Chapter 08
Is that guy still as much of a jerk?” Theo asked, his interest pipes
He’d always had a soft spot for drama,
“I honestly couldn’t tell you if he’s still a jerk,” Aspen said, her page moving across the room before settling on Gregory, her smile carrying a hint of something unreadable. “Mr. Sinclair, who you think? Is he still a jerk?”
The room went silent, the question hanging in the air. No one had expected that, least of all aimed at Gregory. Was he involved In this somehow?
At those words, Natalie’s expression tightened. A sudden realization seemed to hit her, and she quickly turned her head toward Anathea.
Natalie remembered how Anathea had wallord in with Evangeline From Eden Studio, which meant she was the floral designer. behind “Verdant Blush“!
Could Anathea really be Aspen’s protégé? it that was true, then everything Aspen had just said had been a subtle jab at her!
A cold tension settled on Natalie’s Lace at the thought. But she quickly recovered, a smirk of disdain flickering in her eyes.
Please, Anathea? There was no way she was Aspen’s protégé. Natalie believed she was probably overthinking things.
Meanwhile, Gregory took his time, wiping his mouth with a napkin before responding to Aspen, “Thave no idea.”
His tone was flat, his expression unreadable.
“I see,” Aspen said with a smile. “I was just asking, Mr. Sinclair. Nothing personal, so no need to overthink it. Don’t take it as something aimed at you.”
The last words hung in the air, carrying a subtle weight.
Gregory, however, didn’t react, offering only a slight nod
“About your interest in being my protégé, Ms. Whitman “Aspen toned her gaze to Natalie, her smile warming. “You’re sharp, and you’d pick things up quickly. It would be a real honor to work with you.”
“Ms. Langley, does that mean…..‘
Was Aspen actually agreeing?
Natalie’s face lit up. Naturally, with Gregory’s backing, Aspen wouldn’t dare say no.
“But I made it clear years ago that I’d only ever take on one protégé,” Aspen said, her voice taking on a firmer edge. “No matter where she is now, as long as she remains my protégé, I won’t be taking anyone else. So, Ms. Whitman, you’ll need to look elsewhere.”
Natalie’s hopeful expression faltered instantly,
A wave of shock swept through the room. Did Aspen just turn Natale down right in front of Gregory?
Natalie’s smile froze. She hadn’t seen this coming. Aspen would rather offend Gregory than work with her!
“Actually, Ms. Whitman, there’s something else I should bring up Aspen said gently. “What we do here is art. If you treat it like just another product, it won’t last. So, before diving into this field, you must have the right mindset. If your heart isn’t in it, none
of it will matter.”
Anyone with half a brain could tell Aspen was calling Natalie out on her cutthroat ambition. But Natalie seemed to take it another way
Her expression flickered through a series of barely–there changes before she plastered a polite smile. With people watching, she had no choice but to go along.
Chopted ba
“Understood,” she replied, nodding. “I appreciate the advice, Ms. Langley ”
+25 BONUS
With that, Aspen slowly got to her feet. “I’ve got things to handle, I’ll head out first. Everyone, take your time with dinner.”
As soon as she stood, the rest of the table quickly followed suit, rig to see her off. Anathea stood up to, facing Aspen
Aspen happened to turn toward her at the same moment and pointed at her. “Hey, so… I took a look at your new plece. It’s solid, but there are still a couple of rough spots to keep an eye on.”
Anathea was caught off guard,
Chapter 40
