SWNOVELS Mystey Chapter 88
Chapter 88
Madge's words sent Christina plummeting from the height of happiness into the abyss of despair.
The smile on Christina's face turned rigid. Her hand, clutching the remote, trembled uncontrollably. After a few seconds, she took a deep breath and adopted a humbly inquisitive demeanor, "Ms. Lewis, may I ask where the issues lie within my design?" "That's not for me to worry about, but since there's a certain connection between you, Derrick, and Mr. Brady, I'll offer you a piece of advice. All of your considerations have been reasonable, and it's clear you've put your heart into this necklace. design. It would more than suffice for a secondary jewelry brand, but here's the thing-we're Cartier, an internationally acclaimed top-tier jewelry giant.
"Not only have we extended a collaboration offer to the Brilliance, but numerous other jewelry design companies- including Cartier's own design department-are vying for the Summer Starlight Limited Edition project. Your work is indeed above average from what I've seen, and I expect greater developments from you."
"I see. Thank you, Ms. Lewis
Despite preparing for the possibility of rejection, the sting of disappointment was undeniable. This design was Christina's private work, into which she had poured her soul. It was her most satisfying creation, initially intended for an individual submission to the formidable case, to boost her portfolio. If it weren't for Selina driving her mad the day before, she wouldn't have rallied the team at the last minute to share credit for a rushes job presented to Madge.
Christina's failure was anticipated by Derrick. Even as the chief designer, he could not guarantee that he would pass such a demanding 555-rated case on the first go. With these international jewelry magnates, the bar was set incredibly high, and only a truly sensational design could capture their fancy.
Word had been sent to Selina, who sauntered in leisurely. Instead of keeping quiet, Christina approached her, a picture of remorse, "Selina, I didn't pass."
"It's alright. I expected as much." Selina replied.
Instead of consolation, Selina's blunt statement left Christina mortifyingly rooted to the spot. Christina thought, "Was she implying that I was never fit for Madge's approval in the first place? Damn it! Now, I'm all the more curious about her design
-if it fails to pass Madge's scrutiny and is worse than mine, then she will be the one fiercely slapping her own face.
When it came time for Selina to present her design, seeing Christina still present, she quipped with a faint smile, "Do you know how to avoid allegations?"
In such situations, those not directly involved, aside from the primary designer, typically leave the room-a prudent way to avoid any future allegations of plagiarism.
Fully aware of this custom, but feeling snubbed by Selina's disdain, Christina saw this as the perfect opportunity to mock. Feigning innocence, she retorted, "I just wanted to see your design, to learn from it. You're not suspecting me of plagiarism, are you?" "Could you?" Selina asked.
'Of course not. Everything's transparent in this industry. One scandal and it's all over." Christina replied.
"Relax. I'm just teasing you. We're all from the same company-wouldn't want to give outsiders a laugh, right?" Selina said. Christina was speechless.-
It dawned on Christina that she'd been played by Selina.
Christina thought, That wretch. Making a fool out of me in front of Derrick and Madge!
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Chapter 88
Selina handed her design drawing to Madge.
Derrick glanced her way, "Didn't you bring a laptop?"
Selina shrugged, "I prefer working with drawings over computer. My confidence in my sketching ability assures me it won't impede the review.
Christina scoffed and thought, 'Over computers? More like not adept with digital design. Since Trevon has been inexplicably married, we have dug up everything about you and found that you were an abandoned daughter of the Harvey family, raised in the countryside without even finishing junior high. These labels spoke volumes about your background. And yet, you dared to flaunt your influence before me, posing like some self-made woman. Once the review falls through, you will lose face
Madge had just opened Selina's drawing when something about Selina's comment gave her pause.
Madge recalled how the legendary designer, Angel, had a peculiar habit-disliking computer-aided design and preferring to sketch and color by hand, confident in her artistic prowess
Madge shook her head to dismiss the eerily familiar rumors, and she carefully opened the brown leather portfolio. As she caught a glimpse of Selina's manuscript, she couldn't help but freeze.
Christina couldn't help but feel a twinge of schadenfreude. Seeing Madge's reaction, she was certain that Selina's design was so low-class and poorly executed that it had left Madge utterly shocked. What else could it be? After all, Madge, with her vast experience in reviewing countless jewelry pieces, wouldn't easily be stunned by just any design
"What's the matter, Madge? Derrick noticed Madge's unusual expression and took the initiative to ask.
Madge handed Selina's manuscript to Derrick. "Take a look, Derrick."
With just one glance, Derrick was amazed, turning to look at Selina, "Did you design this?"
Selina responded with a look that said, "What do you think?"
Derrick felt a bit foolish and realized he had indeed asked a silly question.
"The design captures one's attention at first glance and fits the essence of the Summer Starlight Limited Edition. Ms. Harvey, what was the inspiration behind this creation?"
"Summer Starlight Limited Edition is essentially about launching a signature piece for the summer. My thoughts were simply that this piece would pair exceptionally well with casual summer outfits."
Selina's answer was straightforward because the work spoke for itself. It was a culmination of her full effort. It showcased Selina's intense personal design style, which is reminiscent of the style of the legendary designer, Angel. True to Selina's personality, she would either do nothing or do it to the best of her ability. For half-finished work, she would discard it unless a client specifically requested it.
For instance, the limited edition released by Cartier a few years ago was crafted from a discarded draft they purchased and then improved upon by their design department for a charity project. Selina had turned a blind eye to that situation.
After all, no one complains about making too much money.
If the cover for her pseudonym Angel was ever blown, it wouldn't do much damage to Selina. It might even serve as a harsh slap in the face to some, leaving them swelling with the impact.