Chapter 62 Annual Meeting
“I had no choice but to learn. Your cooking was awful,” he smiled.
“How did you end up liking me? Did you think no one would want me because my cooking was awful?” she asked.
“Because you said, ‘Just be alive. Don’t sweat the small stuff.’”
Later, that phrase became a quiet anchor for him, a source of solace and unshakable strength.
“Then you’d better cherish your life.” Emma smiled and continued eating her pasta.
Her phone buzzed—a call from Claire.
“Hello… Really? Take it!” She picked up, her eyes brimming with joy.
The government had selected Muse’s design.
Hanging up, she placed the phone aside and resumed devouring her pasta.
“I heard from HR today that Lily quit,” she said.
“Yes.” His expression remained neutral.
“Is her father, Steven, still on good terms with you?” she asked.
“It’s fine.”
“Oh.”
“In our world, there’s only death. No divorce,” Liam added.
What? Emma froze.
“Did you hear me?” He pressed.
“Yes.” She nodded, startled by his dominance.
The next day:
Logan transferred the property of Hunter’s studio into Emma’s name.
“Wow. I was worried cursing your father-in-law would make you suffer for it,” Claire teased.
Emma stared at the deed in her hands, her face flushing.
“Proceed as planned,” she said.
“Guess who I found on the contest list?” Claire asked.
“Who?” Emma asked.
“Lily! Your husband’s ex-girlfriend.”
Emma was puzzled.
Does Lily also want the government projects?
“She launched her own studio, ST. It hasn’t gained much traction yet, but if she gets the government project, her studio could skyrocket.” Claire opened the file on her tablet.
“Her design skills are top-tier in the industry. We should do some work to hold our ground. Connect with insiders and understand the leaders’ preferences,” Emma said.
“We absolutely can’t lose to her in the final competition.” Claire nodded.
…
The annual conference commenced.
“Tomorrow’s a holiday! Finally, some rest!”
In the restroom, Iris tugged at her evening gown, giving her bust a lift.
Glancing at Iris’s small breasts, Emma chuckled.
“Stop staring. They’re mine.” Iris quickly covered them.
“Fine.” Emma checked her neck, afraid the kiss mark from last night might be exposed.
“The boss must have made a killing this year booking The Oak Hill Manor! I never expected I’d dine here.” Sarah’s voice drifted from the hallway.
“Watch what you say later. Lots of partners will be here tonight.” Ivy cautioned her.
“Of course! If some rich playboy takes a fancy to me, I could be loaded next year!”
“Haha…”
⸻
On the way toward the banquet hall:
“Emma.”
Someone called her.
Emma stopped and turned around.
“Manager Lily,” she greeted with a smile.
Lily wore a strapless black dress with a deep V-neck that hugged her curves perfectly.
“Just call me Lily.” She scrutinized Emma’s gown: a tulip-style strapless top with a pale yellow pleated skirt that reached just above the ankles.
“This outfit is stunning. It must be worth over a hundred thousand dollars. Who designed it?” Lily asked, clearly impressed.
“I made it myself. The craftsmanship is nothing special.” Emma smiled.
Lily froze, utterly taken aback.
You’re truly something, Emma.
“What are you chatting about? It’s about to start. Let’s go inside.” Claire approached.
“We’ll talk next time.” Lily hadn’t expected Emma to be so close with Claire, such a renowned designer.
Emma nodded before pulling away from Claire.
⸻
As soon as they entered, Claire headed straight for the back garden, leaving Emma in the front courtyard.
“Emma.”
Lawrence Bryant approached, holding a glass of red wine. He was the military liaison assigned to work with her.
“Mr. Bryant,” Emma greeted.
“Shall we?” he asked.
She nodded and headed toward the back courtyard with him.
“I never expected you’d be working here,” Lawrence said.
“Just an ordinary designer.” Emma smiled.
“Your designs are exceptional,” he remarked, his eyes filling with admiration.
“You flatter me.”
“Why did you choose ‘Muse’ as your online name?” he asked.
“Just something I picked on a whim,” she said as she swirled her wine glass. “Please keep it secret.”
“Of course!” He chuckled. “It suits you pretty well.”
Emma didn’t dwell on it, taking a sip of her red wine.
“Let’s grab dinner sometime,” he added.
“Alright.” She nodded with a smile.
As they stepped onto the stone steps leading into the courtyard, Lawrence bent down to adjust the hem of her skirt.
Startled, she spun sideways, tried to dodge him, and gave an awkward smile.
He nodded back and stepped aside.
⸻
“Minister Lawrence.”
Liam approached, Lily by his side.
“Mr. Hayes.” Lawrence greeted Liam and exchanged nods with Lily.
Liam’s lips curved slightly as he tilted his head to glance at Emma’s neck.
Color crept onto her cheeks; Emma dared not meet his gaze.
“Emma’s blushing?” Liam chuckled.
“She probably just had a little too much wine earlier,” Lawrence said, glancing at Emma beside him.
“Oh?” Liam perked up. “Do you and Emma know each other, Minister Lawrence?”
“Clara’s my cousin. Emma designed her annual gala dress, so we’ve met once,” Lawrence explained.
“Yes, I took on some private work in my free time. Please don’t hold it against me, Mr. Hayes,” Emma interjected.
“Emma is a key talent at our company. Her design skills are exceptional,” Lily said with a smile.
Liam seemed displeased with the word our, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Shall we discuss this over there, Minister Lawrence?” he asked.
“Alright!” Lawrence glanced at Emma. “I’ll leave for a moment.”
Liam’s gaze darkened.
Hey! I’m not his date. Emma shot him an innocent look.
“You’re quite familiar with Minister Lawrence,” Lily remarked.
“There’s nothing much between us. We’ve only met once,” Emma smiled. “I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
Lily found a seat and sat down beside Emma.
“You’ve probably heard about what happened between Liam and me. But no one believed me—not even him.” A flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes. “If it were you, what would you do?”
Caught off guard, Emma mumbled, “What’s done can’t be undone.”