Chapter 345: Nina Kerr

Madeline’s POV:

Seeing that Tanner didn’t seem to know Nina, I felt more confident. I quickly introduced her, saying, “This is Nina Kerr, the designer I mentioned. She’s also my schoolmate from studying abroad. It’s a coincidence, but she recently designed a new dress that I think looks great. I’d like to recommend her to work in your studio and handle the dress I requested earlier.”

After listening, Tanner tapped his fingers on the table in a steady rhythm. He looked from me to Nina and then fell silent for a moment. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

“Tanner, do you have any questions?” I asked, unable to hold back.

He replied, “No, I just need you to send me her resume. If everything checks out, she can start working here.”

Nina was thrilled and quickly handed over her resume. “Mr. Southwell, here’s my resume for your review.” She also handed him her design sketch. “This is my latest creation—the dress Madeline mentioned. Please have a look.”

Tanner examined her design, put down the resume, and smiled. He seemed pleased.

Just as I began to relax, he said, “It’s a funny coincidence. I feel like I’ve seen this design before.”

I tensed up, and Nina quickly said, “Mr. Southwell, you must be mistaken. As a Beta designer, I can’t stand plagiarism. I would never copy someone else’s work!”

Tanner raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well, since you say so, I’ll take your word for it. However, our studio isn’t short on designers. If Ms. Kilmer wants you to be her designer, that could work too.”

His cold rejection of someone I’d recommended made me uncomfortable. I thought that, given my relationship with Tanner, a simple word from me would be enough to get Nina into his studio. But I hadn’t expected him to refuse outright.

“Tanner, Nina is truly exceptional. She’s won several international awards and is a rare talent. I believe in her designs, which is why I suggested her to you,” I persuaded him.

But Tanner didn’t even acknowledge me. Suddenly, he seemed to have figured something out. He looked at me, then at Nina. He showed a mysterious smile, making me curious, and he slowly said, “It’s quite a coincidence. The designer you’ve recommended has designs almost identical to one of our studio’s designers—about 80% similar.”

“I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding. How about this? I’ll call her over and we can clear things up.”

I was shocked when Tanner said that. Was he questioning me? How could he possibly link those two matters? No, I couldn’t let myself panic.

I forced myself to stay calm, keeping a smile as I said, “Tanner, are you serious? For a designer, respecting originality and avoiding plagiarism is the most important rule. You don’t want to work with Nina, that’s fine. I can recommend her to another good studio.”

I tried to explain my point, hoping to convince him. But Tanner didn’t respond. Instead, he picked up the phone.

“Hayley, bring your design sketches to my office.”

He was even calling that awful Hayley over!