“Quite the show of wealth,” Callie chuckled.
“And then? You haven’t told me what this has to do with me.”
“With Splendor Estate secured, it’s our design department’s turn to step in. Everyone’s guessing whether this big project will go to you or Skye,” Litzy analyzed. “And now that you’re back at this critical moment, people are speculating if you’re going to compete with Skye for it.”
Indeed, if she weren’t here, the project would undoubtedly go to Skye.
But Callie wasn’t so optimistic. “Skye has handled several major projects, has more experience, and has won more awards. Naturally, the higher-ups will choose her. Don’t get your hopes up for me.”
“Why do you say that? You haven’t won awards because you never entered competitions. If you had, Skye wouldn’t have so many accolades. Plus, Garrett and Lorelai didn’t like you, so they handed projects to others. It’s not your fault you lack experience. In terms of skill, everyone in the department envies you,” Litzy said passionately, getting more agitated as she spoke.
Callie propped her chin on her hand, smiling wryly as she listened to Litzy praise her. These were indeed objective factors.
“You know me well, but the leaders don’t.”
Litzy pondered for a moment. “That might not be true. I noticed Mr. Oconnor seems quite concerned about you. He has a keen eye and wouldn’t make a poor choice.”
Callie’s hand trembled slightly. How did Litzy know?
“Mr. Oconnor?”
“Yes, maybe Lorelai’s incident left a strong impression on him. Last time he passed by the design department, he specifically asked me where you were.”
Callie was unaware of this. “When was that?”
Litzy thought carefully. “About half a month ago? The day before you took leave.”
Timing-wise, it was the day she left Oconnor Group in a huff after Skye took credit for her work at a meeting. It was also the day she went to rescue Joaquin.
Callie fell silent, recalling the mistaken kiss from that night, her heart still racing.
As she was lost in thought, Skye walked into the department with some documents. She glanced at Callie, who had been absent for a while, her expression sour.
Callie met her gaze fearlessly.
“The design personnel for the Splendor Estate project have been decided,” Skye said coldly.
The room immediately buzzed with chatter. “Who is it?”
“Yeah, Skye, tell us! Who is it?”
“…”
“The higher-ups decided that Callie and I will form a team to complete it together,” Skye said through gritted teeth, nearly breaking her molars. “Callie will be the lead designer, and I’ll assist.”
The announcement caused an uproar, with everyone looking at Callie in disbelief.
Callie herself was equally surprised, thinking she had misheard.
Skye walked over to her desk and threw the documents onto it. “Read them within a day. I don’t have time to waste on you.”
Her resentment and anger were almost palpable. Callie finally snapped back to reality; it was all true.
She hurriedly opened the stack of documents, which contained extensive information about Splendor Estate.
“Which leader made this decision?”
Skye sneered. “If you’re so capable, go ask yourself. It’s disgusting not knowing what underhanded methods you used. We’re going to Splendor Estate for research this afternoon; you can go by yourself.”
With that, she stormed back to her office, slamming the door loudly.
Callie didn’t argue back, pushing aside all the gossip to focus on the documents. After a while, she couldn’t resist taking out her phone and opening her chat with Nelson.
She typed a few words and deleted them.
Then typed again and deleted them.
After much hesitation, she ultimately didn’t send him a message.