Joanne’s name dropped like a bomb—everyone in the room was stunned. She was a legendary designer, after all. One of her pieces could sell for tens of millions of dollars. And I was her apprentice. Naturally, I wasn’t some amateur. With Joanne’s name backing me, no one dared to speak up again. They all lifted their chins, waiting to hear what I’d say next. “Madam Joanne once told me that every masterpiece starts from the basics. But if you only ever create low-end, mass-produced pieces, you’ll make some money—sure—but your designs will never evolve.” I continued, “What we need is transformation. We need our brand to be known beyond just the average customer. Jewelry is a luxury industry. The clientele we should be aiming for aren’t just regular wolves—but the elite, wealthy upper-rank wolves who can bring in far greater profits.” I added, “As for affordable pieces—they wouldn’t wear them anyway. So naturally, we have to develop high-end lines to attract the right buyers and increase our reach.” As soon as I finished, the room went completely silent. “There’s some logic to that… but not much,” Zane sneered. “How do we know you’re not just making all this up?” I stared him down. “I majored in marketing overseas. Graduated top of my class. Should I keep going?” Zane choked on his words, face turning all kinds of colors. “Any other questions?” I swept my gaze across the room. Everyone looked away, too ashamed to meet my eyes. Finally, my gaze landed on Aiden. He looked at me with open admiration. “Then it’s settled,” he said, making the final decision. The meeting ended. One by one, the execs filed out. Zane lingered, slowly walking over to me. “Ms. Beck, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” I smiled. “Mr. Zane, go right ahead.”“What’s your relationship with Mr. Salvatore?” “We’re in a normal boss-subordinate relationship. Unless you think otherwise?” Zane hesitated, then broke into a flattering smile. “Ms. Beck, I have to be honest. Mr. Salvatore can be quite harsh. Working under him… can’t be easy.” I raised a brow. “Oh? Sounds like you’re interested in me.” “You’re a smart woman, Ms. Beck. You know what I mean. I hope you’ll seriously consider it—I’d hate to be disappointed.” I looked him straight in the eye. “So what you’re saying is, you’re trying to recruit me?” Zane chuckled. “Ms. Beck, you’re exactly the kind of person I admire.” Then he slowly slid his business card across the table. “I admire your abilities. I believe you’re meant for more than just a department director role. Don’t you want to be a VP?” A VP… So Zane was already eyeing the president’s seat. Eclipse Corporation really had no shortage of power-hungry snakes. That evening, I returned home and saw Aiden alone in the living room, reading over some documents. Everyone else seemed to be asleep. I walked over and casually sat beside him. “How’s your hand?” His page-turning paused for just a second. “It’s fine.” I wasn’t convinced. I reached for his hand, but he quickly dodged me. “Oh come on, it’s not like I’m going to rip your arm off.” I rolled my eyes. Instead, Aiden changed the subject. “Zane talked to you today. What did he say?” I leaned back on the couch and smirked. “What do you think he said?” “He tried to recruit you.” I yawned. “Wow, boring. You guessed it right away.” Aiden looked at me seriously. “So what are you going to do?”“What do you think?” I gave him a playful look. “Of course I said yes. He promised me a VP position. Only an idiot would say no.” Aiden’s face didn’t change, his voice stayed even. “And you’re telling me this without worrying I’ll learn their whole plan?” I laughed. “Aiden, stop pretending. Just tell me what your plan is.” He finally smiled—a rare, real one. “I want you to say yes.” “Why?” “Use his plan against him.” Now I was intrigued. “Go on.” “You say yes and collect evidence. Meanwhile, I’ll start removing his people from the company. When the time comes, we take them down in one sweep.” I couldn’t help but clap. “So you did notice all those new unfamiliar faces around the office. I thought you were all work, no observation.” Aiden looked exasperated. “You really think I’m that oblivious?” I stood up. “Alright, time to get some rest. Looks like we’ve got a war coming.” “Raelyn.” Aiden’s voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned around. “What is it?” “You’re… really something else.”