Chapter 82
“Thanks for the opportunity, Ms. Vinci. What kind of style are you thinking for the piece?” Rachel calmly opened her design notebook, ready to jot
down notes.
Sonia’s eyes lingered on Rachel’s face before she smiled. “Ms. Campbell, you are actually qualified for this, right? I mean, I’m a public figure–I can’t just work with some random amateur. I need legit professional design work.”
Rachel caught the bitchy undertone but kept her cool.
“Ms. Vinci, I promise I’ll create something that perfectly matches your style and personality. If you’re not happy with my work, you’re totally free to
find someone else.”
Rachel stayed composed, not giving an inch.
Something calculating flashed in Sonia’s eyes. “Ms. Campbell, what I want is actually pretty straightforward–something completely unique that’ll make people remember me. Next month’s awards show is huge for my career. I need to be the one everyone’s talking about.”
Rachel nodded seriously. “Absolutely. I’ll design something that showcases your personal brand while incorporating distinctive elements to make sure the piece is both sophisticated and show–stopping.”
‘Perfect. I’m confident you get what I’m going for… since we seem to have similar… interests,” Sonia said, her words dripping with subtext.
If Rachel couldn’t read between those lines by now, she’d be a complete moron.
This bitch obviously knew exactly who she was and had shown up here to start shit.
Rachel kept her voice level. “I think everyone can appreciate beautiful things.”
Watching Rachel stay so calm made Sonia want to claw her eyes out.
Soon everyone would see whether Rachel actually had any real talent.
Some gold–digger who’d fucked her way into this job had no business being here.
If this woman made Cassian look bad, how could he possibly keep her around?
‘Totally. I’m really excited to see what kind of magic you can create,” Sonia said with fake enthusiasm.
‘I’ll give it my all. I’ll have the preliminary designs ready in three days,” Rachel kept things strictly business.
‘Looking forward to it,” Sonia said coolly. “Oh, and Ms. Campbell? Just some friendly advice–it’s probably smart not to get too attached to things that aren’t really yours.”
‘Don’t worry about me, Ms. Vinci. What’s meant to be will be, and trying to hold onto something that isn’t yours never works out,” Rachel replied smoothly.
Sonia left looking totally pissed.
Rachel exhaled quietly. This woman really couldn’t wait to cause drama!
But this was definitely going to be a pain in the ass. Sonia was obviously a troublemaker, and who knew what kind of bullshit she’d try to pull.
Still, since Cassian hadn’t mentioned anything about their history, Rachel would just play dumb.
At quitting time, Rachel got a call from her mother–in–law.
Lancey was calling to invite them over for dinner.
“Hey Mom…”
Chapter 82
“Ana, honey, I tried calling Cassian but he’s not picking up. Come over for dinner with him after work. I made this incredible butternut squash soup that I know you’ll love.”
Whenever Lancey made something special, Rachel was always the first person she thought of.
Rachel felt genuinely touched. “That sounds amazing, thanks Mom. We’ll head over right after work. Cassian’s probably stuck in some meeting”
“Ugh, typical. That boy lives at the office,” Lancey grumbled affectionately.
“Mom, I better go for now. We’ll see you soon,” Rachel said with a smile.
“Perfect.”
After hanging up, Rachel shot Cassian a text about dinner at his parents‘ place.
He quickly replied telling her to meet him at the corner near the office.
A few minutes later, Rachel spotted Cassian’s car waiting nearby.
Today he was driving a sleek black Porsche Cayenne.
Rachel glanced around to make sure no coworkers were watching, then quickly slipped into the passenger seat.
Seeing her acting all stealthy, Cassian’s serious expression broke into an amused grin. “Why are you sneaking around like we’re having an affair? Am I that embarrassing to be seen with?”
Rachel looked a little embarrassed. “I just don’t want to start office gossip. Oh, can we swing by Williams Sonoma first? I want to grab some of those gourmet chocolates your mom loves.”
Rachel was incredibly thoughtful–whenever they visited his family, she always brought everyone’s favorite treats.
