Chapter 185

Voices of dissent echoed around the room, and Layla found herself without a rebuttal. They were, after all, speaking the truth.

In terms of seniority, she was the least experienced. From the moment she joined the Holland Group, her career had taken off with an uncanny stroke of luck, naturally stirring up envy among her peers. With the Eilish Group's five-star hotel project promising such substantial profits, who wouldn't covet the opportunity?

It felt as though a colossal pie had unexpectedly landed on her head, leaving her mind spinning in confusion.

"My first rule of business is no nepotism," Susan's crisp voice echoed through the room. "I only consider talent and never show favoritism towards any designer."

"Well, I'm not convinced. Why her?" came a dissenting voice.

Susan's smile was cool and striking as she replied, "If you object, why don't you discuss it with the head of the Eilish Group? See if they're open to considering a replacement?"

"Are you suggesting she was handpicked by the Eilish Group?" another voice queried.

Layla's thoughts immediately flew to Anthony. It must have been him.

A barrage of glares filled with suspicion, envy, and jealousy converged on Layla, and the comments grew increasingly harsh.

"Who did she charm at Eilish Group to pull this off?"

"The client's got connections-we can't compete with that, no matter how skilled we are."

"Talk about luck, huh?"

"It isn't luck-it's not just about design skills, you know."

With a decisive thud, Mrs. Susan slapped a folder down on the table, silencing the room.

"As I've said before, if anyone objects and thinks they're more qualified than Layla, step up and prove it. Otherwise, keep quiet and focus on your job instead of gossiping. You're well compensated by this company, not to sit around and be petty about your colleagues."

Mrs. Susan's clear, commanding voice filled the room, her natural authority silencing all the designers.

After the meeting, Layla was summoned to Susan's office.

"I'm acquainted with Mr. Marley. I've heard he holds you in high regard, but don't expect any special treatment because of that. In fact, I'll be even more demanding. The Eilish Group may have specifically requested you, but rest assured, if you're not up to the task, I won't hesitate to replace you." Susan's words were direct and unambiguous.

"I understand, and I'll give it my all," Layla nodded.

"Effort isn't enough-you must meet the standards."

"I will. Also, I'd like to request a partner."

"Fine, I'll assign Alice to work with you. You both will head to the Eilish Group this afternoon."

Layla silently admired Susan's perceptiveness.

...

In the afternoon, Layla and Alice drove to the Eilish Group.

Alice was as talkative as ever behind the wheel, "So, am I your assistant now, not Shane's?"

Shane was the designer she'd been under for a year, notorious for being strict and temperamental during her menopause, causing Alice to lose hair in clumps.

"Not an assistant, a partner." Layla smiled.

"Hehe, whatever it is, I'm just glad you rescued me from the 'Dragon Lady.' Plus, being part of a big project with the Eilish Group will definitely help with my promotion. You're my good luck charm-I'll make sure I stick with you."

"Good luck charm? You're exaggerating. Just work hard, that's all."

"Yep. Charge towards the money!"

Upon arrival at the Eilish Group, they were greeted by the executive, Phillip.

Alice lingered behind and tugged at Layla's sleeve, "This Phillip guy is pretty handsome, isn't he?"

"He's okay." Layla nodded. Having a fiancé like Samuel, a real catch, she was immune to good looks. She'd learned Phillip had an international background, was thirty and quite the looker with an executive role.

As the elevator reached the penthouse level, Phillip spoke, "Miss Adkins, Mr. Eilish is inside waiting for you."

Alice gasped in surprise, "Mr. Eilish? Isn't he that charming gentleman I met at the party?"

"I'm sorry, Miss Alice, but Mr. Eilish has requested to see Miss Adkins alone. Would you mind waiting outside for a bit?"

"Oh, sure, no problem."

Alice knew she was leagues away from someone of Anthony's caliber, but having a chat with Phillip always left her cheerful.

"Just give me a minute," Layla said as she headed into the office alone.

The CEO's office had been redone, reflecting Anthony's penchant for minimalism-bright and inviting at first glance.

To the right was a multi-tiered bookshelf filled with original works from various countries. Layla knew that Anthony was fluent in nine languages.

"Mr. Eilish," she greeted.

"Layla," Anthony replied with a genuine, pleasant smile, an expression that further enhanced his already handsome, scholarly features.

At six-foot-one, Anthony stood in a light gray, British-cut suit with a vest layered underneath a crisp white shirt. As he gestured for Layla to take a seat, he casually undid the top two buttons of his vest.

He poured Layla a cup of tea.

His demeanor was like a breath of fresh air on a clear, moonlit night-effortlessly charming and captivating.

Layla couldn't help but think he must have trained in body language; every gesture and smile he offered seemed perfectly executed.

"Do you drink tea often?" he asked.

"Not really, I usually stick to water. But this tea smells wonderful; I'll give it a try." Holding the cup with both hands, Layla was embraced by its fragrant scent, bringing to mind the fresh sweetness of raindrops.

"Mm-hm. Green tea. It's my favorite," he said.

Layla took a sip and found it refreshingly sweet, "It's quite good."

"Glad to hear you like it."

"Was it your decision to assign this project to me?" Layla inquired.

Anthony nodded. "I admit personal reasons were part of it, but my mother and Nora Eilish have been singing your praises. I trust you're the right person for the job."

"To be honest, tackling a project this big is a bit daunting with my current level of experience," she admitted.

"Experience is something you build, isn't it? No one is born knowing how to design."

"Well, all I can do is give it my best. But I expect no special treatment because of our relationship-that's my only condition for accepting this project."

"Agreed," Anthony responded without hesitation.

He had his team pull an all-nighter to get this project rolling. To be frank, it wasn't about the project itself-he didn't really care if it was done well or not. This was just his way of manufacturing time with her.

And of course, he was genuinely excited to see her capabilities.

After all, a woman's skill is part of her charm.

"My colleagues are still outside, so I guess I'll head out," she said.

"Let's grab some afternoon tea," Anthony suggested as he stood up.

"That might keep you from work," she replied.

To her, this five-star hotel project was a big deal, but for Anthony, it was nothing but a trifle.

"It's alright, I'm free right now," he assured her. He was always free for her.

The wait was a sweet kind of agony. Knowing she was coming in the afternoon had him at the office by eight in the morning, too anxious and excited to focus on work. It was torture, but Anthony relished this sweet torture.