Chapter 37

A girl in jeans and a white T-shirt finally breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone's eyes were on her, their expressions varied.

Someone sneered, "You can't be Sophia Lopez!"

Another chimed in, "You're late on your first day! Impressive!"

More jeers followed: "And you're dressed like that? Going to college?" "Tsk tsk…Is this the legendary jewelry genius?" The sarcasm was palpable.

The girl was momentarily stunned. After a long moment, she shook her head. "No, I'm Raven Brown, the new assistant designer!"

Hearing this, Olivia froze, glancing hesitantly at me. "Isn't she the designer's assistant?" she asked suspiciously.

Everyone in the design department knew only Sophia Lopez and a designer's assistant were scheduled to start today. Raven looked confused.

I slowly raised my head. Standing elegantly, I surveyed the crowd, then hooked my lips into a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Hello, everyone," I said casually. "I'm Sophia Lopez. That 'special case' you all so gleefully dismissed? Not worthy of shining shoes for Designer Harper Quinn—a piece of trash!"

Their expressions were a kaleidoscope of shock and dismay. They hadn't expected to be called out so directly. While they wanted to curry favor with Olivia, they only dared when I wasn't around—after all, I was recruited by President Luka.

Chapter W (Page 12)

They didn't dare slander me to my face. Unfazed by their reactions, I continued calmly, "I know Designer Harper Quinn is excellent. Of course, I don't compare myself to her; I consider her a senior and role model. As for the plagiarism accusations…online chatter isn't always true. I'll prove who the real plagiarist is."

I sat down, unaffected by the charged atmosphere. The awkward silence hung heavy; designers and assistants pretended to work, heads bowed.

Olivia, the instigator of the earlier barrage of insults, now seethed silently. She stared at my back. "Since you're Sophia Lopez, why didn't you say so earlier?"

My initially modest demeanor had misled Olivia; she hadn't connected me to the outspoken online persona.

I turned, looking at her indifferently. "Excuse me, did you give me a chance to speak?"

Olivia froze, her earlier domineering attitude now fueling her anger. Knowing Sophia Lopez was replacing Harper Quinn—and that I was her assistant—had already enraged her. Her initial outburst was fueled by her anger; she hadn't even registered my name!

My quiet initial approach allowed me to observe the department and its dynamics before acting.

Olivia, unable to contain herself, stormed out. Seeing her rage, the others fell silent, finally realizing the outwardly calm Sophia Lopez possessed a sharp edge.

Chapter W (Page [unclear number, likely 12])

Raven approached cautiously. "Hello, I'm Raven Brown, your assistant!"

I nodded slightly. "Hmmm."

Her anxiety grew; she thought I might dismiss her. Timidly, she asked, "Sister, did I do something wrong?"

Seeing her, I was reminded of myself two years ago. I playfully raised a corner of my lip. "How old are you?"

Raven replied, "Twenty."

I chuckled, "Me too!"

Confused, she asked, "Ah?"

My eyes twinkled. "Maybe I'll call you sister!"