The Bound Between Us

Chapter 182

Christine shook her head. “Victor was sent by HQ to AL Jewery, he’s meticulous in his work and has a keen eye for people. You must be something special, Ms. Jewell, you’ve got my attention.”

Anastasia responded with a small smile. “Ms. Christine, if you want to know more about me, you should return to AL Jewery and we can work together.”

Anastasia used the word “return, implying that AL Jewery was home. She was inviting Christine back home, a gesture that warmed the heart and brought them closer.

In a few exchanges, Christine’s admiration for Anastasia grew. Christine laughed. “Ms. Jewell, you’ve got a way with words. I almost fell for it. Teaming up back at AL Jewery to manage the design team? Not a bad idea.”

Anastasia smiled back. “Ms. Christine, I genuinely wish for your return. Of course, there’s a bit of a selfish motive as well.”

Christine pondered, seeming to consider the proposal. Seizing the moment, Anastasia added, “Ms. Christine, If you decide to return, I’d willingly step down as head designer. You’re better suited for the role.”

Christine looked surprised and asked with a half-convincing smile, “Are you really willing to give up the position?”

“Passing the baton to the capable, of course, I am,” Anastasia replied with a smile. “I think we get along well, Ms. Christine. I believe we can collaborate effectively in jewelry design and find a common language.”

Christine paused for a moment, then said, “I might consider it. Victor really has an eye for talent. You came to learn from me and almost persuaded me to join AL Jewery.” NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Anastasia chuckled. “Ms. Christine, I’ll be awaiting your return at AL Jewery.”

“You sure know how to charm people” Christine grinned, “If you have any questions, don’t hold back. I’ll tell you everything.”

Anastasia was in a good mood. “Thank you.”

People loved compliments, and good talkers got twice the results with half the effort.

Anastasia and Christine hit it off. They chatted away, and before they knew it, it was past nine in the evening. Anastasia had to get

home.

“Ms. Christine, thank you for your guidance. I’ve learned a lot today I’ll head home now. I’ll be waiting for you at AL Jewery.”

“Alright, I’ll consider it. Drive safe,” Christine warned. “Selena can hold a grudge. You’ve crossed her; be careful.”

Christine wasn’t entirely clear on the feud between Anastasia and Selena, but if she was replacing Selena, there had to be something going on. Knowing Selena, she would definitely harbor resentment.

“Thanks for the heads up, Ms. Christine, I better get going.” Anastasia smiled, got in her car, and drove off into the night. It had started to rain while she was visiting Christine, the mountain road was pitch black and slippery from the rain. Anastasia drove very slowly, not daring to speed.

About ten minutes into the drive, on a steep downhill section, the lights from an oncoming car shined in her direction. Anastasia tried to slow down and brake, but to her horror, the brakes didn’t work. The car was picking up speed downhill, and Anastasia was terrified. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her face turning pale with every sharp turn.

Anastasia tried the brakes multiple times without success. Her phone rang, but she couldn’t answer. The car was gaining speed, the road was pitch black and slippery from the rain, and there was a cliff to her right. One wrong move could send her over the edge.

Anastasia honked the horn repeatedly, hoping to alert anyone in the valley or incoming traffic. She had to steer left into the oncoming traffic lane, using the friction between the car and the rock wall to slow down and hopefully stop the car.