Memories Drifted Like Paper Boats by Zyra Cole 30

“Ms. Lennox, if it weren’t for you, I’d still be clueless. You’ve accomplished so much at such a young age. I’m honestly embarrassed,” Roland said. 

He didn’t care about making a fool of himself in front of the staf He gave himself two hard slaps across the face. 

“I was out of line earlier. Does that make you feel better? If not, I can keep going,” he said. 

Edwina glanced at him and replied coolly, “No need. Since you were kept in the dark, I can understand. 

“If you keep this up, people around here will start saying I’m throwing my weight around and picking on you.” 

“I’m leaving,” Edwina said. Then she walked out of the conference room, with Aubree right behind her. Aubree lowered her voice and said, “Ms. Lennox, there’s no way Roland didn’t know what Otis was up to.” 

“I know,” Edwina replied. 

Aubree asked, “You know? Then why didn’t you…” Aubree was the general manager, technically a notch above Roland, but she didn’t have the power to fire him. 

They were practically on an equal footing in terms of actual influence. For years, Aubree had known about Roland’s shady moves, but she could endure it. 

Now, with the long–awaited arrival of a new CEO, Aubree thought someone could finally dismiss him. 

Edwina’s voice was calm and steady. “Roland has been at Design Harmony for years. His influence is deeply rooted. 

“Thinking you can uproot a towering tree like him with a small fry like Otis? That’s just not realistic.” 

“And Otis would never expose his collusion with Roland. He has his family to protect,” Edwina added. 

Aubree couldn’t help but feel a surge of respect for Edwina. She thought, ‘She’s so young, yet she possesses such shrewdness and long–term vision. 

“Oh, and send me Design Harmony’s latest design sketches,” Edwina said. Since this was her company, she wasn’t going to waste the trip. 

Edwina figured that she might as well check in and offer her team some direction. Edwina glanced at the design sketches Aubree sent over. Her expression soured. 

Edwina thought, ‘Now it makes sense why Design Harmony’s sales and market share keep tanking every year. The design team has been phoning it in. 

“They must think Aubree’s clueless about design and only good at running things, so they’ve been getting away with lazy work.’ 

“Turn on your phone’s recorder,” Edwina said. 

“Huh?” Aubree blinked in surprise, but she did as she was told. 

Edwina said, “Al’s neckline is way too low for everyday wear. No one’s going to buy a dress like that. 

“C2’s pants are a disaster. The waist and thighs are far too slim. Are they trying to sell to stick figures? I won’t list all the other 

issues. 

“Make sure the design team hears this. Tell them to stop letting their hands, brains, and taste all grow out of their asses.” 

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Chapter 30 

Edwina flipped through a few more pages of the design sketches rattling off flaws with ease. 

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Moreover, she explained things so straightforwardly that even Aubree, an outsider to design, found it extremely reasonable. 

‘She’s not just good at management but also at design. This is truly the chosen leader of our company, Aubree thought, with appreciation in her heart. 

She said respectfully, “I’m sorry, Edwina. I admit I was prejudiced against you before. When I heard you were taking over, I didn’t even vacate the CEO’s office.” 

“Sorry for overstepping. I’ll move out right now,” Aubree added, ready halfway out the door. 

“No need,” Edwina replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips, her voice relaxed. “Feel free to use the office however you want.” 

“But I’m going to need to borrow Design Harmony’s garment factory for Maberly Fashion for a while. The paperwork’s already on your phone,” Edwina added. 

Aubree quickly checked the file. It was just an order for 3,000 dresses, barely a blip compared to Design Harmony’s monthly sales. And yet Edwina herself had come all the way here for it. 

Aubree signed off and loaned out one of Design Harmony’s smaller factories. “Are you in charge of Maberly Fashion, too?” she asked. 

Edwina flipped through the paperwork, looking pretty pleased. She answered casually, “Nope, I’m only a market researcher for Maberly Fashion.” 

