Chapter 16
As it was about the Nelson Group's big crisis, the whole Nelson family arrived in style, with three sleek Mercedes surrounding a flashy Bentley that caught everyone's attention. "Wow, this building is actually Yonder Digital's..." Yvette whispered, her eyes wide. She didn't come to the Central Business District often, but she had spotted the iconic twin towers during her shopping trips. She had thought they belonged to one of the four great families, but it turned out they were tied to Yonder Digital. Cody stepped out of the Bentley, gazing up at the towering skyscraper with a serious look on his face.
Yonder Digital was new but quickly becoming a major player in the business world. Their rise was impressive-almost unstoppable. They weren't just flush with cash; they had cutting-edge tech that no one else had, which put them way ahead of their competitors. If the Nelson family could partner up with a powerhouse like that, it would be a huge win. But if it fell into the wrong hands -say, a competitor's-they'd be in deep trouble.
Feeling the pressure, Cody turned to Yvette with a stern expression. "We're counting on you today."
Yvette
nodded confidently. "Don't
Good!" Cody replied, satisfied worry, Dad. I'll do everything I can to make the collaboration happen with Yonder Digital."
Then the Nelson family marched into the building with resolve.
Mitchell strode towards the front desk, acting like he owned the place. "We need to see the chairman."
The receptionist replied coolly, "It needs an appointment."
Mitchell was fuming. "Do you even know who we are? The chairman and CEO of Nelson Group are right here!"
The receptionist shook her head. "Sorry, but everyone needs an appointment."
"You!"
Chill
I out, Mitchell. The company has rules, and the employees can't just make decisions on their own," Yvette interrupted, stepping forward smoothly. She pulled out a text message from the day before. "We're here for the designer interview." The receptionist replied, "The interview is on the 18th floor."
Yvette smiled warmly, leading Cody and the others toward the elevator.
On the 100th floor, the office had a breathtaking view. Floor-to-ceiling curved windows let people there see the bustling city of Crescentville. Shakira sat back in the chairman's chair, her icy gaze fixed on a computer screen showing the smiling Nelson family. Sean leaned casually against the desk, shaking his head. "Do they really think this is Nelson Group? Trying to boss our staff around and use the executive elevator? How ridiculous!"
He then chuckled mischievously. "What if the Nelsons came up here and saw you in the chairman's seat? Do you think they'd start begging for mercy?"
"Not a chance," Shakira scoffed. She knew them too well-they'd only yell at her for acting wildly. She stood up and said, "Let's go. Time to kick things off."
<
"Go!" Sean exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement.
As Shakira turned to leave, something caught her eye. "That building is..."
Just a stone's throw away from the twin towers, separated by Crescentville River, stood another tall building, equally impressive.
"That building belongs to the Lopez family," Sean said. "It used to be the tallest one downtown, but that was a long time ago. Now the location isn't as good as ours."
Shakira withdrew her gaze and shook her head. 'Was it just my imagination? Why do I feel like someone inside that building is staring right at me? Like Walter? Ugh, it must be leftover anxiety from last night's pig intestine!'ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
At the eighteenth floor, the elevator
Yvette's heart raced as she blurted ours swung open on opposite sides-Yvette and the others on one side, and Shakira, who had just come from the top floor, on the other. Their eyes locked in surprise.
d out, "What are you doing here?"
Mitchell stepped forward, his dislike for Shakira clear. "So, you cut ties with us last night and now you regret it? You stalking us? Looking to beg Dad for forgiveness and a spot back home?"
Shakira smirked. "What? Is this building owned by Nelson Group?"
Her words hit thard,
leaving Cody and the others feeling wounded.
As today was important, Finn wanted no surprises. He approached Shakira and lowered his voice, trying to sound like the responsible older brother. "Listen, whatever drama you're planning, today is all about Yvette's interview. We'll talk about your demands later." He paused, adding, "I'll do my best to meet your requests."
Shakira shook her head in disappointment, taking a step back. "I thought you'd be smarter than Mitchell. Guess I overestimated you."
Finn's face darkened.
[P]
"Don't worry. I'm not interested in your family drama," Shakira replied, smirking at the Nelson brothers' tense expressions as they tried to keep their cool. She tilted her head and entered the venue first.
Mitchell tried to follow, but Yvette quickly stopped him. "Mitchell, there are cameras."
As they entered, the staff had informed them that today's designer interview would be streamed live for fairness and transparency, and anyone who refused to be on camera would automatically lose their chance to compete.
Hence, the Nelsons felt annoyed by Sean's arrogance but knew they couldn't make a scene. They were here to plead, and they had to keep their heads cool.
Finn frowned. "Shakira probably won't cause any trouble. Let's just get inside."
Yvette took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. 'Sean wouldn't reveal anyone's designs without a contract. How could Shakira possibly know that I used one of her sketches?
Even if she does know, what can she do? She can't prove it's her design at all. With Dad and my brothers here today, she has to realize what that means. There's no way she'd risk embarrassing the Nelson family on live camera, right?' With her thoughts settled, Yvette offered a confident smile and stepped into the venue.
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Inside, the place buzzed with activity. Reporters from the fashion media were up front, along with professional judges, while designers hoping to compete filled the back. The Nelson family took seats toward the front, and it wasn't long before they were approached. Hey, Mr. Cody Nelson! You brought your kid for the interview?" asked John Gilbert, a former business partner of Nelson Group. He hadn't kept up since the company started thriving and had got booted. Cody smiled politely. "Good to see you, Mr. Gilbert."
John leaned in, his demeanor friendly as ever. "It's been ages. I tried to set up a lunch with you a few times, but your schedule is so tight."
Cody chuckled, not bothering to respond.
Unfazed, John turned to Yvette. "So, this is Ms. Nelson? You've grown into such a lovely young lady." Mr. Gilbert." libert.
"How
Yvette
long have you been into design, Ms. Nelson?"
smiled gracefully. "Fashion design is just a hobby. I haven't had any formal training."
Her words caused gasps around her.
"Wait, you've never studied fashion design? Oh my god!"
can't believe it! I've been working at it for nearly ten years and still can't pass the interview. I practically begged for a spectator ticket just to get here, and you're telling me you never studied?" "Talk about the gap between genius and the rest of us..
Yvette accepted the compliments with poise, while Cody and the others beamed with pride.
But then she caught Shakira's gaze from a dark corner. Yvette's smile widened as she reveled in the moment. 'I was born to be the star of the show, and Shakira? She's just a shadow lurking in the dark, destined to fade into obscurity!'