The Bound Between Us

Chapter 158

As soon as Lauren heard that Anastasia had finished her design sketches, she excitedly exclaimed, “Let me have a peek!! bet you’ve got some mad design skills.”

Anastasia booted up her computer, showcasing her design sketches, which spanned from earrings to necklaces, rings, and

bracelets.

Anastasia’s designs primarily featured simplicity, every piece looked unique and carried a vintage flair.

Anastasia dove into detailed explanations of each design. “This ring, I’ve used a couple of beads as the points of connection. For these earrings, I’ve incorporated a flower called the ‘Red Spider Lily’, also known as the ‘Love Flower’, symbolizing unwavering love.”

Continuing, Anastasia said, “The Red Spider Lily carries a heart-wrenching story that can bring tears to your eyes. I know Wendy’s daughter is a huge fan of vintage stuff and has a ton of vintage clothes at home, so I’ve added elements of vintage into each design. These accessories would look bomb with vintage outfits”

Lauren started to admire Anastasia. ‘Anastasia, how do you know so much? I’m a jewelry designer too, but I don’t have nearly as many ideas in my noggin.”

Anastasia replied, “Most jewelry designers design according to their personal preference and style. Not everyone has the same taste as us. Since this is a custom piece, it should meet the needs of the clients.”

“You’re spot on,” Lauren admitted. “Many famous designers only consider their own style and preference and often overlook the needs of their clients. Anastasia, Wendy will definitely be thrilled with

these designs.”

Anastasia smiled and said, “These are just some doodles, Wendy isn’t my client. I’m just a regular employee. Enough of this, let’s grab some grub, I’m starved.”

“But we just had breakfast…”

“I didn’t eat breakfast” Anastasia craftily diverted Lauren.

All that chatter was intentionally for the ears of those lurking in the corners. How else would they get their opportunity if they didn’t leave?

Anastasia dragged Lauren into another room for some chit-chat, effectively killing time and giving the thief ample opportunity to snatch the design sketches.

Lauren, always spontaneous at work, brought up, “Anastasia, are you free tonight? Fancy going to a cocktail party with me?” “What cocktail party?” Anastasia had only been to high-end functions with Monica and wasn’t really familiar with this sort of

thing.

“It’s a cocktail party hosted by WOW Corporation. It’s a networking opportunity, and I heard the CEO of Elysian Technologies

will be there too.”

Lauren’s eyes sparkled. “He’s like a Greek god to me, I must go.”

Anastasia chuckled at Lauren’s enthusiasm, reminding her of Monica. Monica was the same, always brimming with excitement when seeing the CEO of Elysian Technologies.

“We’ll see about tonight. If I’m free. I’ll tag along and see what these high-society parties are like.”

‘Deal. You don’t have an evening gown, do you? I’ll have someone prepare one for you.” Lauren, always efficient, immediately dialed up her assistant.

Finally, feeling the timing was right, Anastasia left with Lauren. Back at her desk, Anastasia checked her computer. As suspected, someone had been nosing around. The office surveillance equipment had broken last week and hadn’t been fixed yet. It was the perfect opportunity to spring a trap.

Sure enough, by afternoon, Selena had come up with a design sketch that satisfied Wendy.

Just as Selena instructed her assistant to send the sketch to the manufacturer, Anastasia signaled Lauren to intercept under the pretense of admiration and learning.

As soon as they unrolled the sketch, Lauren was the first to gasp. “Anastasia, Isn’t this your design?”

No Tool, she quickly realized why Anastasia had her intercept the sketch. Apparently, Anastasia had foreseen Selena’s

plagiarism.

With that in mind, Lauren decided to play along. Her exclamation quickly drew the attention of the entire department.

‘This is Selena’s design for Wendy. How could it be Anastasia’s? Lauren, watch your words!” The assistant argued. Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

“I’m not talking nonsense. Anastasia showed me her sketch this morning, and it’s identical to this one.” Lauren shot back. “This is plagiarism.”

The accusation immediately stirred up a buzz. To a designer, plagiarism was a disgrace.

Feigning confusion, Anastasia chimed in, “How did my design end up with Selena?”

Hearing the commotion from inside her office, Selena came out.

Anastasia confronted her. “Selena, can you explain why my design ended up being yours?”