Chapter 217
Chapter 217: The new designer, credited as Joyce Scott, appeared highly skilled. She had carefully implemented all the feedback he had provided on the preliminary designs, finishing them to an excellent standard. “Sir,”’ Marc cleared his throat, noticing Kristopher’s attention was captured by the sketches. “Her name is Joyce Scott, and that piqued my curiosity. I reached out to Wildfield Design Studio on the way here to ask about her. They described her as quite mysterious. She’s officially part of the studio, yet she hasn’t shown up for work. However”¦”’ He paused. “She made a single request: to complete the jewelry within three months. That’s practically unheard of. In Nawrin, only firms with major corporate backing and swift operations can meet such a deadline, which is why they approached our new company.”’ Kristopher narrowed his eyes, impressed by the designs. “Did you find out why she needs it done in three months?”’ “I asked,”’ Marc hesitated. “The reason they gave was somewhat questionable. They told me the designer is terminally ill and has only three months to live. She wants to see her designs hit the market before she passes, hence the urgent timeline”¦”’ Kristopher’s hand stopped moving over the sketches. “A terminal illness, with just three months to live?”’ He scoffed. “This designer is really going the extra mile for publicity. Joyce has been dead for four years, and now suddenly they claim she has a terminal illness?”’ Setting the sketches aside, he said, “Set up a meeting. I want to meet this designer in person.”’ “Belinda, are you awake yet?”’ At eight in the morning, Darren was right on time, knocking on Belinda’s door. The door swung open almost immediately. There stood Belinda, her hair now cropped short, wearing a casual blush pink outfit. Sunlight poured over her freshly cut hair, giving her an air of freshness and vitality. Darren paused, taken aback by the change. It took him a moment to find his words. “Did you”¦ cut your hair?”’ “Yes,”’ Belinda answered, her smile bright. “I decided on a change after you left last night. I did it myself for my first day at work.”’ She played with the ends of her hair, looking a bit uncertain. “Does it look alright?”’ Darren nodded enthusiastically. “Belinda, you look like you could have a second career as a hairstylist.”’ “I think I’ll stick with jewelry design for now.”’ Belinda chuckled, closing the door as they both made their way to the elevator. “Come on, let’s go.”’ Belinda’s workplace was in the same building as Darren’s studio. Now, Darren was not only a former university peer but also her mentor at the studio. Despite his previous blunders, Belinda knew Darren meant well and had decided to put the past behind her. As she approached the elevator, Darren snapped out of his daydream and rushed to join her. “Belinda, have you eaten yet? I picked up something for you to snack on during our commute”¦”’ Thirty minutes later, they reached the front doors of Wildfield Design Studio. It was Belinda’s first day, and Darren’s initial duty was to introduce her to their boss. They knocked and entered the office sequentially, catching their boss mid-conversation on the phone, his tone excessively deferential. “You’re saying the head of your company wants to meet Miss Scott? Absolutely, she just joined us today and is available whenever. Please, just let us know when you want to set up the meeting. Yes, we’ll keep in contact!”’…