“M–Market researcher?” Aubree’s jaw practically hit the floor. “The CEO of our company works as a market researcher for some tiny fashion brand?‘ she thought. 

‘Could there be a bigger waste of talent in the world?‘ she wondered. “So, Ms. Lennox, what about Design Harmony?” Aubree asked. 

Edwina replied casually, “It’s all yours. You’ve handled things really well.” 

As Edwina was leaving Design Harmony, she spotted Roland at the entrance. He was grinning from ear to ear, acting all respectfully. “Take care, Ms. Lennox.” 

Edwina didn’t even bother to look his way. She walked off, ice–cold, totally ignoring him. 

Roland watched her retreating figure, the flattering expression instantly vanishing, replaced by a cold surge of malice. 

‘What kind of trouble could some nobody like you possibly cause at Design Harmony? However you climbed into this position, I can easily push you out of it,‘ he thought. 

***** 

When Edwina handed the contract to Pauline, both Pauline and Madeline were overcome with emotion and burst into tears of joy. 

“We’re saved. Maberly Fashion is saved!” Pauline exclaimed, her voice shaking with happiness. 

“The factory’s contact info is on the contract. Aubree already let the factory manager know, so just take your design sketches over,” Edwina said. 

Pauline’s eyes went wide. “Aubree? The general manager of Design Harmony? Edwina, that’s insane. How did you get Aubree to step in for us?” 

Edwina quickly explained, “I happened to run into her. Ms. Maxwell had a kind heart and was willing to help.” 

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Chapter 30 

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“Well, that’s some serious luck.” Madeline hugged Edwina tightly Then, in her excitement, she planted a kiss right on her cheek. 

She added, “Edwina, you’re the mascot of our Maberly Fashion team. You’re literally our lifesaver.” 

Edwina was caught off guard by Madeline’s excitement. After that unexpected kiss, she instinctively stepped back, looking kind of uncomfortable. She wasn’t used to people showing affection like that. 

Madeline realized she had gotten a little carried away. She quickly handed Edwina a tissue. “Sorry, Edwina, I was just so happy I couldn’t help myself.” 

Edwina reached for the tissue, but her hand hesitated, and then she let it fall back to her side. 

It suddenly dawned on her that Anton had said other people’s kindness was never a burden and that she should try to embrace it. 

Edwina lowered her eyes. “It’s fine. I’m heading out.” There was still a faint lipstick mark on her cheek when she stepped off the elevator and bumped into Kelvin. 

Kelvin’s eyes darkened as he caught sight of the unusual mark on her face. ‘Someone actually dared to kiss her? That’s weird,’ he thought. 

“Who’s got the guts to do that?” Kelvin said with a mischievous glint in his eye. He raised a hand, intending to wipe off the lipstick mark. 

Edwina caught on to what Kelvin was about to do and pulled back before he could touch her, avoiding his hand. 

For a brief moment, the silky feel of her skin grazed Kelvin’s fingertips. Edwina shot back, her voice cold. “None of your business.” 

Her scent still clung to his fingers, but all Kelvin got was a glimpse of her back as she walked away, leaving him standing there. 

Kelvin thought, ‘She really is one of a kind. I have to admit, I admire ladies who have a mind of their own and aren’t clingy. ‘If Grandma insists on making me marry someone, I would choose Edwina over that Simmons family princess.‘ Inside the research lab, four pairs of eyes were glued to the glass window, watching every move outside. 

Adrian said, “Is Kelvin crushing on Edwina or what? He looked like he was about to make a move on her just now.” Brian chimed in, “I’m totally on board. They’re practically a perfect social match and a dynamic power couple.” 

Calvin echoed, “Time to start chipping in for the wedding gift. Mark my words, those two are totally going to end up together. Donald, what’s your take?” 

After a long beat, Donald suddenly blurted out, “Guys, did you see that? Kelvin just went and touched Edwina’s face.” 

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