CHAPTER 3: The Challenge

The following morning, while on her way to work and stuck in traffic, lost in thoughts, Linda was interrupted by a call Spotting the caller ID, she quickly answered, ‘’Vick, what’s the matter?’’ "Boss," he said, concerned. "What do we do now? We can't let them continue like this." ‘’hmmm’’ she murmured softly. ‘’I’m on my way. Wait for me outside the company,’’ she instructed. ‘’Alright, boss,’’ he replied. Upon reaching the company, she found Vick waiting patiently for her outside. She motioned for him to enter her car. After getting in, Vick spoke up, ‘’Boss, we can’t let them continue like this. We need to take action.’’ "You know, the people in Emily’s group are notorious for being cutthroat," Linda replied. Victor fumed. "This behavior is unacceptable!" Linda held him and said, "I know, and there's something else you need to know." "What's that?" he asked. She retrieved a file from her back seat and said, "You have no idea how many students submitted design drafts to our company, and several of them told me that their submissions were rejected immediately." "What the fuck?" Victor exclaimed as he took the file from her and immediately lowered his head to read. After going through it, he pointed to one and said, "Isn't this from the previous season's 'Glow' series... they are too audacious!" "Yes," she replied. "It's designed by Emily. Then I investigated the main creative products of their team over the past few years, including the design drafts for the Hybrid jewelry exhibition, and trust me, there were many surprises." "This is unfair and it's harming innocent people!" Victor exclaimed, his eyes betraying his anger. In the competitive world of designers, being accused of creative plagiarism almost guarantees exclusion from high-end jewelry exhibitions. Suddenly, Linda declared, "I want to establish my own studio." Surprised and delighted, Victor exclaimed, "Really?" "Take it easy, Vick," she chuckled. "I'm considering using a private studio to resubmit our designs to Hybrid Company." "Hmm," he murmured, considering. "It's not a bad idea. I think you should visit the company then." Linda agreed, "Yeah, sure. I'll be doing that today." VINCENT ROMANO's HOME. Vincent, home in his study when his assistant, Alex, entered. Boss, he called him." "Yes, have you figured it out?" he asked. "Yes, boss. The guest list has been checked, the CCTV cameras reviewed, and no suspicious individuals were found. Additionally, we couldn’t get any information about girl from that night." "Hmm," he murmured "President, this is the list of the selection," Kelly his secretary, said entering, handing over the document. Vincent sat behind his desk, his expression solemn and indifferent. Despite having worked alongside him for years, Kelly felt overwhelmed by Vincent's presence. Vincent flipped through the list and sneered, "What is this? Are they trying to use this garbage to fool me? I thought they were capable." ‘’These were collected from various branch companies. Robert's influence was involved in the matter.’’ Kelly replied Cutting Kelly off coldly, he continued, "Enough of this nonsense. Robert is just a bloody fool, just like his useless father." "Give me the list of works he has done," he ordered, and Kelly promptly handed over another file. "President," Kelly called out. "Yes," Vincent answered. "What is it?" "A newly established studio called Sky Blue sent its draft designs directly to the headquarters," Kelly reported. "When was it sent?" Vincent inquired. "Today," Kelly replied, Continuing, "Their designs have a high degree of overlap with the works of another group, Sonny jewelry that participated in the selection earlier." Vincent raised his hand to stop Kelly from explaining further. He had already guessed the reason. "The head of Sky Blue sent a letter, requesting to see you, and she’s waiting at the company," Kelly reported. "Hmm," Vincent murmured. "Tell her I'll be there in an hour." Turning to Alex, he instructed, ‘’Continue searching for her. I’m confident she’s out there somewhere. She can’t possibly be a ghost.’’ At Hybrid Company, Vincent entered the elevator, instructing, "Call her in once I've settled down." "Yes, boss" Kelly replied. In a chilling tone, he added, "Remember who you are serving." Kelly's heart tightened, and he became nervous. Without sparing him a glance, Vincent continued, "I don't tolerate dissension among my subordinates." Stammering, Kelly managed to say, "I... I'm... so... sorry... boss..." "Don't let this repeat itself," Vincent cut him short. "Yes," Kelly replied, feeling cold all over as he watched him left for his office. Meanwhile, Linda, dressed beautifully, waited in the reception room, but she wasn't in a hurry. After about half an hour, someone led her to Kelly's office. Surprised by the sight before her, she quickly composed herself and pretended not to recognize him. "Mr. Romano, I'm Linda Lucas, the head of Sky Blue Art Customization," she introduced herself. Vincent looked at her; she was elegant and capable, her eyes exceptionally bright and unexpectedly beautiful. She looked gorgeous. But that wasn't why he was staring at her. Vincent felt he had seen her before; she looked familiar to him, but he couldn't recall where or when. He nodded his head while still keeping his gaze fixed on her. Linda continued, "It's a pleasure to meet you, and I apologize for any inconveniences I may have caused..." He rudely interrupted her, "Can you get straight to the point as to why you want to see me? I don't want to waste time listening to your meaningless talk." Fuming with anger, Linda overlooked his rudeness and said, "I want to take charge of the Fashion Jewelry Show, not as an exhibitor, but to oversee everything." Amused by her request, he said mockingly, "Will you be able to handle it? Or perhaps your appetite isn't as small as I've thought...?" Linda replied with a smile, "I can handle it. Hybrid Company has never been involved in the jewelry field before, and that has always been its weak point. I'm confident I can help your company expand in that area if you're willing to let me. And perhaps, I can later assist in your larger plans and help you as well." "And what makes you think your company is worth competing with those already established ones?" he asked. "And from what I've known and heard, the Sonny Family started in the jewelry business, which is also your father's business,’’ Vincent's eyes pierced through her. ‘’ You may have other intentions. And besides, apart from your appearance, nothing else impresses me about you." Linda then dropped the bomb with a smirk on her face. "Do you know the submissions from Sonny Jewelry for this selection are plagiarized?" "Is that so?" he replied indifferently. "Thank you for letting me know, and I'll have them screened carefully." Angry, she said ‘’let’s come up with a deal then’’ ‘’You’ll help me reveal the truth about Robert’s affair with Caroline and Emily, and also help reveal the Wilson family’’ ‘’hmmmm’’ he murmured ‘’And after that?’’ he asked ‘’You’ll let me partake in the exhibition’’ He gestured towards the door. "Since you don't have anything else to say, you're free to use the door." Through gritted teeth, she muttered "bastard" silently and proceeded to saying "Thank you for your time, Mr. Romano," and left. After she left, Vincent leaned back in his chair and pondered what Linda was fighting for. He clapped his hands with amusement and resumed his work. He summoned his assistant, Alex and instructed, ‘’I need all pertinent information on Linda Lucas.’’