After receiving permission, Dolores pushed the door open and entered.
The office was spacious and distinctive, with a rectangular desk in the center and two mannequins adorned in exquisite gowns on the side. Seated in front of her was an elegant elderly woman. She wore a tailored suit with her hair pinned up in a bun, and a strand of saltwater pearls adorned her neck. The pearls were lustrous and perfectly matched the pearl earrings on her ears, accentuating the elegance of the elderly woman.
“Please have a seat,” Mrs. William said, holding a delicate box in her hand and caressing it affectionately.
Dolores took a quick glance and sat down. “What can I do for you?”
Mrs. William placed the box on the table, keeping a firm grip on it. She began, “I’m considering opening a branch in B City, China, and I want you to be in charge of it.”
There was only one LEO Corporation, and since its inception, it had adhered to a strict rule of not establishing branches in other countries. However, they received orders from around the world.
Their services were one-on-one, and every gown and wedding dress they sold was unique and tailor-made. That’s what made LEO Corporation so popular among women. For those attending significant events like red carpet walks or weddings, having a customized and one-of-a-kind dress was essential.
“But isn’t it against LEO Corporation’s policy to open branches?” Dolores questioned, feeling puzzled.
Moreover, the branch was to be in China, and to her surprise, in B City, the place she least favored. She would have agreed without hesitation if it were in any other country.
Mrs. William sighed, helplessly saying, “No pain, no gain.”
LEO Corporation was established by Mrs. William herself, and she had set the rules. Mrs. William was now in her nineties, and this rule had been in place for about sixty years. How could they simply break it?
“Mrs. William, are you facing any difficulties?” Dolores looked at the box that Mrs. William had been fondling.
It seemed to contain something incredibly precious.
Mrs. William appeared reluctant to delve further. “I’ve made my decision.”
Dolores sensed something unusually significant about this sudden choice. The selected location seemed too coincidental. She couldn’t believe it was a mere chance.
If it wasn’t a coincidence, then who wanted her to return?
“Lola, if you refuse, no other store will be eager to recruit you,” Mrs. William remarked, sensing Dolores’ reluctance. “In fact, it’s not a bad idea. After all, it’s your hometown.”
Dolores felt conflicted, her head bowed. “Can you tell me why you’ve made this decision?”
“Because of this,” Mrs. William picked up the exquisite box. “I always knew who owned it, but no matter how much I offered, that person refused to sell…”
Yesterday afternoon, Mrs. William had met with Mr. Nelson from China. They struck a deal involving this item. He would give it to Mrs. William, and in return, she had to open a branch in B City, China, with Dolores as the person in charge. Mrs. William also warned Dolores that if she tried to leave LEO Corporation, she would be driven out of the industry.
Dolores pursed her lips, trying to grasp the situation. “So, someone gave you something you’ve always wanted, but with a condition. That condition is to open a branch in B City, China, with me as the person in charge?”
Mrs. William shook her head, not to disagree, but in admiration of Dolores’ astuteness.
“A woman is more charming when she acts foolish. But I believe that gentleman must be quite fond of you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to me,” Mrs. William expressed her fondness for Dolores. She reached out and patted her shoulder. “You can’t solve your problems by running away. True closure is achieved when you can face people and events from the past calmly. If you still hold onto them, it means you haven’t truly let go.”
Dolores didn’t want to admit it. “I’ve let go.”
“If you’ve truly let go, then what are you afraid of?”
Dolores didn’t have an answer either. Deep down, she felt reluctant to go back. She didn’t want to encounter the people from her past or revisit the unpleasant memories.
“I’ve made my decision, and now it’s up to you to consider it. I’ll leave you to it,” Mrs. William said, holding onto the elegant box and examining it as if she could see someone through it.
Dolores stood up and left.
Theresa Gordon was waiting outside for Dolores. When she saw Dolores emerge, she hurried over. “What are you going to do?”
Theresa was also from China and had joined LEO Corporation two years after Dolores. At that time, she couldn’t be admitted as she hadn’t graduated in the specific field. It was Dolores who allowed Theresa to follow her and learnt at LEO Corporation.
After spending some time with Dolores, Theresa had come to know a few things about her.
Dolores gave a wry smile. “I have no choice.”
Mrs. William’s words were accurate. If she rejected the offer, no other shop would be willing to hire her. Mrs. William had a strong reputation in the industry, and people respected her.
“Do you know what’s inside Mrs. William’s box?” Dolores was curious about the item that had compelled Mrs. William to break the rules she had followed for so many years.
Theresa shook her head. “Not sure.”
Dolores sighed. Although she was curious, her greatest worry now was returning to her country.
She took the file back to her office and started going through it, familiarizing herself with the customers’ needs. She took out a sheet of drawing paper and a pencil, but she couldn’t calm her mind. Holding the pencil, she struggled to put anything on paper.
She rubbed her face and asked Theresa to make her a cup of black coffee.
“Did you not sleep well last night? You don’t look good,” Theresa asked with concern.
Dolores took a sip of coffee. Not only had she not slept well, but she hadn’t slept at all.
“It’s not urgent. How about you go home and get some rest?” Theresa suggested.
“I wouldn’t be able to sleep even if I went back now. I’ll manage here.” Dolores took a deep breath. “Life goes on.”
Dolores couldn’t afford to slack off, especially during this time. Her children still needed her.
“Alright, then.”
Theresa left the office and closed the door. Suddenly, a large hand pushed the door open. Theresa turned around and saw a tall man standing behind her. “You…”
“Shh!” Matthew Nelson whispered. “I’m looking for her.”
Theresa remembered the way he had abruptly taken Dolores away that day. They knew each other and had an unusual relationship.
Taking the hint, Theresa retreated without saying anything.
Matthew closed the door and entered the room.
Dolores had regained her composure and was focused on her design.
As per the customer’s request, the wedding dress should have a wrapped chest, and a fishtail skirt would be suitable for that. Such a mermaid-style wedding dress required a specific body shape.
Matthew stood behind Dolores, observing her as she worked diligently. It was the first time he had seen her sketching.
An ordinary pencil, seemingly enchanted. With just a few strokes, the outline of a wedding dress appeared on the piece of paper.
Dolores sensed someone silently standing behind her. Assuming it was Theresa, as Theresa had a habit of observing her drawings, she didn’t find it strange. “Theresa, do you have any information about the customer’s height and weight?”
She wanted to tailor the design according to the customer’s body shape.
Hearing no response, she turned around. “Th…”