Chapter 286
“It’s adequate,” Eva said blandly, handing the tablet back to Kyla. She stole a quick glance at Noah, noting his continued composure, which puzzled her.
Logically, after spending the entire night with Noah, Sadie should have been by his side by now.
Eva speculated silently. Could Noah have exhausted the poor girl last night? Yet, she maintained a poker face, casually addressing the servant nearby. “Why hasn’t Miss Hudson arrived yet?”
Eva’s abrupt inquiry about Sadie took Kyla by surprise, causing her to hesitate. Her eyes briefly met Noah’s, but noting his lack of reaction, she cautiously said, “She might have lost track of the time.”
Eva simply arched an eyebrow, her suspicions deepening. She mused that the previous night might have been more thrilling than she’d initially thought.
Leisurely, Eva took her wine glass, swirling the contents lightly while her gaze darted between Noah and Kyla, as though watching an intriguing drama unfold.
Soon, Sadie made her entrance into the dining hall. Soaked from the rain, her hair stuck to her face, and her nearly see-through white shirt accentuated her slender figure.
Despite her appearance, Sadie maintained her poise, her demeanor calm, and her presence radiantly defiant. She carried no design drafts, only a hibiscus flower, its petals dotted with raindrops that sparkled like tiny pearls.
Eva momentarily paused at the sight of Sadie entering in such a state. “Miss Hudson, what happened?” she asked, placing her wine glass down.
Sadie approached the table and delicately set the hibiscus on it, watching as the droplets formed subtle patterns on the cloth.
“This represents my design,” she said.noveldrama
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Kyla burst into laughter. “Sadie, is this a joke? Do you think a single flower will satisfy Ms. Shaw?”
Noah’s attention subtly shifted, his eyes lingering on Sadie with a hint of curiosity.
“The hibiscus, freshly kissed by the rain, showcases its beauty effortlessly,” Sadie responded with measured clarity, disregarding Kyla’s scoff. “Ms. Shaw’s grace mirrors the hibiscus—both are subtly vibrant and strikingly delicate. This flower embodies that spirit.”
A spark of interest flickered in Eva’s eyes. She had anticipated typical design drafts from Sadie, yet was met with the unexpected choice of a real hibiscus to symbolize her design philosophy. This bold display of creativity captivated Eva instantly.
“Fascinating…” Eva murmured, picking up the hibiscus to study it more intently, her expression one of genuine admiration.
Kyla gripped her tablet with such force that her knuckles turned white. Sadie held Noah’s attention for a moment, his expression unreadable as emotion flickered in his deep eyes.
Instead of announcing the results immediately, Eva instructed everyone to proceed with their breakfast. The mood in the dining room carried a subtle tension, everyone absorbed in private contemplations.
As the meal concluded, Eva used her napkin to dab the corner of her mouth gracefully. She looked meaningfully at Sadie and Noah before standing to leave.
Sadie followed closely behind her.
Soon, only Noah and Kyla remained in the dining hall.
Kyla was unable to contain herself any longer, her eyes brimming with tears as she approached Noah, her voice breaking. “This collaboration means so much to me, Noah. If our branch loses this project, I might lose my job. The senior staff have never taken me seriously.”
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