Chapter 11
Even though Emma–who had always pursued him—had left his life, which was what he had always wanted, he found himself thinking of her frequently lately, a feeling that confused him.
So even though he noticed Sophia’s design resembled Emma’s sketch, he didn’t mention it.
“Good work. After the design competition, I’ll take you on vacation.”
Sophia looked up in surprise.
Her relationship with Talon had been stagnant. Though they were together, she could tell Talon still remembered Emma and didn’t truly despise her as much as he claimed.
This created a sense of crisis. She needed to secure Talon and take their relationship to the next level.
Hearing Talon wanted to take her on vacation, Sophia saw it as an excellent opportunity to deepen their relationship.
Sophia moved closer to Talon, attempting to kiss him, but he blocked her.
“We’re at work.” Talon picked up another document, his tone cool: “If there’s nothing else, you can go now.”
“Emma, we’re entrusting this design competition to you. Is that alright?”
Emma stood up to address Ryan: “I just joined the company recently. Wouldn’t it be better to give this to more experienced colleagues?”
“This was discussed with everyone. Emma, your abilities are obvious to all.”
The others in the conference room nodded, agreeing with Ryan’s assessment.
Seeing everyone’s confidence in her, Emma no longer refused, graciously accepting the task.
“I’ll do my absolute best and won’t let down everyone’s trust.”
14:39
Crashed for Graph
Chapter 11
After the morning meeting ended, Ryan asked Emma to stay behind.
“Mr. Morgan, did you need something?”
Ryan didn’t like this formal address from Emma.
“Emma, we’re friends. No need to be so formal.”
Since that tipsy night when Ryan had taken her home, Emma had become less resistant to his pursuit.
Even her parents seemed quite fond of Ryan, repeatedly telling her: “I think Ryan is a fine young man.”
But Emma wasn’t ready for a relationship yet, so they remained just friends.
Emma preferred not to have too many connections with Ryan at work.
“If Mr. Morgan doesn’t have anything else, I’ll be going.”
Ryan held Emma back: “Sullivan Group will also be participating in this competition. I’ve heard their design is being led by Sophia.”
Ryan’s meaning was clear, and Emma nodded: “I understand.”
The design competition theme was “Four Seasons,” and Emma immediately thought of her previous “Spring” design.
She decided to follow the “Spring” concept for the remaining products.
A few days later, Emma submitted her designs to Ryan.
Flipping through the designs, Ryan praised her: “Emma, your designs are absolutely brilliant, especially this ‘Spring‘ piece.”
“The competition results should be out in a week or two. Come with me to the event.”
Emma felt a bit embarrassed at Ryan’s praise.
When the day of the désign competition result announcement arrived, Emma and Ryan
boarded a plane to Boston together.
Ryan noticed Emma’s discomfort since arriving in Boston.
“Talon will be there today. If you’re…”
“It doesn’t matter. I have no connection to him anymore.”
Ryan’s words were interrupted by Emma.
Emma had lost her memory, forgetting everything about Talon–her passionate pursuit of him and the pain he had caused her.
But she clearly remembered everything Talon had done to her after her memory loss.
Regarding Talon, Emma wanted no further connection.
At the competition venue, Emma entered with Ryan and immediately spotted Talon with Sophia on his arm.
Tálon and Sophia also saw Emma.
Sophia, arm in arm with Talon, approached Emma to greet her:
“Emma, what a coincidence.”
Seeing Sophia’s arrogant demeanor, Emma didn’t want to engage further and pulled Ryan away.
Emma’s retreat only emboldened Sophia, who looked at Ryan standing beside Emma:
“Emma, is this your new boyfriend?”
Talon stared at Emma and Ryan with displeasure. Though Emma no longer pursued him, when Sophia asked that question, Talon inexplicably feared Emma might say “yes.”
When Emma didn’t answer, Sophia grew even more smug:
“Don’t tell me you’re still pining for my boyfriend.”
Chapter 11
Just as Emma was about to retort, Ryan stepped in front of her protectively.
“Emma is my girlfriend. Please show some respect.”
Ryan then led Emma away, apologizing once they reached their seats:
“I’m sorry, Emma. She was being so arrogant, I just…”
Emma shook her head, smiling: “It’s okay. Thank you for standing up for me.”
As the competition results were about to be announced, everyone sat in their seats waiting for the host to read from the envelope. Emma felt a bit nervous too.
Just as the host opened the envelope, preparing to announce the results, someone suddenly approached and whispered something in his ear.
“Ladies and gentlemen, a plagiarism incident has been discovered in this competition. To ensure fairness, we’ll reassess the plagiarism case before re–evaluating.”
