As Charlotte turns her head toward Jessica, she dismissively says, "Whether or not there's a story, it's none of your business, is it?"
She pulls away from Jessica's grip and continues moving forward.
"To secretly harbor feelings while pretending not to, to resent when others show interest—that seems quite hypocritical, doesn't it?" Jessica remarks with a cold laugh.
"If you feel that way, then let me be hypocritical." Charlotte shoots back.
"It's not about what I feel; it's simply the truth," Jessica replies with a tinge of mockery. "On one hand, you claim not to be interested in romance, and on the other, you're all over someone... If that's not hypocrisy, what is?"
Victoria approaches, trying to defuse the tension. "Gals..." she starts, but the air is already heavy with disagreement.
"I won't be falling in love, at least not until our group is successful," Charlotte states firmly as she continues her stride.
"You're the one saying this," Jessica snickers. "Just be sure you don't regret it one day."
"That's what you said the other day, that love isn't that important. So, as long as it doesn't hinder the group, I won't meddle in your affairs. But if the person in question is Sebastian Vanderbilt..." Charlotte finally stops, turns sideways, and with a slight smile, says, "I'd advise you to think carefully before you completely immerse yourself in those feelings."
"Do you really have that much confidence?" Jessica squints, detecting a hint of provocation.
"Think what you want, but let's not discuss Sebastian Vanderbilt again," Charlotte declares as she walks out of the alley with an air of ease.
"You said it," Jessica huffs.
"Gals..." Victoria interjects with concern. "This does not like us. I thought our bonds were stronger than those who would fight over a guy..."
"Do you really think our dispute is about a man?" Jessica raises her eyebrows. "I just can't stand her pretense, acting all concerned but feigning indifference. It's utterly fake."
With that, Jessica marches off, leaving Victoria behind, torn between laughter and tears. "Jess…!"
In June, with a couple of months until the university semester starts, KG Studios is running smoothly, its operations well-ordered.
In the president's office, semi-transparent blinds provide a clear view of every corner. The employees, initially cautious, have relaxed over the month, settling into a comfortable routine.
KG Studios boasts an interesting corporate culture. There's a set amount of work each day, and once completed, employees are free to pursue other tasks—unlike other companies that pile on more work once they see an employee is capable. The company even encourages employees to partake in clothing design, offering rewards equal to those of professional designers for adopted designs. A positive cycle has taken root.
Like today.
"So, you're telling me that seeing an attractive anklet with glittering chains sparked your interest, and that's where the inspiration for this design came from?" Sebastian Vanderbilt chuckles as he looks at the design on his computer screen—a beautifully drawn anklet.
Interestingly, the anklet isn't merely worn around the ankle; it cascades down like a tassel, with the other end worn on the toes, sparkling with small diamonds under soft light.
This accessory had brief popularity among certain enthusiasts around 2014. Sebastian has brought it to the fashion scene several years earlier.
He recognizes it immediately, finding it even more amusing. Money and sex are the world's greatest motivators.
When he doesn't get a reply, Sebastian looks up and sees Andrew Bratman, a shy recent graduate, standing in front of him with his head bowed in embarrassment.
"I understand, the origins of a hero are not questioned, right?" Sebastian says with an enigmatic smile.
Andrew's head bows even lower. Despite the young president being younger, Andrew feels an imposing presence, as if facing a parent and can't relax.
"Alright, the design is good. I'll take it. You can go now and wait for further notice." Sebastian says with a smile. "Also, tell the R&D department to come for a meeting this afternoon. Let's design a batch of products following this pattern and test them in the market on a small scale."
As Sebastian starts to turn back to his work, something crosses his mind, and a smirk spreads across his face. "Almost forgot a very important matter."
"Dear Andrew."
"Yes?"
"I hope to have your definitive answer on the product copyright buyout fee and a 5% cut of the product profits by the end of the meeting this afternoon!"
"Ah?"
...
Exiting the president's office, Andrew's expression is one of bemusement.
He never thought his hobby could one day turn profitable. Looking across at his colleague, Timothy Smith, it dawns on him why Timothy had quickly upgraded his car after a meeting in the president's office last time.
Besides the bonuses, there were other lucrative options!
Indeed, Timothy was the one who had previously suggested patterns on thin silk.
Timothy catches Andrew's contemplative look and returns a knowing glance.
...
Back in the office, Sebastian surveys the thriving scene with a contented smile.
While the company professes to be about fashion, it leans heavily towards catering to 'special preferences'.
To avoid professional embarrassment for the staff, it's best to keep such matters confidential.
In the afternoon, the sample arrives—a silver chain shining under the lights.
"It's beautiful," someone remarks.
"But can something meant to be worn on the foot really sell? And the price you set this afternoon—isn't it a bit high?" Patrick Anchor remembers the steep price set by Sebastian and harbors doubt.
He wouldn't spend $5,000 on a chain mostly made by silver.
"What do you know? Low-end tastes focus on raw materials, while high-end luxury sells creativity and brand," Sebastian says, lifting the anklet higher and smiling brightly. "Look, it's platinum with eight diamonds, symbolizing lifelong companionship and eternal love. It adds a bit of spice to relationships between spouses, lovers, or... other kinds of partners."
"You're a natural-born merchant," Patrick mutters, looking away with a slight twitch of his lips. "You know, with that introduction, I'm almost tempted to buy one myself."
"Impulses without action mean our product is still missing a brand celebrity endorser." Sebastian replies, pocketing the anklet. "A good horse deserves a good saddle; we need the perfect model to showcase this..."
He looks thoughtfully at Patrick.
"Don't look at me," Patrick says, his lips twitching again. "My old man thinks I've been too idle lately and arranged for me to join a film crew to 'gain life experience'..."
"That's perfect, isn't it?" Sebastian grins. "If you know any artist with beautiful hands and feet, they would be ideal for promoting..."
"Forget it, I'm already exhausted. I can't think about that now," Patrick starts, but then he notices Sebastian suddenly hiding behind him.
"What's up?" he asks, puzzled, only to see Jessica's figure at the door.
"I've noticed you've been avoiding Jessica lately," Patrick says curiously. "Did you do something to upset her, and she found out?"
"What do you know?" Sebastian replies, slightly embarrassed.
Since the BBQ restaurant incident, he has noticed a complete turnaround in Jessica's attitude toward him. At first, he thought maybe she had a change of heart.
But gradually, he realizes the truth might not be so simple.
It seems she has developed a keen interest in him, which is the last thing he could expect from Jessica.