Chapter 14
Ruby’s Frustration finally boiled over. With one violent sweep of her arm, she sent stacks of documents flying off her desk, crashing to the floor.
The sudden commotion turned heads throughout the open–concept design studio, all eyes swiveling toward her glass–walled office. Calching their stares. Ruby stormed to the door and slammed it shut with enough force to rate the framed design awards on her wall Outside, the tram exchanged meaningful glances ||
“So who’s volunteering to tell the Ice Queen about the design competition? Rachel whispered, eyebrows raised
Everyone immediately found something fascinating to look at on their screens. Nobody wanted to be Ruby’s emotional punching bag today. The co–director, James, sighed heavily. “Ill take one for the team
He carefully navigated around the paper carnage and placed the competition brief on what little clear space remained on Ruby’s desk
The company’s entered the National Jewelry Design Awards he explained cautiously. “Dylan specifically requested that you spearhead our submission.“[]
At the mention of Dylan’s name, Ruby’s demeanor shifted subtly. She snatched up the brief, scanning it quickly before dismissing him with a flick of her wrist. Thatil be all.”
The design competition brought a rare period of productivity. For nearly a week, Ruby actually stayed in her office working, emerging only for coffee refills.] She’d sketch intensely for hours, only to violently rip the page nut, cumple it into a hall, and launch it toward her already overflowing trash can
The uncomfortable truth was that Ruby’s technical skills were amateur at best. Her college awards meant nothing in a department staffed with industry veterans who had decades of experience.]
If she’d swallowed her pride and collaborated with the team, they might have created something remarkable. But Ruby was obsessed with proving herself superior to Harper, so she insisted on working completely solo.
Her appointment as Director had bren Dylan’s decision against unanimous opposition Everyone assumed she’d gotten the job solely through pillow talk. She needed to show them all that she had twice Harper Coulson’s talent
While desperately searching for inspiration in Dylan’s office one evening, Ruby discovered an exquisite hand–drawn sketch tucked in his desk drawer.
“Who designed this?” she askell casually, holding up the meticulously detailed ring drawing.
Dylan recognized it instantly as Harper’s work. The memory rushed back with surprising Harty–Harper bursting to his office, eyes bright with excitement as she presented her sketch.]]
Dylan, I’m calling it Primavera See how the setting mindes cherry blossoms? I thought maybe for the spring collection-
Jesus, Harper, can’t you see I’m in the middle of something?” he’d snapped, barely glancing up before tossing the sketch aside
Her smile had crumbled, but she’d quietly placed the design back on the edge of his deak before slipping out without another word.
Now, staring at the sketch, Dylan felt an unexpected twinge of… something, Trs Harper’s,” he finally answered.
A flash of pure venom crossed Ruby’s face before she quickly composed herself, setting the sketch down with calculated ionchalance.
“Did you ever produce it?” she pressed]
Dylan wasn’t sure
wasn’t sure what she was getting at, but answered honestly, “No.” After a beat, he added, “She designed it specifically for use.”
The following werk, Haby proudly submitted her competition entry to Dylan []
As he examined the design, a dense of déjà vu nagged at him. The ring bore a striking resemblance to Harper’s “Primavera” concept, with just enough medifications to mask the inspiration
per from his life, yet lately found himself thinking about her constanty |
He hesitated, conflicted. Strangely, he’d spent years trying to remove Harper
Despite recognizing the ethical issue with Ruby’s design, he decided to let it slide |
Nice work said instead. “When this competition wraps up, maybe we should get away sunwwhere. The Hamptons, perhaps.-||
„Ruby’s head snapped up, eyes widening with undisguised triumph ||
The
tinship had been cooling for weeks, and despite their official status, she sensed that Dylan’s thoughts still drifted to Harper more often than he’d admit. His attitude toward his former admirer wasn’t nearly as hostile as he pretended
This made Ruby desperate to cement her position. A romantic getaway could be exactly what they needed.
She slid closer, leaning in for a kiss, only to feel Dylan’s hand on her shoulder, gently but firmly creating distance.
“We’re at the office,” he reminded her, reaching for another file. His tone cooled noticeably as he added. “If there’s nothing else, the team’s waiting for you downstairs.“]
