In an instant, public opinion flipped, and the crowd’s anger turned on Jonas.
York seized the moment. “He’s just jealous! The first-place winner is the Design Director at Star Corp., personally recruited by Mr. Taylor for her incredible talent. She doesn’t need to pull strings. I overheard this man threatening our director, telling her to drop out, and that’s why I said what I said on the phone.”
The jeers grew louder. No one believed I had cheated anymore. You don’t just become a Design Director for nothing. Even if there was something going on between me and the sponsor, it was a matter of poor character, not a lack of skill. My integrity could be questioned, but my ability could not.
Amidst the storm of criticism, Jonas looked up at me, his face a mask of disbelief. “She’s… she’s the Design Director? How can she be the Design Director? I thought she was just a former housewife who recently got a job.”
A rare look of surprise flickered across Steven’s face.
Mr. Taylor and Mr. Lee turned to me, their eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
“You little rascal, you’re already a director?”
“What’s so strange about that? You saw her talent. It’s exceptional. Are you really surprised?”
“Gentlemen, I am currently the Design Director for Star Corp. You can call me Kardia.” I smiled gracefully, my poise making me seem all the more credible, completely ignoring Jonas’s ashen face.
I guessed he had assumed I was just a regular employee and had chosen to hitch his wagon to Linda’s star. Now, discovering that my star was much brighter, he was filled with regret.
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