SWNOVELS Chapter 39
Chapter 39
She heard the news from Kelly, who had long regarded Aurelia as her archenemy and was closely watching
her every move.
Aurelia silently took a deep breath. With Leopold absent, she hadn't reported her actions, planning to act first and explain later. She hadn't expected Kelly to beat her to the punch.
“Ms. Elowen, are you joking? This is just a normal business cooperation. Are you suggesting that anyone who wants to hire Aro for an ad shoot is aiming to be Mr. Leopold's sister-in-law?” Elowen gave her a glare, “Arnold changes women more frequently than he changes clothes. He's just playing around with you. Don't flatter yourself.”
“Ms. Elowen, this has nothing to do with me. Really, could you please stop teasing me?”
As Aurelia spoke, she sneaked a glance at Leopold. His handsome face was expressionless, like an ice sculpture, cold and intimidating. His eyes were gradually gathering a chilling aura
She shuddered and made a quick excuse, “I'm sorry, but my period's started and I forgot to bring tampons.
I'll need to dash to the convenience store.”
Then she bolted out of the door.
Leopold's thick brows furrowed slightly, an undercurrent of anger brewing.
Elowen tried to grab his arm, but he shrugged her off, “I have a meeting soon. You should go home.”
Her disappointment surged like waves, “Leopold, I haven't seen you in days. I've missed you.”
“Be good.” With that, Leopold stepped into the elevator alone.
Frustrated, Elowen gritted her teeth and decided to follow Aurelia to the convenience store to verify her
story.
Upon entering, she found Aurelia at the counter making a payment.
She bought a bottle of juice and a packet of tampons. She was covering all her bases, just in case. And sure enough, Elowen had followed.
To keep Leopold, she really was pulling out all the stops.
"Ms. Elowen, shopping too?” she greeted, before walking out the door with her purchases.
Elowen was confused.
Was she really on her period?
Or was she qveving it? Had she really terminated the pregnancy?
All afternoon, Aurelia was on edge, fearing being called into Leopold's office for a reprimand.
But Leopold didn’t call her in. Instead, he sent an email. It read: Change the photographer. Reshoot. It was like a bolt from the blue, threatening to shatter her to pieces.
She picked up the juice and took a sip, before heading straight for Leopold's office.
“Mr. Leopold, the ad shoot is already done and it's in post-production. We can't reshoot.”
Leopold had been waiting for her to come and apologize. His expression was icy, suppressing the rising anger within.
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Chapter 39
He saw through her. Despite her meek exterior, she had never compromised with him. She was always resisting in her own way, slippery and cunning like an eel.
"Who gave you such audacity?”
“It's work.” Aurelia’s voice was clear and forceful. “Kelly took the best photographer and the best model. I had no one else to turn to but Arno. To me, he’s not your brother or an old friend. He's the best photographer. He can create the most eye-catching ads, making my designs shine at the jewelry show.”
Leopold's gaze turned stormy, covered in heavy, dark clouds.
“Did you really think I couldn't see through your little scheme?”
Clearly, she was looking for a backup plan. Once her prospects with him were dashed, she'd turn to Arnold!
Aurelia pursed her lips, taking a deep breath, “Since you've seen through me, I won't deny it. I do have my own agenda.”
Her candid admission took Leopold aback.
She was dropping the act so soon. Was she ready to lay her cards on the table?
Aurelia’s voice lowered slightly, “I'm an ordinary person with no family fortune or connections. I once wanted to study abroad, but my family couldn't afford it. For someone like me to succeed, I need to work a thousand, ten thousand times harder and seize every opportunity. This jewelry show is my opportunity. I
want the world to see my work, to see me!”
Her fists clenched, mustering courage, “You knew Kelly stole my designs, but you still kept her in the company and made her the chief designer. Isn't that because she has fame and status in the jewelry industry?”