Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Chloe quickly chimed in with a friendly tone, "No worries, Ms. X."

Edgar let out a dramatic sigh, his voice carrying a hint of accusation, "So, you were the one who tossed my rose brooch design into the toilet?"

Chloe was caught off guard for a moment. Then realization dawned on her. The rose brooch was it the same one Lisa snagged for fifty million at the QUEEN jewelry show?

Suddenly, Chloe was at a loss for words. She had, in fact, used the brooch in a bit of a scheme that day. But it never crossed her mind that it was one of Ms. X's designs. Designers often treat their creations like their own children. How could anyone tolerate such disrespect?

Chloe quickly tried to explain, "Actually, it's not what it seems. I only said it was fetched from the toilet for effect, but I never really tossed it in. It went into a trash can..."

Edgar's expression darkened further, "You think that makes a difference? So only Ms. Y's work is worth something, and the rest of us are just trash? You purposely threw my design away, didn't you?"

Chloe hadn't expected such a grilling on her first day. But she knew she was in the wrong. She apologized, "Ms. X, I didn't think it through. I'm really sorry."

"I'm not accepting your apology or your excuses."

Edgar still wore an air of superiority. Chloe felt a bit helpless. She glanced over at Grant, hoping he might step in. But Grant was already comfortably seated, showing no signs of coming to her rescue.

Chloe's face was flushed. Just as she was reaching peak embarrassment, everyone at the table erupted in laughter, including Edgar.

Chloe blinked in surprise. Edgar laughed heartily, pulling her into a hug, "I was just messing with you."

Chloe felt like she'd been on an emotional roller coaster. The others chimed in, "We knew Ms. X would pull something like this."

"Chloe, don't hold it against us. We've all been on the receiving end of his jokes."

"Even the famous Ms. Y can get caught off guard. I should've filmed it-it was adorable."

Edgar, now grinning, hugged Chloe again, "Really got you, huh? You're not that easy to scare, are you?"

Chloe hesitated, "You're really not upset?"

"Upset? That brooch sold for fifty million thanks to you. I should be thanking you. Once I design something and it's sold, it's no longermine. I wouldn't call my work

swnl

my child-that's just for sho work

Chloe finally exhaled in relief. Edgar, with a flamboyant flourish, pulled Chloe to sit down, "Don't be mad at Chloe, okay? These years without you at the office left me bored stiff with all these old-timers. Knowing you were joining us at HQ, Kwas over the moon."

He handed her a Hermes bag, "Consider this a welcome gift."

Chloe instantly recognized the rare crocodile skin-it was an exceptionally rare and sought-after model. "I can't accept something so valuable."

"Take it. With our kind of wealth,

buying a bag is like picking up a

snack. From now on, you're my dear Chloe. We'll hit the shops, do spa days, maybe not the baths together.

But from today, I've got your back."

QUMS