Chapter 15
600 Words
Monday morning arrived.
Sophia walked into Clark Designs with a cup of coffee in one hand and a folder in the other.
"Morning, Sophia," Mrs. Evans greeted.
"Good morning."
"I have good news."
Sophia smiled.
"I could use some."
Mrs. Evans handed her a file.
"Our company has been invited to submit an interior design proposal for the new headquarters of Lockwood Technologies."
Sophia's smile disappeared.
"...Lockwood Technologies?"
Mrs. Evans nodded.
"Yes. It's one of the biggest projects this year."
Sophia sighed quietly.
Why does everything have to lead back to Ethan?
"You'll be leading the design team."
Sophia blinked.
"Me?"
"You've earned it."
She forced a smile.
"Thank you."
---
Across the city...
Ethan was in a board meeting.
One of the directors spoke.
"We've received proposals from several interior design companies."
"Good."
"The final presentations will be next week."
Ethan nodded.
"I'll review them personally."
He had no idea that one of those companies was Clark Designs.
---
A week later...
Sophia and her team arrived at Lockwood Technologies.
The company's headquarters stood proudly in the heart of London, its glass exterior reflecting the morning sun.
"This building is beautiful," one of her colleagues whispered.
Sophia nodded.
"It is."
A receptionist welcomed them.
"This way, please."
As they stepped into the conference room, Sophia froze.
At the head of the table sat Ethan.
He looked up at the same moment.
For a second...
Neither of them spoke.
One of the executives smiled.
"Mr. Lockwood, this is the team from Clark Designs."
Ethan's expression remained calm.
"I know."
Sophia let out a small sigh.
Of course he does.
She took her seat.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," Ethan replied professionally.
The meeting began.
Sophia confidently presented her company's ideas.
She explained every detail clearly, answering each question with confidence.
When she finished, the room became quiet.
One executive smiled.
"Very impressive."
Another nodded.
"I agree."
Everyone turned to Ethan.
He looked down at the proposal again before speaking.
"The design is practical."
Sophia waited.
"The space is well utilized."
She waited again.
"But..."
She frowned.
"The conference rooms need better natural lighting."
Sophia looked at the blueprint.
He was right.
She hated admitting it.
She cleared her throat.
"We can adjust that."
Ethan nodded.
"And the reception area."
"What about it?"
"It feels crowded."
Sophia studied the plan once more.
After a few seconds...
She sighed.
"...You're right."
Her colleagues looked surprised.
They probably expected her to argue.
Instead, she made notes.
"We'll revise it."
Ethan simply nodded.
"The rest is good."
The meeting ended shortly afterward.
As everyone left the room, Sophia gathered her files.
Ethan walked over.
"You handled the presentation well."
She looked at him.
"Was that... a compliment?"
"I'm just stating a fact."
Sophia smiled faintly.
"I'll take it anyway."
For a brief second...
The atmosphere between them wasn't hostile.
Then Sophia remembered herself.
"Don't think this changes anything."
"It doesn't."
"Good."
"Good."
They walked in opposite directions.
---
Meanwhile...
Victoria sat inside Harrington Fashion Group's office.
Her assistant entered.
"Miss Harrington."
"Yes?"
"I found out where Ethan is."
Victoria looked up.
"Where?"
"Lockwood Technologies."
"And?"
"He had a meeting with a design company."
Victoria didn't think much of it until the assistant added,
"The project leader was Sophia Clark."
Victoria's smile slowly disappeared.
"So..."
She stood up.
"They're meeting outside family gatherings now."
"It was only business."
Victoria looked out the window.
"No."
She said quietly.
"I don't believe in coincidences."
She picked up her handbag.
"It's time Sophia Clark understands..."
She smiled coldly.
"...that she should stay away from what's mine."
To be continued…
- Writer
