Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2989

Emily maintained a modest expression and stayed silent.

Adelaide’s tone became even warmer. “Emily, let me take a look at your design draft.”

Emily handed the blueprints over.

Adelaide flipped through the pages, her smile fading. Her brows drew together and, page by page, her expression grew increasingly severe.

Sensing the tension in the room, the others gradually fell silent.

Suddenly, Adelaide slammed the blueprints down heavily on the table and said sharply, “Emily, this is a huge disappointment!”

Emily looked surprised. “You’re not satisfied, Adelaide?”

Adelaide’s face was stern. “I know two days is an extremely tight deadline, which is why I specifically had Edwina and Scott help you. But what you’ve submitted is careless, completely lacking in any design sense. If this is all we can deliver, why would Sterling Properties have come to us in the first place?”

“If you couldn’t handle it, you should have told me upfront, instead of confidently taking on the task only to treat it so perfunctorily.”

“How am I supposed to show this to Sterling Properties? Our reputation at Paragon Pixel Design might be ruined!”

“You’ve completely let down my expectations and the trust I placed in you!”

Adelaide’s criticism was harsh and unrelenting. The rest of the team traded uneasy looks, watching the scene in silent tension, each with their own reaction.

Adelaide remained unfazed, her tone crisp and cold. “I’m sorry, but my work ethic is rigorous and highly efficient. If you can’t deliver, don’t accept the commitment—if you accept, you must deliver perfection. I don’t make things personal. When the work is good, I give praise; when it isn’t, I speak frankly. I won’t spare anyone’s feelings for the sake of politeness. That’s my working style, and I hope everyone can adapt quickly.”

Padgett seemed about to speak again, but Emily quickly interjected, “If my design isn’t good enough for Adelaide, it means I haven’t done my job well. I’ll go back and revise it immediately.”

“The team from Sterling Properties will be here any minute. Do you really think you have time to redo it?” Adelaide’s words were icy. “And this isn’t just about starting over. What I see in your draft are fundamental flaws in your design approach—too many concepts, not enough practicality, and even a lack of the essential professional standards expected from a designer!”

Padgett’s face turned pale with anger. “Don’t you think you’re being too harsh, Adelaide? Everyone knows Emily’s talent as a designer. The James Building project—”

“Cedric!” Adelaide cut Padgett off abruptly.