Chapter 38

Raven shook her head fearfully and stammered, "No, no, I didn't mean that!"

I smiled, though not cheerfully. "I was just teasing you. Don't take it seriously. Just call me Sophia. Since you're my assistant, work hard with me from now on, and strive to become an assistant designer as soon as possible!"

Raven was flattered and nodded, "I will definitely work hard!"

The responsibilities of a designer's assistant and an assistant designer are completely different, despite the similar titles. A designer's assistant handles menial tasks, while an assistant designer can create design drafts independently and participate in competitions.

I looked her up and down. "Also, dress formally tomorrow."

Raven was stunned but quickly nodded.

The top floor of Stratovski Jewelry.

As Luka exited the elevator, Martin approached quickly. "President Luka, yesterday's plagiarism reversal has significantly boosted the Century Jewelry Competition's popularity. Since yesterday afternoon, over a dozen advertisers have contacted me, wanting to advertise during the competition. What are your thoughts?"

Walking toward his office, Luka said, "Select three well-known advertisers. The more investment, the better, but too many advertisements will detract from the competition."

Martin quickly nodded. "Also, everyone's attention is focused on the design draft for both the Star Jewelry Competition and the Century Jewelry Competition. While this design is Miss Sophia Lopez's, the ongoing lawsuit, despite her conclusive evidence, prevents its participation according to regulations. How do you suggest we handle this?"

Luka paused. "You mean without this design draft, the competition's popularity will plummet?"

Martin nodded quickly. "Yes, so I wanted your opinion."

Luka was silent for two seconds. Placing his hand on the office door handle, he looked at Martin sideways. "You said the evidence is conclusive, even though the lawsuit hasn't begun. What are you afraid of?"

Martin looked at Luka, noticing the wound on his chin. He stammered, "I I mean the competition rules prohibit this type of contested work."

Luka frowned, unhappy. "Why are you stuttering?"

Martin lowered his head. "Nothing!"

Luka felt suspicious. "What's going on?"

Martin awkwardly pointed to Luka's chin. "Your chin is hurt!" The situation felt ambiguous to Martin. However, Luka's open demeanor surprised him.

Luka immediately recalled the morning's events.

Martin shook his head. "You don't need to explain; I didn't think anything of it."

Luka's face darkened. "Who cares if you did! What's on your mind?"

Martin shrank in fear, remaining silent. Luka, thinking of his chin wound, grew angrier.

He said solemnly, "Rules are guidelines, not absolutes. Since we've confirmed Sophia's innocence, why can't we use her work? We'll make an exception for Sophia and disqualify the plagiarist, Bella Lopez."

Martin quickly nodded. "I'll do it now!"

He started to leave but was stopped by Luka. "Stop!"

Martin turned, looking at him attentively. "President Luka? Is there something else?"

Luka's face was dark and his expression unnatural. "Do you have a Band-Aid?" He regretted not taking my Band-Aid this morning—it wouldn't have drawn Martin's attention.

Martin shook his head.

Luka became impatient. "Go buy me a box of Band-Aids!"

Martin quickly nodded and left. He soon returned with the Band-Aids. Luka hadn't anticipated that wearing a Band-Aid would be more noticeable than not. During the morning meeting, the Band-Aid on his chin drew constant glances, irritating him. Each time someone looked, he felt the urge to strangle me.