. "Chloe, Ms. Collins didn't blow up at you, did she? It's terrifying—I wasn't even at work yet when colleagues warned me about her. They say this Ms. Collins is the Ice Queen who publicly humiliates anyone who displeases her, regardless of gender."
"Divorced women are seriously scary."
Hearing this, Chloe pressed her temples, her expression unusually serious. "Nyla, as women ourselves, we shouldn't hold such bitter stereotypes about someone just because she's divorced. Ms. Collins occupies a position where she's responsible for HC's design department's reputation. Of course, she'll be demanding with her subordinates."
Since starting at the company, Chloe had maintained a gentle, smiling demeanor.
This was her first show of severity. Nyla was stunned, staring at her blankly. "Chloe, I..."
"Nyla, I just don't want you making malicious assumptions about leaders you don't know, especially female ones. Ms. Collins called me to her office to give me detailed revision suggestions. I think she's a competent leader."
Most managers preferred to simply get angry when results didn't meet their expectations, demanding outcomes without providing guidance.
But Bella wasn't like that. At minimum, she'd been willing to hear Chloe's explanation and communicated what effects she wanted while offering specific feedback.
Chloe appreciated this leadership style.
Nyla opened and closed her mouth. "I see. I'm sorry, Chloe. I won't talk like that again. I had preconceptions."
"It's fine, just be mindful in the future. You're new to the professional world with much to learn. Consider this—if I were a more calculating colleague who recorded what you just said and sent it to Ms. Collins, would you still have a chance at permanent employment?"
Nyla looked even more shocked. "But everyone seems so friendly!"
"That's how it is in school. You'll learn. Let's get back to work. Didn't you want to learn design techniques? I need to revise my draft now—I'll show you how."
"That would be great."
Bella's suggestions were specific, making Chloe's revisions straightforward.
She patiently explained each step to Nyla as they worked, and time passed quickly.
After just one morning, Nyla had transformed into Chloe's devoted fan, finding elaborate compliments for each modification Chloe made.
Chloe found it both amusing and endearing.
At lunch, they headed to the employee cafeteria again.
As they reached the main lobby, Chloe's phone chimed with a message.
She checked it—Arthur.
[Chloe, I've prepared a surprise for you]
Chloe's brow furrowed.
Was he trying to compensate for rescuing Avery in front of her yesterday?
She ignored the message. Just as they exited the building, she heard a commotion at the company entrance.
For some reason, Chloe felt a twinge of foreboding.
An inexplicable sense of dread washed over her.
Nyla clutched her arm excitedly. "Chloe, let's go see what's happening!"
Chloe found herself dragged toward the company entrance.
A crowd had gathered, including reporters who seemed to have materialized from nowhere. Chloe immediately spotted Arthur's assistant.
Her gaze hardened.
Jacob stood holding an enormous bouquet of roses and a gift box. Seeing Chloe, he quickly approached.
"Mrs. Williams, Mr. Williams specifically asked me to bring these for you."
"Take them back."
Chloe closed her eyes briefly, struggling to contain her anger.
"And don't come again. This is my workplace. Jacob, this isn't your fault, and I don't want to make things difficult for you."
"Mrs. Williams, I understand you're still upset with Mr. Williams. He has an important international meeting today and couldn't come personally. This is a laptop Mr. Williams bought especially for you. He feels terrible about damaging your previous one."
Jacob opened the box to reveal a pink laptop.
By now, a significant crowd had gathered at the company entrance.
Jacob looked at Chloe nervously. "Mrs. Williams, if you don't accept these, I'll have a hard time explaining to Mr. Williams."