Chapter 67

Cole considered Lukas's request, hesitating before speaking. "Well, since you're new to the company and don't yet have any private clients, I thought I'd let you know that private customizations are a crucial aspect of Strakovski Jewelry. The company values this area highly."

"What I mean is, if you feel pressured, I can introduce a few clients. Participate in some competitions, establish a reputation, and you'll naturally attract more clients," Cole said, watching my reaction.

I immediately declined. "Senior, I appreciate your concern, but I can't accept your kindness. Although private customizations have strict requirements, they usually have a three-month deadline. If I can't meet the company's standards within three months, it means I'm not suitable for Strakovski Jewelry, or perhaps not competent enough for this position."

Cole looked helpless. "Why are you still as stubborn as you were in college?"

I smiled. "It's not stubbornness. It's my personal principle. If I changed that, I wouldn't be Sophia anymore."

Cole chuckled. "You have a point. I just wanted to let you know that if you need any help, ask me directly. I didn't expect you to be so proud and unwilling to accept it."

I smirked. "Senior, even though I won't accept your help, I truly appreciate your kindness."

Cole shook his head, smiling. "Alright, understood. You can go back to work now."

Third-Person POV

As Sophia left, Cole sighed and called Lukas.

"Lukas, I just spoke with Sophia about helping her with private clients, but she declined without hesitation," Cole said.

Lukas paused, mid-signature. "Did you tell her it was my idea?"

Cole shook his head. "No, I said it was my personal idea."

He'd anticipated Sophia's refusal. On the phone, Lukas's tone was emotionless. "It seems you understand her well, knowing she wouldn't accept it."

Earlier that morning, Lukas had told Cole that Sophia wouldn't accept help from others due to her personality.

Cole didn't understand Lukas's attitude. "It's not that I understand her, but based on past experiences, she always refuses help, so I guessed as much."

Lukas replied, "Train her well. Her design talent is good. That's all." Then he hung up.

Cole's palms felt sweaty. Sophia had been assigned to the Strakovski Jewelry Design Department by Lukas himself. However, Lukas's attitude toward Sophia was strange, and Cole couldn't decipher his intentions. He sighed helplessly.

Sophia's POV

That afternoon, after work, Cole and I walked downstairs. As we reached the parking lot, Lukas's car pulled up beside Cole's.

Lukas rolled down his window. "Sophia, get in the car. I'll take you to the hospital."

Startled, I remembered Lukas's offer from that morning.

I quickly shook my head. "Mr. Strakovski, it's not necessary. Director Hopkins is taking me to the hospital to see Ava."

Lukas frowned. "I said I'd take you this morning." He disliked changes to pre-arranged plans.