Lucy sat across from Matthew, her mind racing with uncertainty.Just ten minutes earlier, Matthew had surprised her with an offer to be the lead designer for Leon Corporation's brand. She was thrilled but could not believe it."But I haven't created anything. You still want me to be the lead designer?"Matthew was sure Lucy was the right choice for the job, even without any experience."Everyone has to start somewhere, right? You need this chance, and it's a perfect way to show what you can do. Plus, I may be recommending you for the role, but Hudson won't agree if you aren't good enough."If you get it, it's because you're amazing, not because of any shortcuts.""That sounds good, but..." Lucy was still uneasy. The idea seemed so far-fetched to her. "How can a newbie without any designs take on such a big role right away?"Matthew believed Lucy was not like the others. He might not know much about fashion design, but he saw how she could impress tough clients like Koven. There

Hudson felt more and more awkward about showing up unannounced, but he could not bring himself to leave. He had that feeling that if he walked away right now, Chloe would only get further out of reach."Won't you let me come in for a bit? I made time just to see you..."Chloe was still pushing against Hudson's knee. She wanted to close the door and put Hudson out of her life for good.She thought she was ready for that, but Hudson's unexpected visit had thrown her off balance.She could not let this continue. She just could not.Who was Hudson anyway? He was a big-shot CEO. Meanwhile, she was just someone from an ordinary family who had known Hudson all her life. The gap between them was too wide to cross.She had been foolish to think otherwise before.Chloe said calmly, "Mr. Xender, a busy man like you doesn't have time for a nobody like me."Hudson's heart ached. He had once said those words to Chloe, not realizing how cruel they were. Feeling the sting of his own words, he

At Life Story Company, the planning team was huddled together, whispering words of comfort to a young woman sobbing uncontrollably. Just ten minutes earlier, Hudson had given her a severe talking-to, and she could not help feeling utterly wronged. She was now crying out loud in the office. "Mary, what's wrong?" they asked. Mary cried even harder, her words interrupted by sobs. "Mr. Xender... got mad at me for a small mistake at work. He said if I mess up like this again, I might as well pack up and leave."One of her colleagues chimed in, " Mary, did you mess up a report or something?" Mary nodded, tears streaming down her face. "It was a brand event. I mixed up one of the rules... and Mr. Xender really let me have it when he found out."Another colleague shared their feelings of regret. " Mary, you were in the wrong this time, and it's not fair to blame Mr. Xender for how he reacted.""I know, but why did Mr. Xender get so... scary?!" Mary was still rattled by Hudson's recent f

It was Lucy's first time meeting Hudson. He was so focused on the papers on his desk that he did not notice her walk in."Mr. Xender?"Lucy had to call out a few times before Hudson looked up.Hudson raised his head from his work. "Hello, you are...?"With a warm smile, Lucy said, "I'm Lucy.""Oh, you're Mrs. Leon?""Yes."Lucy gave an embarrassed smile."I've heard so much about you. Mr. Leon always brings you up during our annual meetings... Did he send you over today?" Hudson said."Yes, Matthew thinks it's best to discuss the company's brand with you, so that's why I'm here for work."Hudson looked really tired, with dark circles under his eyes that he could not hide.Lucy was worried Hudson might fall asleep any minute. "Mr. Xender, did you have trouble sleeping last night? Maybe you should rest a bit. I can always visit another day."As Lucy got ready to leave, Hudson said he did not need to rest."It's okay. Work can be overwhelming, and it's normal to lose some sle

Everything was so quiet for a moment that Lucy could hear her own heart thumping. She wondered if Chloe would find out Hudson sent her and just send her away. "Hudson?" Chloe looked a little funny, but she did not kick Lucy out. "You're not mad, are you, Chloe?" Lucy had only met Chloe that day, but she seemed nice, even though Hudson had complained about her. Chloe gave Lucy a chocolate bar, placing it softly in her hand. "This chocolate is super sweet," Chloe said, staring at Lucy like they had not just been talking about Hudson. Lucy felt nervous holding the chocolate, but she tried it anyway. It was as sweet as Chloe said, really sweet. "Can I call you Lulu?" Chloe asked, not even noticing Lucy's worried look. She was trying to make Lucy feel better. "Sure, that's okay," Lucy said, a bit dazed. "You're not scared I'll send you away, are you?" Chloe's smile made Lucy sit up straight. "Am I going to be sent away?" Lucy sat up tall and looked at Chloe, wondering if s