Chapter 209

Sharlene finally caught on and rolled up her sleeves angrily. “What a bitch! Calling me a helicopter when she should look in the mirror first!”

“Ana, don’t stop me. I’m gonna kick her ass.”

Anastasia looked at Sharlene calmly. “I’m not stopping you.”

Sharlene: “…”

Wait, this isn’t how it’s supposed to go.

Just then, Vincent walked over to Anastasia. “Anastasia, there’s a dinner meeting tonight. The client loves your designs and wants you to come along.”

Anastasia didn’t refuse—this was part of her job.

As soon as Vincent stepped into the hallway, he saw Narissa approaching.

Vincent frowned with annoyance. “What are you doing here? I told you not to get too close to me at the office.”

Narissa thought bitterly about how he used to want to be glued to her 24/7, but now that the novelty had worn off, he was acting like she was a nuisance.

She knew exactly who Vincent had his eye on now. Too bad Anastasia was tangled up with Griffin Orlando, and Vincent didn’t dare make a move until that situation was clear.

What a pig.

Swallowing her anger, Narissa said, “I want to come to tonight’s dinner. Mr. Lewis represents a huge opportunity, and I’d like to pitch for it.”

Vincent figured Narissa’s designs were decent enough to present as backup if Anastasia’s fell through.

“Fine, you can come,” he said.

“Thanks, babe.”

With no one around, Narissa tried to kiss him, but Vincent pushed her away.

“We’re at the office!”

Vincent looked disgusted and irritated.

This crazy woman is going to get us caught.

Narissa sneered internally and slipped back to the office.

That evening, they met at an upscale private club.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis hadn’t arrived yet, so Narissa, Anastasia, and Vincent waited in the private dining room.

“I heard they serve excellent coffee here. Let’s try some while we wait—it’s on the company anyway,” Narissa said as she poured coffee for Anastasia and Vincent.

Narissa figured Anastasia was just some nobody based on her modest car and generic clothing (except for that one designer scarf she liked to flaunt). Someone that basic would definitely be easy to manipulate.

Anastasia was actually thirsty and wouldn’t mind some coffee. But she knew someone like Narissa wouldn’t be serving her out of kindness.

So when the server came in and distracted Vincent and Narissa, Anastasia quickly switched her cup with Narissa’s.

When Narissa turned back and saw Anastasia drinking the coffee, her lips curved into a satisfied smile. Her little plan was working perfectly.

She picked up her own cup and drained it completely.

“Mmm, this Colombian blend has such a rich flavor. Really excellent,” Narissa said, feeling pleased with herself.

Anastasia smiled knowingly. “It really is good.”

Narissa watched Anastasia’s satisfied expression and smirked internally. Enjoy it while you can—you won’t be smiling much longer.

Just then, a server led Mr. Lewis and his wife into the room.

“Sorry we’re late—traffic was murder out there,” Mr. Lewis apologized with a smile.

Vincent immediately turned on the charm. “You’re not late at all, Mr. Lewis. We just arrived early.”

The flattery worked, and Mr. Lewis looked pleased.

Vincent introduced Anastasia and Narissa to the Lewises.

Upon seeing Anastasia, Mr. Lewis said, “My wife saw Mrs. Orlando wearing a necklace and absolutely fell in love with the design. When we heard it was created by you, Ms. Kingsley, she knew she had to have something similar.”

Anastasia smiled warmly. “I’m honored that Mrs. Lewis likes my work. I’d be happy to design something that suits her personal style and preferences.”

“Really? That would be wonderful,” Mrs. Lewis said enthusiastically.

Narissa cleared her throat and looked pointedly at Vincent.

Getting the hint, Vincent chimed in, “Actually, we have several talented designers at our firm. Narissa here is another excellent option. She’s brought some of her portfolio to show you.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, you’re welcome to work with both designers if you’d like. After all, who can have too many beautiful pieces?”

Vincent made a good point, and there was nothing wrong with comparing options.

Mrs. Lewis was just reaching for Narissa’s tablet when a loud PFFFT sound erupted in the room.

It was unmistakably a fart—and not just any fart, but one that immediately filled the entire private dining room with the most horrific stench imaginable.

Narissa froze completely, not knowing whether to sit or stand.

She’d been feeling queasy for a while, with her stomach churning violently. But this was such an important meeting that she’d forced herself to hold it in.

Unfortunately, when she stood up to hand Mrs. Lewis the tablet, her muscles relaxed and the gas she’d been desperately containing exploded out—along with what sounded like… more than just gas.

“Oh my God, that’s disgusting!” Mrs. Lewis quickly covered her nose and mouth, looking nauseated.

Narissa wanted to die on the spot. Her stomach was still cramping violently.

“Bathroom—I need the bathroom!” she gasped.

She ran out, making additional pffft sounds with every step.

She was mortified beyond belief, wishing she could disappear into thin air.

Just then, Mr. Lewis’s phone rang with the most unfortunate ringtone: “My Heart Will Go On” at full volume.

The timing couldn’t have been worse—the dramatic music combined with Narissa’s intestinal symphony sent everyone scrambling for the door.

When the server came in to deal with the aftermath, he dry-heaved multiple times. This was probably the most traumatic shift of his career.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis. I have no idea what happened,” Vincent apologized profusely. “I’m sure Narissa didn’t mean for this to happen. When nature calls…”

Vincent’s explanation only made Mrs. Lewis start gagging again.

Disgusting. Absolutely revolting.

“I’m terribly sorry about this situation,” Anastasia said professionally. “Why don’t we move to a fresh private room and start over?”

Mr. Lewis couldn’t get the image—or smell—out of his head. His appetite was completely gone.

He was about to decline when Mrs. Lewis grabbed his hand with a hopeful expression. “Let’s give it another try.”

Mr. Lewis adored his wife, and their marriage was built on mutual love and respect.

“Alright then…”