Chapter 308
Meanwhile, a gust of energy seemed to breeze through the door as I tried to peek inside, but the waiter quickly blocked my view.
“Privacy is a priority here,” he seemed to imply with his stance.
“Good evening, miss. Are you a friend of Mr. Shaw’s group?” the waiter inquired in a polite but curious tone.
Shaw? The name didn’t ring any bells.
I shook my head. “No, I think I’ve got the wrong room.”
As I turned to leave, I couldn’t shake the feeling that eyes were piercing through me, sending shivers down my spine. When I glanced back, I found the door seamlessly shut.
Back in our private dining area, Christine had already ordered. “Check this out. Anything else you fancy?”
I replied, “I’m good. Whatever you guys have picked is perfect.”
The incident lingered in my thoughts, puzzling me. It wasn’t anyone I knew, but the bits I caught sounded eerily relevant to my life. Yet, I couldn’t recall anyone with the surname Shaw among Bryant’s circle.
Sensing my distraction, Christine leaned in, whispering, “Penny for your thoughts?”
“Nothing,” I replied with a forced smile.
It wasn’t the time or place for such worries. Thankfully, the lively atmosphere in the room soon distracted me from my brooding thoughts.
Jeff, a designer at our firm, stood up with his glass raised toward me and Christine, his voice shy yet filled with gratitude, “Ms. Webster, Ms. Jackson, I’m thrilled to be part of Janedream… Thank you, truly, for giving me this opportunity!”
Among the recruits, he stood out due to his age and experience. Despite being a decade out of college with little to show for it, it wasn’t for lack of talent. Jeff always stuck to his unique aesthetic, refusing to bow to market trends.
Naturally, companies hesitated to gamble on an unproven designer, making it increasingly difficult for Jeff to find work. But his portfolio caught my eye one day. It was a gamble, but one worth taking, in my opinion.
Raising my glass, I responded, “You deserve the opportunity. Everyone here earned their spot. Janedream is lucky to have you.”
“Exactly,” Christine said, clinking her glass against mine, “Now, sit. Let’s all enjoy the night to the fullest.”
Her words were our cue to cut loose, and pretty soon, everyone was raising their glasses to toast us.
After a few drinks, sitting by my side, Mark offered gently, “Ms. Webster can’t hold her liquor. I’ll take over from here.”
The room erupted in cheers, led by Christine.
Molly clapped excitedly. “Mr. Larson, you’re such a gentleman!”
I tried to protest, but Mark was firm. “You know your limits! Plus, you’ve been busy. How will you work tomorrow if you’re hungover?”
“Okay,” I gave in, moved by how thoughtful he was, “Just take it easy yourself. Don’t overdo it.”
His eyes sparkled as he reassured me, “Don’t worry. I know my limits.”
The atmosphere was electric, with Mark shielding me from further drinks and his easygoing nature making him a favorite. Christine shot me a knowing look, whispering, “Be careful. You might have to take Mark home tonight.”
Her quick wit made me laugh. “If it comes to that, so be it.”
Mark was always sensible. There was nothing to worry about, even in a situation that could lead to misunderstandings.
But my phone rang before Mark could play his role as my knight in shining armor. It was Thomas.
Stepping outside, I answered, “Thomas, what’s up?”
