“You’re too kind, Mr. Wade, Natalie sold with a sinile as she lifted her plass.
Gegory rated his own and took a sip.
“Let me tell you, Me. Whitman is remarkable. To pull off that many high–profile exhibitions at her age? She’s raising the bar for the enthe field!”
“No doubt about it. Word is, the and Mr. Sinclair went to the same university. And not just any university, a top–tier one. That’s some next–level talem ”
“You’re all far too kind,” Natalie said with a modest mulle before turning to Gregory. “Mr. Sinclair and I may be the same age, but he finished his degree a year ahead of me. I’ve always admired him!”
Two brilliant minds meeting at the top–It was the stuff of true romance,
All at once, it seemed obvious to everyone that Gregory and Natalie were meant for each other. After all, who else could possibly match Gregory it not someone like Natalie?
And so, rager to win Gregory’s favor, they all made sure to sing Natalie’s praises
“You’re just as impressive, Ms. Whitman! You and Mr. Sinclair are practically perfect for each other!TM
“No doubt about it!”
“That reminds me, Ms. Whitman. I heard your next exhibition will focus on floral designs. Any hints on what you’re planning?” someone asked, intrigued.
Evangeline’s interest was instantly sparked. Floral designs were right up Eden Studio’s alley. Another project with Natalie and Sinclair Group? That could be the breakthrough their studio needed.
“Well…” Natalie turned to Aspen with a faint smile. “I’ve always loved floral design but never quite known where to begin. I was actually hoping to set up some time with Ms. Langley next month. Maybe she could show me the ropes.”
At those words, the spark of interest in Evangeline’s eyes faded. She had worked hard to book Aspen for next month, only for Natalie to swoop in and steal the opportunity right out from under her!
And Natalie wouldn’t have known Aspen was available if Evangeline hadn’t mentioned it herself. Wasn’t this practically biting the hand that fed her?
Evangeline’s expression soured. She had actually thought Natalie was someone worth building a long–term partnership with. Besides, this clearly wasn’t just about Natalie wanting Aspen to show her the ropes.
With a smile, Natalie asked, “Do you still take on protégés, Ms. Langley? I have a real passion for floral design, and I’d truly love!
the chance to learn from you.”
Evangeline’s fingers tightened involuntarily. Natalie, bold as ever, was trying to muscle in, even though Aspen already had her protégé
The Pin
The guests exchanged glances, silently stunned by Natalie’s nerve.
Aspen wasn’t just anyone. She was the undisputed grande dame of domestic floral design and carried intemational acclaim. As the sole judge representing her heritage on the permanent panel of the International Floristry Competition, her credentials spoke for themselves.
The fact that she was even at tonight’s celebration dinner was an honor. Normally, only Gregory would be considered worthy enough to share her table.
And now Natalie expected Aspen to take her on as a protégé? Aspen was far too accomplished for that.
This made it perfectly clear that Gregory showed Natalie special far, pulling out all the stops to give her access to elite
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connections.
With Gregory’s Influence in Castensen, lining up distinguished mentors for Natalie would be as easy as snapping his fingers. One word from him; and it would be done. The room simmered with get envy.
With Gregory as her powerful backer, Natalie vond do no wrong. And even if she did slip, a dream team of experts would be there to catch her. This was A–list treatment, the kind one would expect for the wife of a CRO.
Aspen dabbed at the comer of her lips with a napkin, asking with deliberate calm, “Oh? You’re asking to become my protégé?”
“That’s right,” Natalie replied with a smile. “Ms. Langley, since you’ve agreed to the partnership with Mr. Sinclair, I was hoping we’d have more chances to work together. What do you think of th–1?”
The unspoken message was loud and clear–she was using Crepons name as leverage
Chocks 97
