F1 Champion's Perfect Crash: When Love Takes The Final Turn novel Chapter 73

A ripple of surprise and uncomfortable coursed through Lukas.

No wonder the two of them seemed so intimate.

He calmly unfurled a dossier before him, "Why you didn't mention it before?"

A bitter smile touched Cole's lips as he answered honestly, "I lost touch with my university acquaintances for a long time. It's been three years since I last saw Aurelia."

Lukas felt a measure of relief hearing this explanation.

He mulled over that he must have deemed Aurelia as his possession, that's why he would feel uncomfortable.

After all, she was an integral part of his family from legal part.

Leaning back in his chair, Lukas spoke casually, "Since you know her well, tell me what you know about her."

Cole pondered briefly, "Aurelia is fiercely loyal and possesses exceptional design talent."

"What do you mean by 'exceptional design talent'?" Lukas arched an eyebrow, seeking further clarity.

Unfaltering, Cole replied candidly, "Amongst all the designers I've encountered, she stands out as the most talented."

A fractional contraction danced within Lukas's pupils, his tone stripped of sentiment. "I wasn't aware you held such a high opinion of her."

Aurelia POV

Meanwhile, I descended to the lower floors.

Even before stepping into the design department, rumors of my participation in the prestigious Century Jewelry Competition had already swept through the office.

Though veiled, people couldn't help making indirect remarks about me.

Yet, I brushed these comments aside, determined not to be affected.

However, the atmosphere took an unexpected turn as someone suddenly mentioned private jewelry customization. A chorus of sour remarks echoed through the office.

"Some people, regardless of how talent, can never match Olivia. Her list of private clients at Strakovski is unparalleled!"

"Yes, apart from our regular seasonal designs, our prime focus here is private customization. We do set a monthly minimum quota for private custom orders!"

"I guess someone won't have a bustling list of clients waiting for their designs."

...

My brows knitted as I absorbed the details displayed on the private custom orders document before me.

Indeed, there existed a minimum quota - a financial threshold each client had to meet for personalized orders per month.

Falling short for three consecutive months resulted in bonus deductions and even potential dismissal.

My eyes flickered as my mind drifted back to my tenure at Trifleming. While a few clients had sought me for custom work, the atelier didn't possess a dedicated unit for private custom orders. Furthermore, Jacob had forbidden me from engaging in such undertakings privately.

But now, an avenue had opened up. I resolved to reach out to my previous clients, gauging whether they retained a demand for my expertise.

Did Jacob ever truly love me? I pondered, eventually nodding to myself. Yes, he probably did. I could sense it earlier on.

My own lukewarm demeanor might have eroded his affection. Despite his despicable affair with Bella, love, and relationships couldn't be blamed entirely on one person.

Witnessing my calm expression, Raven sensed my reluctance to delve further. Swiftly, she changed the topic. "People in the design department can't stop whispering about you."

"Who hasn't been the subject of gossip? Don't let it weigh on you, and don't make adversaries too swiftly. Our design department is teeming with individuals. Not all are hostile." I shrugged.

After a pause, I added, "Moreover, a gentleman doesn't harbor suspicions towards the innocent, and scoundrels can't be pre-emptively guarded against. Just be prudent in your actions."

Raven held genuine affection for me, and I reciprocated the sentiment, my advice genuinely caring.

Raven nodded, though she couldn't resist quipping, "Director Hopkins seems to have your back. With him in your corner, they might tread more cautiously."

Cole's name suddenly resurfaced in my mind. I'd forgotten to update Ava about this development.

Quickly reaching for my phone, I excused myself. "Raven, you should get back to work. I need to make a call!"

As my call connected, Ava was just wrapping up a substantial project and descending the stairs.

My voice carried excitement through the phone, "Guess who I bumped into just now?"

Ava, who had spent last night searching for Cole, was feeling a bit out of sorts. Absently, she responded, "Who?"

My chuckle danced in the air. "It's Cole!"