Naturally, Mandy couldn’t agree. Plagiarism was a taboo in the fashion industry. As a renowned designer, she couldn’t plagiarize, regardless of how impressive someone else’s design might be.
Their discussion went on for some time without resolution. Eventually, Carly asked Mandy to leave and said they would discuss it another day.
Not long after Mandy returned, Carly informed her that she had changed her mind and decided to hire Natalie.
When Natalie learned the whole story, she sighed and shook her head. “Miss Hamilton, Carly’s grandmother didn’t mean that you should plagiarize.” Mandy frowned and asked in confusion, “Then why did she want me to create a design like yours?”
Natalie explained patiently, “She desires a natural and comfortable design, and your designs are all extravagant and intricate. It’s normal to have this outcome since you didn’t take the client’s needs into account.” Mandy’s furrowed brow slightly relaxed. She pondered, “She wants a natural and comfortable design?”
Noticing Mandy deep in thought, Natalie knew Mandy had grasped the concept. She continued to explain, “You took this order just to humiliate me, didn’t you? You didn’t consider whether your style was suitable for this order at all. During the discussion, you didn’t listen to the client’s needs carefully and kept pursuing a luxurious and extravagant style. That’s why Carly stopped cooperating with you.”
After listening to Natalie, Mandy had a moment of clarity. It wasn’t until then that she remembered how every time she mentioned expensive fabrics and extravagant styles, Carly’s Grandmother immediately frowned and hesitated, appearing quite uncomfortable.
At the time, she assumed Carly’s grandmother wasn’t satisfied with the designs. But now, Mandy realized she didn’t like that style at all. Mandy had to admit that she was reluctant to accept this order initially.
Her style was always opulent, and her clientele comprised wealthy ladies. She had never made clothes for an elderly woman from the countryside. So when she found out Carly planned to cancel the order, she was secretly relieved. Only when she learned Carly had chosen her rival, Natalie, did Mandy become so furious that she confronted Natalie.
Seeing Mandy finally understood the situation, Natalie breathed a sigh of relief.
She knew Mandy wasn’t a bad person. Mandy was merely a pampered lady from a wealthy family. If possible, Natalie didn’t want to have a conflict with her.
Just when Natalie thought the matter was resolved, Mandy suddenly stood up and stared at her. Alarmed, Natalie exclaimed, “What are you going to do?”
Upon hearing Natalie’s scream, Brandon, who had been focused on eavesdropping at the door, grew nervous and burst in without thinking.
“What happened?”
Seeing Brandon enter aggressively, Mandy trembled with fear. Frowning, Natalie glanced at Brandon, who had suddenly rushed in, and then at Mandy, who was frightened by him. She discreetly winked at him, inquiring if he had something to say.
Brandon sat down beside Natalie, still on guard, and shook his head, indicating he had nothing to say.
Natalie motioned for Brandon to remain silent with her eyes. Then she turned to
Mandy and asked patiently, “What do you want?” Mandy did her best to suppress her fear and said, “I just wanted to tell you that even though I lost this time, I will definitely defeat you next time with my own abilities!”
Hearing Mandy’s words, Bra. was puzzled. “What do you mean?” Mandy glanced timidly at Brandon, and remained silent. However, Natalie understood Mandy’s intentions. She extended her hand to Mandy and smiled. “Alright, I’ll be waiting for your next challenge.” Was Natalie trying to reconcile with her?
Mandy was taken aback when she saw Natalie’s hand. Her prejudice against Natalie had shifted. Brenna often took Mandy to social events, where she met proud socialite ladies who would cut ties over the smallest things. Yet, as the lady of the White family, Natalie was nothing like that.
She was gentle and generous, appearing unfazed by her arrogance. Although
Mandy had changed her opinion of Natalie, she didn’t acknowledge it due to her haughty nature.
Pursing her lips, she snorted, deliberately not shaking hands with Natalie, and turned to leave.
Seeing Mandy’s refusal to acknowledge Natalie, Brandon’s expression darkened.
He wanted to stop her, but Natalie shook her head at him, signaling him to let
Mandy go. Reluctantly, Brandon stepped aside but continued to glare at Mandy with blazing eyes.
His menacing gaze was intimidating. Frightened, Mandy covered her chest and quickened her pace, fearing Brandon would drag her out if she moved too slowly. No matter how handsome Brandon was, his demeanor was terrifying. It was a mystery how Natalie managed to handle him. It wasn’t until Mandy left that
Natalie breathed a sigh of relief. Mandy’s departure was a relief, as dealing with her had been challenging.
Brandon hurried to Natalie, looked her over, and asked with concern, “Did she bully you? Are you hurt?”
Amused, Natalie shook her head and said, “Don’t worry. I’m fine.” Once assured that Natalie was unharmed, a faint smile appeared on Brandon’s face. He teased,
“I’m your assistant now. | have to keep you safe all the time.”
Natalie smiled. “It seems you’re already a competent assistant.” Brandon straightened his back and nodded approvingly. “Of course, being an assistant is a piece of cake. Is there anything in the world I can’t do well?”
Glancing toward the door, Natalie joked, “You’re indeed a professional assistant. You have sharp ears. As soon as you heard your boss’s scream, you came rushing in.”
For the first time, a hint of embarrassment appeared on Brandon’s handsome face. “I just happened to pass by and heard it.
Raising her eyebrows, Natalie said, “Are you sure you weren’t eavesdropping at the door the whole time so you could break in and interrupt Mandy just in time?”
Brandon replied seriously, “It’s my duty to protect you, boss.” With her head tilted to one side, Natalie spoke in a serious tone. “A qualified assistant shouldn’t eavesdrop on their boss.”
Without hesitation, Brandon placed the blame on Sean, confidently stating,
“Sean told me that when the boss is likely to be hurt, an assistant can take unusual actions, like eavesdropping.”
Natalie smiled gently, not pressing the issue further. She opened her arms and said, “I’m tired. I want to lean against your shoulder.”
