Chapter 87

"I answered that question yesterday, honey," Selina said with finality. "Besides, if you do end up partnering with Angel, we'll have plenty of opportunities to meet later. There's no rush."

Trevon, facing her flawless reasoning, offered no further comment, merely patting her head gently before leaving for the day.

"Hey, treating me like a kid just because you're taller?" Selina muttered, rolling her eyes. Spinning on her heel, she returned to her dressing room. After choosing a comfortable outfit, she bounded out to her Lamborghini and drove toward Cartier's Sokovis headquarters.

Selina had an appointment with Trevon at three, but hoped to conclude the Cartier collaboration in the morning, leaving ample time. During the drive, she called Derrick, informing him of her arrival and that she was bringing her latest designs.

"You've already designed them?" Derrick asked. "Well, since Insight Group cooperates with Cartier, they'll likely be lenient due to Mr. Brady's connection. Just make sure your designs don't embarrass Brilliance. You won't have anyone to save you then."

"Don't worry," Selina replied. "If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility and resign."

Derrick, satisfied by her forthrightness, didn't press further, but added, "I'm heading to Cartier as well. Also, after you left Brilliance yesterday, another team took on the Cartier case. Christina is leading it. You know her, right?"

"Oh! Now that's interesting," Selina said, raising an eyebrow. She wasn't surprised that Christina, after twice failing to charm her, had shifted from flattery to competition. But Selina wasn't about to be outdone.

"Christina's designs are pretty good," Derrick continued, "and she must have been working on them for a while, with her team's help. They're submitting their designs today too. I hope what you've hurriedly put together isn't just a day's work."

Selina laughed dismissively. "You'll see what I've got when you get to Cartier. I've got to focus on driving now."

Upon arriving at Cartier, Selina encountered Christina and her team entering the building.

Unsurprised, Christina remarked, "Quite a coincidence, isn't it?"

Selina replied, "The Cartier project has been on the job board for half a month. The moment I joined Brilliance and took it, you did too?"

"Well, I'd been considering it for a while," Christina responded. "With only one other spot open in the design competition besides Derrick's, I wanted in. Getting this SSS-rated case could greatly improve my chances. Isn't that reason enough?" Christina had no intention of alienating Selina, though her actions would inevitably cause friction. She wouldn't have revealed herself so soon had Selina not been so aggressive and dismissive the previous day.

Seeing that flattery was ineffective, Christina decided to bet on herself. She wasn't content with living off the Hudson family's fading glory, unlike Madelyn. "Fair play," Selina conceded.

Derrick arrived, noticing the assembled group, and suggested, "Let's head up."

They took the elevator to the 25th floor, where Derrick met Madge, Cartier's Sokovis head. Madge embraced Derrick effusively, "Hello, Derrick, it's been too long."

Derrick, less comfortable with such warmth, managed a stiff embrace before introducing Madge: "This is Madge, Cartier's head in Sokovis. We've brought two design teams for your review today. Whichever design you approve will be submitted to headquarters."

Selina glanced at Christina. "Who's first?"

Christina, lips pursed, stepped forward. "Ms. Lewis, please have a look at our group's designs." She presented her well-prepared necklace designs and sketches. Upon finishing, she found Selina had vanished, leaving her momentarily stunned.

Christina worried that if her designs failed, Selina would copy them. But as she prepared her defense, something surprised her even more – Selina, unseen, seemed to have already made her next strategic move.

Derrick, noticing Christina's reaction, explained, "Selina said she'd wait for you to present your designs to Madge before she comes in. She's gone to get coffee."

Christina breathed a sigh of relief, but her mood quickly soured. That detestable Selina. To look down on me like this. Once my design surpasses yours and gains Madge's approval, I'll mock you relentlessly.

After passionately explaining her design concept, philosophy, and process, Christina waited silently for Madge's response.

Madge sat cross-armed for ten seconds. Then, she turned to Derrick. "Did you give them any suggestions?"

Derrick shrugged. "They just took on the case yesterday and presented the design today; there was no time for suggestions. But Christina is a brilliant jewelry designer at Brilliance, and she described her design concept very clearly and compellingly, so I think it's quite okay."

Christina felt a thrill of pleasure at Derrick's support. If even he spoke so highly of her work, didn't she stand a chance?

"Sorry," Madge said, "this design doesn't strike me as fresh or exciting. I'll have to pass."