Chapter 631
“What are you talking about? Every designer in our studio is talented. I think Tasha deserves the champion!” another colleague echoed.
“You two keep your voices down. You’ll scare the guest,” Elizabeth reminded them kindly.
The young designers who heard the good news stood up one by one and took turns praising Tasha, joking and having a good time.
Natalie glanced towards the tea room and found that Tasha hadn’t come out yet. She turned to Vivian and said politely, “Excuse me, please give me a moment. I need to go and congratulate my friend for winning the prize. I’ll be right back, so make yourself comfortable in the meantime.”
To ensure their guests’ comfort, W Marks Studio had placed many sofas and throw pillows in the hall.
Vivian gave a friendly nod and sat down on the sofa. Despite trying to look casual, the way she walked and sat down gave away her arrogance.
It was undeniable that Vivian and Charis were incredibly similar in this aspect.
Vivian smoothed her clothes gracefully as she waited. This was her first time in W Marks Studio, and she used to think a well-known studio like this would be very- professional.
Vivian didn’t expect a group of women to be laughing and joking as soon as she got in. She found them very noisy and unpleasant.
She shook her head silently and sneered secretly, “These people are way below me.”
When Natalie opened the door to the tea room, she found Tasha sorting out the biscuits in a corner.
Tasha blinked at Natalie and suddenly felt a wave of anxiety hit her. She asked timidly, “Are the results out?” Natalie raised an eyebrow at Tasha. She took her hand and pulled her out as she said excitedly, “Didn’t you hear everyone celebrating outside?”
“Celebrating for what?” Tasha asked in bewilderment, as she didn’t know what was happening outside. She had only heard the loud murmurs of her colleagues, but she couldn’t catch a word they said. As soon as she walked out, she was immediately surrounded by colleagues congratulating her.
Finally hearing the news clearly, Tasha covered her mouth with both hands and cried in disbelief, “I… I’m the champion!”
She didn’t expect herself to win the championship. “I just wanted to try my luck in the competition, so I submitted my design,” she continued humbly.
In fact, it took Natalie and Elizabeth days of encouragement for Tasha to have the courage to submit her design.
“I told you you could do it,” Natalie praised proudly. It was all within her expectation.
Tasha wiped away her tears and said emotionally, “This award means a lot to me. This is my first prize after I returned to work. I was even pregnant while I designed my award-winning outfit!”
The award was not only to honor Tasha’s achievement, it was also a motivation for her to continue working as a designer. Although she would soon have to go home to wait for the delivery due in half a month, the award was undoubtedly the best news for her before her delivery.
Natalie Patted Tasha’s back and joked, “You’ll not feel so emotional next time when you win, and the next, and the many more times in the future.”
Elizabeth chimed in and comforted Tasha. She then hinted to Natalie, “Natalie, that guest has been waiting for you for a long time already…”
Natalie felt guilty at the sudden realization. She hurried back to Vivian’s side and said apologetically, “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s okay,” said Vivian, rolling up her sleeve and glancing at her prestigious wristwatch.
Natalie nodded and then headed to the tea room to brew a cup of coffee for Vivian. “It’s not the finest brew, but it’ll have to do.”
As Natalie sat across from Vivian, she asked pointedly, “What brings you to me today?”
Vivian took a sip of her coffee and grimaced, the instant flavor leaving a bad taste in her mouth. “I’m here on business,” she said directly.
Natalie asked, “What can I do for you about business?”
Vivian said, “As they say, leave it to the experts. The welfare institute we visited before is in need of new uniforms for the kids. The Larson Group wants to help. Customizing uniforms for the children is of the utmost importance since they just can’t stop getting taller and taller! And with you, Mrs. Larson, at the helm of the Larson Group, I know we’ll be in good hands.”
Natalie raised a skeptical eyebrow and inquired, “Have you discussed this with Brandon? I believe you’re in charge of public relations and charity work for the Larson Group, but I suggest running this by him first.”
Vivian gave a helpless shrug. “I’ve taken on additional responsibilities in the wake of Miss Turner’s departure and this was her plan. Unfortunately, Mr. Larson is currently out of the country on business, so I’m unsure of his stance. That’s why I’m here, seeking your opinion.”
Natalie, who had initially thought Vivian’s visit was out of goodwill, now had suspicions about her true intentions. She then remembered Brandon’s warning to be cautious around Vivian.
“If you’re willing to help, we can solidify our partnership today,” Vivian pressed on.
“I’m afraid I can’t help, for I have some unfinished projects that need my immediate attention,” Natalie said. At that point, she had an idea, so she called Tasha over, who was celebrating her success with her coworkers, and said, “Well, I’ll recommend a designer who is similarly serious and responsible to help you.”
Tasha was confused as to what Natalie wanted. “What can I do for you?” she asked bewilderedly.
Natalie held Tasha’s arm and introduced her to Vivian, “This is Tasha. She won the gold prize in a children’s clothing design competition today, and I believe she would be perfect for this project.”
After a moment of thought, Vivian replied coolly, “I appreciate your recommendation, but I would prefer to work with someone I’m familiar with. Mrs. Larson, I’ve seen your design, and I like your work more.”
Vivian was obviously aware that Natalie was attempting to decline.
“But, you haven’t worked with Tasha before. And trust me, you won’t be disappointed,” Natalie insisted. In Vivian’s opinion, Natalie was strongly endorsing Tasha.
