Chapter 250

Gloria's clothes were getting a bit stretched from the woman's grip, but she just frowned and didn't retaliate.

The woman wasn't entirely wrong about one thing.

They were only covering for her at the Miller Group because of the company's reputation.

If Gloria fought back and angered the woman, there's no way to be sure she won't spill her secrets.

Gloria wasn't one to let herself be bullied, but she also didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble.

Seeing her clothes about to tear, she sighed inwardly and ultimately went along with her, stepping outside.

She only had a few outfits suitable for work, and it wasn't worth ruining one over this.

Her stance was clear enough; if anyone tried to push her further in the future, she'd deal with it then.

"That's more like it!"

The woman sneered with satisfaction as Gloria stepped out of the elevator, then walked in.

Soon, the others who had been waiting outside the elevator followed her in.

The elevator doors closed slowly, leaving Gloria standing alone outside.

Gavin arrived leisurely, spotting Gloria waiting for the elevator by herself.

It was already past work hours, and the place was deserted.

Gavin raised an eyebrow and walked over to her.

"Ms. Russell, you're late."

Gloria glanced at him, "So are you."

It was the first time anyone had dared to call Gavin out for being late.

Gavin's eyes sparkled with amusement.

"What a coincidence. I guess I'll have to punish you by making you have lunch with me."

Gloria ignored his smooth talk, stepping into the elevator.

Gavin tried to follow, but Gloria stopped him.

"You should take the private elevator."

Even though the elevator was empty now, someone might get on when they reached the design department.

If anyone saw her riding the elevator with Gavin, who knew what rumors would start.

Gloria didn't want to add another scandal to her name at this point.

Gavin understood her concern, shrugged with feigned regret, and stepped back, watching the elevator doors close in front of him.

When Gloria reached the design department, she found Emily deep in a meeting with the team.

Gloria's arrival interrupted the session.

Everyone turned to look at her, and Gloria quickly apologized. "Sorry, I'm late."

Immediately, some colleagues shot her disdainful looks and whispered among themselves.

"Who does she think she is? She has already skipped work more than once, and she even apologized while coming in late."

"Just because she's rich, she thinks she can do whatever she wants. I don't know why Mr. Miller hasn't fired her yet. The Miller Group doesn't need her money!"

The office was silent, and their whispers were clearly heard by everyone.

Emily gestured for Gloria to come in while giving the others a warning glance.

"Seems like some people have something to say. Why don't you say it here?"

At her words, the whispering stopped immediately.

Gloria pulled up a chair, intending to join the meeting.

Emily gave her a complicated look.

"This is a project meeting. Since you weren't involved in the project, you don't need to be here. Go do your work."

Gloria paused, realizing Emily was politely asking her to leave.

The others looked at her with disdain.

She quickly composed herself and looked at Emily earnestly.

"Even though I wasn't involved from the start, I might be able to contribute to the project."

"Please, Emily, give me a chance. I won't let everyone down."

Emily didn't doubt her abilities but wasn't sure about the team's opinion.

She looked around, seeking their input. "What do you all think?"

One person spoke up without hesitation, unhappy with Gloria.

"If the client finds out someone with a bad reputation is working on their design, what will they think?"

"Emily, it's not that I don't trust her, but since she joined the Miller Group, she hasn't officially worked on any projects. She hasn't followed this project from the beginning, and even if she makes changes, her suggestions might not be helpful."

"Emily, everyone here has some design experience to be on this project. How can we let a newcomer join right away?"

Emily frowned. "So, everyone disagrees?"

Even as the design department director, Emily couldn't ignore everyone's opinions.

Besides, they were right. The project had been a team effort for some time.

She looked at Gloria, troubled.

Gloria knew how they felt about her. She just wanted to fight for a chance.

Seeing no room for negotiation, Gloria didn't insist.

"I understand. Sorry for interrupting. You can continue. I'll get back to my work."

Gloria apologized and turned to leave.

A different voice called out from behind.

"I agree with letting Ms. Russell join."

Gloria paused.

She turned to see it was one of the colleagues who had initially doubted her qualifications and suspected she got in through connections.

Her attitude had completely changed; now, she faced the team with a serious expression. The others turned to look at her, surprised.

"I've heard about Ms. Russell's design talent and seen her previous work. She has a unique style." The woman spoke calmly.

"Her design approach is something our team lacks. With her on board, the Miller Group's design team will be complete." She added.

She didn't look at Gloria while speaking, not feeling like she was defending her, just stating facts.

Of course, she had her reasons...

Her words drew the attention of the other colleagues.

They looked at her as if she were out of her mind.

Gloria could almost imagine the woman being ridiculed alongside her after today.

Gloria walked back and stopped in front of the woman, glancing at Emily and then around at the others.

"As she said, if you give me a chance, I will do my best and not let you down."

Even a colleague who didn't like her was speaking up for her, so she had no reason to give up.

She looked at Emily with determination, her eyes pleading.

Emily sought the team's opinion.

As expected, they remained resistant.

Seeing their reluctance, Emily's expression darkened.

"I don't know what you're afraid of. Are you worried Ms. Russell will outshine you, so you want to nip this in the bud?"

Her words seemed to hit a nerve, and some expression changed immediately.