Chapter 4 95 % 0 X - +15 ) The line went quiet for an uncomfortably long pause . Gavin waited with a self - satisfied smirk , fully expecting Cecilia's enthusiastic response . To his surprise , an unfamiliar woman's hesitant voice came through , " Mr. Foster ? Cecilia forwarded this call to the office line . She didn't want to be disturbed during work hours . Would you like me to have her return your call ? " Gavin was left utterly speechless . The phone never rang back . When the clock hit five , Gavin decided to check in person . The elevator chimed at the 17th floor -Project Division . David came rushing over , flustered . " Mr. Foster , what brings you here ? " In the past , a simple phone call would've been enough . " Just passing through , " Gavin replied casually . His eyes swept across the busy office . But Cecilia was nowhere in sight . " With just a few staff members , Cecilia's been handling the Jewelry Exhibition all by herself . Booking venues , checking with guests , everything , " David explained , his eyes darting between Gavin's expression and the office . " Should I go find her for you , Mr. Foster ? " Gavin's face fell for just a second before he caught himself . " Who said anything about her ? She doesn't work for me anymore ." He turned and walked away , leaving David standing there , completely confused about why the boss had even come by . ***** The next morning , Cecilia walked into the break room to grab a cup of coffee , only to find Stella rummaging through her labeled supplies . " What are you doing ? " Cecilia's voice could frost glass . Stella batted her eyelashes innocently . " Cecilia , " she said in a sugary voice , " I'm in charge of Mr. Foster's coffee now . He hasn't complained , but I just want to make sure I'm doing it right . I wouldn't want to bother him with my mistakes . " Cecilia's gaze locked onto the mess of coffee beans scattered across the counter . " None of my business , " she said flatly . " Were you raised in a barn ? This is the Project Division . Take your coffee drama back where you belong . " The break room noise brought coworkers crowding in . " Still mad at me , Cecilia ? " Stella's eyes filled with tears . She shifted nervously , voice trembling . " I just wanted to thank Mr. Foster for helping me through school . I'd never try to replace you ." Then she lifted the steaming coffee pot with both hands . " I made this to say sorry , " she said softly . " You've always made Mr. Foster's coffee perfect . Could you show me how ? " The moment the words left her mouth , Stella pretended to trip and lunged at Cecilia . Cecilia moved aside quickly . Stella bumped into the counter instead . The hot coffee spilled all over her hand , leaving a bright red burn mark . " Stella ! " Gavin's sudden appearance sent coworkers scattering . He dashed over , yanking Stella's hand under the faucet . As she shook in pain against him , his face darkened . " This looks bad ," he muttered . " We're going to the hospital now . " " It's nothing , really, " Stella sniffled , wiping her eyes . " My own fault for being so clumsy . " She hiccupped , looking up at Gavin with watery eyes . " I only wanted Cecilia to show me how to make it right like she does . " Her voice trailed off into another sob . Gavin held Stella closer , his voice softening . " I know you meant well . " Then his head snapped toward Cecilia . His face hardened when he saw her cold stare . " This how you treat coworkers ? Keep your personal issues at home . You walked away 1/3 12:43 Tue , Aug 12 GC ןס 95 % X +15 Chapter 4 from the secretary job . Don't even think about coming back . " Cecilia didn't get angry . She just watched coldly as Gavin helped Stella leave . She knew exactly what Stella was doing , the same old trick . But suddenly she called out , " Wait . " Her sharp voice cut through the quiet room . Gavin stopped and turned , giving her that superior look he always had . " What , rethinking your decision ? " he asked , raising an eyebrow . " Play nice with Stella , and maybe I'll think about bringing you back to the secretary team . " Cecilia kept her tone light as she gestured to the coffee - stained counter . " Just a friendly reminder for Ms. Yates . This mess needs cleaning before my team can use the break room again ." The casual jab hit its mark , sending Gavin's temper flaring . " Remember this , Cecilia ," Gavin snapped . He had been ready to offer her way back , but not anymore . If she wanted to be stubborn , he would just wait to see the day she came crawling back . " Call the cleaners to fix this mess . " He grabbed Stella's uninjured arm and marched out . The whole project team crowded around , eager to see how Cecilia would react . Cecilia took a deep breath , then flashed her phone with a casual wave . " Break room's closed . Coffee's my treat this afternoon ." Once everyone had their drinks , they began the meeting . " Let's invite Professor Jacqueline Collins , " a team member suggested while reviewing the guest list for the Jewelry Exhibition . " She's well - known here and abroad . Mixing established designers with new talent would really highlight our ' Heritage ' theme , and draw bigger crowds . " Cecilia gave a firm nod . " Good thinking . I'll take care of reaching out to Professor Collins myself . " She made a quick note in her planner . Cecilia arrived at Jacqueline's house with a bottle of fine wine . She waited in the living room until Jacqueline appeared at the staircase . Cecilia rose to her feet . " Good afternoon , Professor Collins , " she greeted respectfully . " I'm Richard Jordan's daughter . You remember me , don't you ? " " Of course I remember you , " Jacqueline said , her face lighting up with a kind smile . " Your father always spoke so proudly about your design talent . " She gestured to the sofa . " Please , have a seat and tell me what brings you here today . " Cecilia handed the professor a folder . " I'm here with an invitation from Foster Group , " she explained . " We know you even turned down the National Expo . But I'm hoping you'll make an exception for us ." She smiled apologetically . " To be honest , it's partly because we're showing several of your pieces . " Jacqueline studied the proposal carefully , nodding in approval . " This is quite thoughtful , " she remarked , looking up at Cecilia . " But tell me , dear , with your father being such a brilliant jeweler , why didn't you follow his path ? You clearly have the eye for it . " Cecilia shook her head with a small smile . " Just one piece , actually . " She flipped to the last page , pointing to a photo of a delicate sapphire pendant carved into a young girl's form . " This is ' A Wishing Girl ' , my only creation to date ." Jacqueline's face lit up . She grabbed Cecilia's hands excitedly . " I was at the auction . We all wondered who made it . " Her grip tightened . " I could tell a woman shaped this . The details were so full of heart . When it sold for that shocking price , I was so disappointed not to meet the artist . And here you are . " " After Dad died , I quit designing , " Cecilia said with a genuine smile . " This exhibition is my final project before I leave , and I want to display my own work . Professor , it would mean the world to me if you could come . " 2/3 12:43 Tue , Aug 12 G - ס X +15 Chapter 4 " Absolutely , count me in , " Jacqueline said , reaching out to squeeze Cecilia's hand . " Your father would be so proud to see this . " As they wrapped up their meeting , Cecilia fidgeted with her pen . " Professor , before I go , " she took a quick breath , " do you happen to remember who ended up buying my piece at that auction ? " Jacqueline tapped her chin thoughtfully . " Let me think . Ah yes ! " Her eyes brightened . " If my memory serves me right , it went to the Hall family . The bid caused quite a stir at the auction house that day . " Leaving Jacqueline's house , Cecilia dialed Chloe . " That bastard ex of mine used to talk about the Halls , " Chloe said . " Their heir has been abroad for years . When the first son died , old man Hall trained up the younger one . Word is he's back now , but good luck getting near him . Half the city's probably lining up already ." Cecilia's tone was firm . " I have to reach the Hall family , no matter what . My only creation is in their collection . " Chloe immediately cheered her on , happy to support her friend's mission . Cecilia ended the call and headed straight for Hall Group's headquarters . Walking up to the front desk , she pulled out her business card with practiced ease . " Good morning , " she said smoothly . " Is Mr. Hall available ? I'd appreciate a quick meeting ."