Chapter 7: Juliette’s Schemes
948 Words
Alisha cleared her throat abruptly, silencing the low murmurs in the room. “The focus of today’s meeting is the upcoming competition. Congratulations to the two designers who were shortlisted, Alina and Sienna.”
Sienna’s chest tightened as Alisha’s words echoed in the room. Her gaze instinctively shifted to Alina, whose lips curled into a triumphant smirk. Winning this competition wasn’t just about the prize. It was a golden ticket to recognition, status, and a substantial bonus. For Sienna, it was a chance to secure a future for her son. For Alina, it was an opportunity to crush her rival once and for all.
The tension in the room was palpable as Alisha outlined the competition details. Alina sat with an air of overconfidence, her posture rigid and her eyes brimming with arrogance. Meanwhile, Sienna found herself lost in thought, her fingers tracing the edge of the table.
From across the room, she could feel a gaze burning into her sharp, deliberate, unyielding. Sienna’s spine stiffened. Why is he staring again? Her thoughts flickered to Damien, seated at the head of the table like a king observing his subjects.
But it wasn’t just Damien’s stare that unsettled her; it was the weight of her past with him. Sienna’s mother had sacrificed her life for his family. Though Damien had been an innocent child at the time, her resentment lingered like a shadow she couldn’t escape.
“Sienna,” Alisha snapped, yanking her from her thoughts. “Share your thoughts.”
Sienna blinked, caught completely off guard. The room went silent, all eyes locked on her, waiting for her to falter.
“Um…” Sienna’s lips parted, but no words followed. Panic swirled in her chest.
Alisha’s expression hardened. “Sienna, just because you were sent by headquarters doesn’t mean you can sit here like a spectator. You weren’t even listening, were you?”
The room rippled with hushed whispers and hidden smiles. Alina leaned back in her chair, savoring every moment of Sienna’s discomfort.
But before Sienna could fumble for an answer, a low, commanding voice cut through the tension.
“What’s the unique aspect of your design?” Damien’s question was direct, pulling her out of the abyss.
Sienna’s confidence ignited instantly. Work was her sanctuary, her escape from chaos. “For this project, I’ve used platinum as the primary material. I’ve incorporated rhodium and palladium to enhance gloss, hardness, and durability. These rare elements not only add value but also ensure timeless appeal for collectors.”
Her tone was steady, each word deliberate. “My target audience values exclusivity and sophistication.”
Damien’s piercing gaze never left her, as though he were dissecting every syllable she spoke. But before she could look away, Alina’s snide remark sliced through the air.
“So, basically, overpriced trinkets.”
A ripple of laughter followed.
Sienna didn’t flinch. Instead, she offered a faint smile. “Every design has its own story and appeal. Mine just happens to cater to those who appreciate rarity.”
Alina’s smirk faltered, and the meeting concluded shortly after.
As Sienna gathered her belongings, Damien’s voice halted her in her tracks. “Sienna, stay. Everyone else, you’re dismissed.”
The room froze. Jealous glances darted her way, none sharper than Alina’s.
When the room emptied, Sienna leaned against her chair, crossing her arms. “What now, President Blackwell?”
Damien’s expression darkened. “Why did you refuse the house I sent?”
Her jaw tightened. “I told you—I don’t want compensation from the Blackwell family.”
“It’s not compensation,” Damien said, his voice deceptively calm. “It’s practicality. The house offers top-notch security, and there’s a prestigious kindergarten nearby. Think about your son’s future.”
His words hit her like a wave. The mother in her wavered. But pride and bitterness overshadowed her hesitation.
“I don’t need your charity, Damien. My son is my responsibility, not yours.”
Damien’s face hardened, his frustration evident. “Why must you be so stubborn?”
“If it’s not work-related, don’t contact me again,” Sienna shot back, gathering her things and storming out of the room.
That afternoon, Sienna’s phone buzzed.
“Sienna, it’s your father. Come home for dinner tomorrow. We need to talk.”
She hesitated before agreeing, sensing something unusual in his tone.
Meanwhile, in his office, Damien leaned back in his chair.
“Andrew,” he addressed his assistant, who stood attentively by the door. “Find out everything about Sienna’s son. Who the father is, where he’s been, everything.”
“Yes, sir.”
As Andrew left, Damien’s phone buzzed with Juliette’s name. He answered, his tone softer.
“Damien, can we have dinner tonight?”
“Sure. I’ll pick you up,” he replied automatically.
But as he hung up, an unwelcome memory crept into his mind of that night years ago. The woman from that night still haunted him. He couldn’t shake the memory of her trembling body, her tears, and the scent of her skin.
No matter how hard Juliette tried, she couldn’t replicate that feeling.
Later, at an upscale restaurant, Juliette arrived in a Chanel dress, her hair perfectly styled. She looked radiant, but the effort she put in was painfully obvious.
“Cheers, Damien,” she said, her eyes sparkling with desire.
Across the table, Damien raised his glass but barely looked at her. Juliette’s heart sank. She wanted him, his love, his loyalty, his name. And she would do whatever it took to get it.
Damien only smiled politely, his thoughts elsewhere.
But as Juliette’s smile widened, a new thought entered her mind.
If I can’t have him...no one else will.
- Writer
