Chapter 96
Rebekah was astonished. “You can tell just from that? You’re amazing p>
The round-faced girl smiled. “I’ve had my own injuries. I get it.” She put down her pencil and extended a hand. “I’m Patricia, a designer from Meridia. To be honest, I’m the real novice here p>
Rebekah shook her hand, her surprise evident. “You’re from Meridia? But your features p>
“Don’t look it, right? My grandfather was from The Capital. I must have inherited his genes p>
Rebekah laughed. The two of them chatted easily as they worked on their designs. From Patricia, Rebekah learned just how significant this conference was. It was co-hosted by Quinn Apparel and the Hawthorne Group, and many of the famous designers had come specifically for a chance to connect with the elusive family.
“The Hawthorne family Rebekah murmured the name. She had heard it before. Back before Candice had returned to the Fletcher family, her adoptive father had been desperate to forge a connection with them. He had even been willing to break her engagement to Keith and marry her off to a Hawthorne.
The family her father spoke of was mysterious and incredibly wealthy, far more powerful than the Fletchers or even the Forresters. Rumor had it that the Hawthorne heir had been the target of a corporate attack and had spent some time adrift overseas. After he was found and brought back, the family became even more private.
This prize, Rebekah thought, must be something truly special. She steadied her right hand and focused on her design with renewed determination.
On the second-floor balcony, Jensen’s gaze was fixed on Rebekah. The woman’s expression was one of intense concentration. A few loose strands of hair fell across her forehead, catching the light and seeming to tug at his heart. His eyes softened. He decided to forgive her for her coldness at the hospital.
Quentin stood beside him, a hint of nervousness in his posture. “Jensen, don’t worry. I’ll find someone else to mentor Miss Fletcher p>
“Just find someone else?” Jensen’s expression didn’t change, but his voice was laced with ice.
“Of course not!” Quentin quickly
threw his tead designer under the bus. “We have an opening at our overseas branch. It’s a perfect fit for Basil, I’ll send him packing tomorrow p>
Jensen remained silent. Quentin studied his face. He wasn’t saying anything, wasn’t blowing up. That had to be a good sign.
Quentin let out a sigh of relief and looked down at the hall. “By bringing the Hawthorne Group into this, aren’t you afraid of exposing your identity p>
“She’ll find out sooner or later p>
“I’m not talking about Miss Fletcher. I’m talking about… interested parties p>
A cold smile played on Jensen’s lips, his charming eyes curving with an arrogant glint. “I’m counting on them to figure it out p>
Quentin swallowed hard. Alright, this man was not to be trifled with. He was wasting his breath worrying about him.
Half an hour later, nearly everyone had submitted their initial designs. As Basil walked past Rebekah, his eyes were involuntarily drawn to her sketchpad. What he saw made him stop in his tracks. Setting aside his personal feelings, he couldn’t deny that Rebekah was a natural talent. But he despised people who relied on connections. He always would.
While they waited for the results, the ever-sociable Patricia pulled Rebekah around, introducing her to several prominent designers. They exchanged contact information and Rebekah seized the opportunity to learn from them.
Ten minutes later, the host announced the winning designs. Rebekah’s name was on the list.
“While all the designs were exceptional, one piece received unanimous praise from our judges: the work of Miss Rebekah Fletcher p>
A murmur went through the crowd. Those who knew her and those who didn’t were equally surprised.