Chapter 341: Do You Design This?

Hayley’s POV:

“Hayley,” Thuner called out to me. I glanced up and stretched, feeling a bit stiff. “I’ve sketched a rough outline. Want to check it out?”

He looked surprised. “I only asked you to help with some adjustments. I didn’t expect you’d create a design from scratch.”

He examined the drawing, his disbelief evident. “Is this your design?”

“Even though this is a rough draft, it’s clear your design skills are on par with a professional’s. Have you worked as a designer before?”

I casually explained, “I used to draw for fun. Do you think it’s okay?”

Tanner pursed his lips thoughtfully. “It’s pretty good overall. But I’ll reserve judgment until I see the completed version. Let me know when it’s finished, and I’ll take another look.”

I nodded. “Sure.”

“It’s getting late. Let me take you out for dinner,” he suggested.

My stomach growled in agreement, so I didn’t hesitate. “Alright, let me gather these sketches first.”

After tidying up, I followed Tanner out the door.

Madeline’s POV:

Once I confirmed Hayley had left, I slipped into the room unnoticed. Spotting her design sketches, I quickly snapped a photo with my phone without hesitation. A sense of relief washed over me. Hayley was so bold to aspire to be a designer with her current appearance. I’d make sure she became notorious in this field, forcing her out for good.

After ensuring the room was empty, I turned to leave. However, just as I reached the door, I came face-to-face with an employee named Teri. I took a calming breath, masking my nervousness.

She frowned and asked suspiciously, “Ms. Kilmer, didn’t you already leave earlier?”

Noticing the doubt in her expression, I swiftly pulled out a stack of cash from my bag and handed it to her.

“I forgot something and came back to grab it. I’d appreciate it if you kept this to yourself,” I said.

Teri eyed the money, which was easily worth two months of her pay, but didn’t immediately agree. It was clear this greedy woman thought it wasn’t enough.

Reluctantly, I pulled out another stack. “Take this, too, and keep quiet about today.”

This time, she accepted the bribe with a nod. “Don’t worry, Ms. Kilmer. Your secret is safe with me.”

Feeling reassured, I quickly exited the room.

Hayley’s POV:

When I returned to the design room, an unsettling feeling crept over me. Something felt off, as though my sketches had been tampered with. I noticed Teri nearby and decided to ask, “Teri, did anyone come in here while I was out?”

She seemed startled by the question but quickly shook her head. “No, I was the only one here during lunch. Nobody else came in.”

Her response didn’t entirely convince me, but I chose to let it go, thinking I might be overanalyzing.

“Okay, you can get back to work,” I said dismissively.

Once she left, I immersed myself in my designs, completely losing track of time. It wasn’t until Hera stirred with excitement that I realized Benjamin must be close. Moments later, a knock on the door confirmed my suspicion.

Smiling to myself, I didn’t bother to look up. “Come in,” I called out.

Benjamin entered, walking over to me.

“I’m feeling a bit thirsty,” I said casually. “Could you grab me a glass of water?”

Without hesitation, he headed to the tea room and returned with a glass, placing it in front of me. “Here you go.”

“Thanks,” I said with a nod. Then, looking up, I asked, “So, what brings you here?”