Caught in a dilemma, Ste’sst hope rested on Fernando.


    Exiting the clothing department, she passed the break room where muffled chatter hinted at gossip.


    Uninterested, she hastened her steps until a familiar name, Elizabeth, caught her ear.


    Elizabeth’s oversight regarding Margery’s dress hadplicated Ste’s work, leaving her struggling to finish on time.


    Suppressing her frustration, Ste couldn’t resist stopping.


    A group of employees chatted animatedly about Elizabeth’s recent visit to the clothing department.


    They whispered about how she had treated them to lunch and high tea.


    One voice, dripping with scorn, remarked, “Rylie knows how to y nice with everyone, but only when it suits her.


    She’s a pro at sucking up to people, but she’s also quick to forget who helped her.


    Even though she’s on Prosperity Group’s payroll, she conveniently ignores what Elizabeth did to Mr.


    rk’s wife.


    ”


    Another voice added, “Maybe she’s getting some perks.


    I’ve seen the fancy bag Rylie’s been carrying around-it’s supposedly worth a whopping 300, 000 dors.


    ”


    “300, 000 dors? Oh my goodness! I had no idea she was so wealthy.


    Surely her sry couldn’t be that high, could it? Otherwise, wouldn’t she have unted it since long ago?”


    A voice dripping with sarcasm cut in, “Who knows how she came into all that money?”


    The group continued their discussion, oblivious to Ste’s growing difort.


    As they debated, Ste’s expression darkened, her thoughts churning.


    As soon as she heard they were about to leave, Ste slipped away, leaving before they emerged from the break room.


    Back in her office, Ste sank into her chair, deep in thought.


    The more she thought about the situation, the stranger it seemed.


    After a while, a gentle knock broke the silence, announcing the arrival of Fernando and Doreen.


    They entered together.


    Doreen came carrying news from the studio.


    Ste asked her to wait for a moment and turned to Fernando.


    “Have you found a good embroiderer?” she asked.


    Fernando handed her a folder.


    “I’ve found a few candidates, but I’m not sure if they’re right.


    You can check them first.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    If they’re not suitable, I’ll keep looking.


    ”


    Ste looked through the resumes inside, all impressive.


    But when she looked at their work, she realized their styles and standards didn’t match hers.


    She shook her head.


    “These are okay, but they’re not what we need.


    ”


    The dress’s embroidered detail was vital, the very essence of its allure.


    Cutting corners was out of the question; it demanded nothing short of perfection.


    Fernando nodded, understanding.


    “I’ll track down the embroiderers.


    ”


    Just as he was about to depart, Ste remembered something from her earlier eavesdropping and halted him.


    “Also, check on the people Rylie’s been meetingtely.


    ”


    A flicker of confusion crossed Fernando’s face, but he didn’t pry.


    “Sure thing,” he simply replied, before exiting.


    Half a day passed, leaving Ste still grappling with an unsolved problem.


    She rubbed her temples, feeling a headacheing on.


    Seeing Doreen nearby, Ste asked, “Is everything okay in the studio?”