She set her coffee cup down and gave Ste a critical once-over, a trace of disdain reappearing on her face.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    “She’s wearing some absurd outfit.


    It doesn’t pique my interest.


    I can tell she’s not a professional designer.


    I wouldn’t want her to affect my career.


    ”


    She snorted, then turned her attention back to her coffee, examining it with an air of indifference.


    Ste nced down at her attire.


    She wore a simple white T-shirt and overalls, chosen for practicality at work.


    There would be times when she needed to create prototypes herself and it wasn’t very convenient to wear formal clothing in those situations.


    She had assumed her meeting with Alina was for design discussions, so she hadn’t bothered to dress up formally.


    “I apologize, Miss Walker.


    I typically opt for simpler attire while working.


    How thoughtless of me!” Ste said sincerely.


    “But judging my professionalism solely based on my outfit seems rather arbitrary.


    Sonny Murray didn’t major in design either, and he didn’t be a real designer until he was in his forties.


    I’m confident that I can create a dress that will satisfy you.


    ”


    Alina snorted and turned to gaze at her without saying a word, her smile sending shivers down Ste’s spine.


    Ste took a deep breath and maintained herposure.


    A thin Layer of sweat formed on her back.


    Just as she was about to break eye contact, Alina looked away first and spoke in a t tone.


    “Well, you can give it a try.


    ”


    Ste breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.


    However, Alina continued, her tone light, “But I must add that Sonny Murray had a decent background, and he emerged as a designer during a time when public aesthetic sensibilities were rather muddled.


    So, he may not be the most convincing example.


    ”


    Ste furrowed her brow, unsure of how to respond.


    Fortunately, Alina chose not to persist in making things difficult for her and instead countered her initial criticism.


    “For Mia’s sake, I can give you a chance.


    ” A faint smile graced Alina’s Lips.


    Mia gestured for Ste to take her seat, steering the conversation back to the main purpose of the meeting with a warm smile.


    “Ste, this is your first coboration with Alina, and you two are not very familiar with each other.


    That’s why I arranged this meeting today.


    I want you to get acquainted and discuss the dress design ideas.


    ”


    Ste expressed her gratitude with a smile directed at Mia.


    After regaining herposure, she turned to Alina and inquired, “Miss Walker, what color palettes and dress styles do you usually prefer?”


    Alina replied, “I don’t have any specific requirements, as long as I like the dress you design.


    By the way, I’ll only give you three days.


    In three days, I want to see your initial draft.


    If I’m not satisfied with it, I’m afraid.


    .