Chapter 24
Elsie’s voice was sharp with anger. “How dare you?” She seethed, her fists clenched at her sides. The tension in the air was thick as she glared at Myra, who remained unmoved, calmly absorbing her words. Myra knew exactly what had caused Elsie’s outburst—the breakup with Sean. The news had come as a blow to Myra, but for Elsie, it was an emotional bombshell. She had thought she could win Sean back, but now she was warned that her position at the Chase Group was at risk. Sean’s cold ultimatum had left Elsie feeling cornered, and the woman standing in front of her—Myra—was to blame.
Elsie’s gaze turned venomous. If it weren’t for Myra, she thought, Sean would never have accused her of mixing business with pleasure, thus ending their relationship. Her thoughts were consumed with bitterness.
The ringing of Myra’s phone broke the silence. She glanced at the screen, and without responding to Elsie’s fury, answered the call. It was Logan on the line. His voice was polite, calm. “Miss Stark, are you free after three today?”
Elsie sneered, watching Myra’s composed demeanor. “He’s calling you now? And you still claim there’s nothing going on between you two.”
Myra ignored her and spoke into the phone, “Yes, I’m available. Is this about the design draft?”
“It is,” Logan confirmed. “Director Hart wants to discuss the design drafts from the Chase and Hay Groups due to the issues with the Reid Group.”
Myra took a breath, knowing the importance of the meeting. “Understood. I’ll be at the Hart Group at three.”
“Don’t worry,” Logan added, sensing her tension. “It’s just a formality; Director Hart only wants a few words with you. Please don’t feel pressured.”
Myra relaxed a fraction, grateful for his reassurance. She ended the call and turned to Elsie, who was eyeing her expectantly. “Are you going to the Hart Group later?” Elsie asked, almost too quickly. Without waiting for an answer, she continued, “Well, I’m coming with you, too.”
Myra’s frown deepened. Despite her personal reservations, Elsie was part of the team handling the project, and she couldn’t leave her behind. Reluctantly, she agreed, and both women made their way to the Hart Group headquarters.
When they arrived, the sleek interior of the building was even more impressive than Myra had imagined. They were guided by staff to the 48th floor, where the Director’s office was located. The floor was bustling with secretaries working efficiently at their desks. Elsie, clearly impressed by the grandeur, whispered, “The Hart Group is the biggest company in Bradfort City. Look at this place. The Chase Group doesn’t even compare.”
Myra raised an eyebrow at Elsie’s words. “Right,” she replied flatly. “How interesting.”
Elsie, not taking the hint, added, “And I hear Director Hart is not just capable but also handsome, rich, and loyal. If someone catches his eye, she’d be the happiest woman in the city.”
Myra couldn’t help but smile inwardly. So, Elsie had already moved on to fantasizing about a new man. Myra wasn’t sure whether to pity her or be annoyed. Sean’s rejection hadn’t even cooled, and Elsie was already on the hunt for another rich bachelor.
Soon, Sasha arrived, leading the Hay Group’s designer. She flashed an awkward smile when she saw Myra but quickly recovered, greeting her warmly. “Myra, what a coincidence! We had lunch together earlier, and now we meet again this afternoon.”
Myra’s lips twitched into a neutral smile. “Yeah, it’s quite the coincidence.”
Sasha didn’t seem phased by Myra’s cold response and continued brightly, “Mr. Logan was just singing your praises. He thinks your design is exceptional. We’d love to learn from you if there’s an opportunity.”
Logan, who had been standing quietly nearby, chuckled. “Miss Hay, you flatter me. I’m just a subordinate of Director Hart. Everything depends on him—something is only considered good if he says so.”
Myra glanced at Logan. His words were modest, but everyone in the room could tell he was implying that Director Hart approved of Myra’s work. Sasha’s smile faltered slightly.
Logan then handed Myra a glass of lemon water. “Miss Stark, here you go,” he said, his tone gentle.
Elsie, watching this with a mixture of jealousy and disdain, muttered under her breath, “Let’s see how you get out of this.”
Sasha didn’t react to the drink, but she did glance at her own cup of coffee, her expression unreadable.
At that moment, Tony, the Director of the Hart Group, stepped into the room. Tall and commanding, he had an air of cold indifference as he strode toward them, his suit jacket discarded and his tie loosened. Despite his aloof demeanor, there was an undeniable presence about him.
As the meeting began, Elsie, eager to assert herself, snatched the folder from Myra’s hands. “Since you’ve presented before, it’s only fair that I do it this time,” she said with an arrogant smile.
Myra scowled, but said nothing, knowing that Elsie would do whatever it took to gain favor. Elsie strutted to the front, her hips swaying as she approached Tony. “Director Hart,” she began, her voice smooth as honey, “I’m Elsie Foster, Leader of Team B from the Chase Group. This is our design draft.”
She placed the folder in front of Tony, purposely brushing against his arm as she did so, clearly hoping for a reaction. Myra’s stomach churned with discomfort. She was disgusted by Elsie’s blatant flirtation, but she also felt a pang of concern.
Tony, however, remained stoic, taking the design without acknowledging Elsie’s overtures. His gaze flickered briefly to Myra, and a wave of irritation washed over her.
Elsie, seeing that Tony had not recoiled, smiled triumphantly and glanced at Myra.
Myra, feeling the weight of the situation, looked away and noticed Sasha handing over her draft to Tony. Unlike Elsie, Sasha was respectful and composed, though Myra could see the admiration in her eyes when she looked at Tony.
This was going to be a long meeting, and Myra couldn’t help but wonder what it would take for everyone to stop playing games and focus on the project.