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Novel Catalog
Chapter 23
“Alright, Jones, keep up the good work. The traffic should pick up after lunch. Seize the opportunity to distribute the leaflets as quickly as possible. I hired you because I believe your appearance will attract clients. But remember, a great designer is of no use if she can’t close deals.”
“I will.”
Catherine ended the call quietly.
Shaun, sitting beside her, glanced at her from the corner of his eye. The car was small, so he could hear the entire conversation with her boss. “You should work somewhere else,” he remarked casually.
She gave a small, bitter smile. “It doesn’t matter where I work. Everything is difficult in the beginning.”
He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, not responding further.
As they drove, they passed a striking building with an unusual design. “What’s that place?” he asked, intrigued.
“Melbourne Culture and Technology Center,” Catherine replied. “The construction was just completed. Summit wanted to handle the design project but lost the bid to another company. I was thinking about taking it on myself, but there’s no point now.”
“Why not?” he asked, curious.
“They’re holding an open bidding process. A small company like ours isn’t even eligible to apply.”
“Even so, your company probably wouldn’t win the bid.”
“That’s not true.” The confidence in her tone was unmistakable. “I was the AM Award champion in the United States. Countless companies offered me opportunities to work with them. But back then, I was certain I’d inherit the family business, so I rejected them all and returned to Summit. I dare say no one in Melbourne designs better than me.”
Shaun’s lips twitched. He hadn’t expected her to be so confident in herself.
“Alright, I’ll give you a chance to join the bidding,” he said, raising an eyebrow.
Catherine straightened up in her seat, her eyes wide in disbelief. “Are you serious?”
“It’s up to you to prove that you can win. Show me if you’re as capable as you say you are.” His gaze remained fixed on the road.
“I’m not boasting. I’m confident I can win this.” Excitement bubbled in her chest. “Shaunny, you’re the best…”
She often used that nickname for him, sometimes gently, other times in a more playful tone. But this time, there was genuine delight in her voice, and she didn’t even realize the flirtation in it.
Shaun couldn’t help but steal a glance at her. Her bright eyes sparkled, and her sun-kissed cheeks glowed. There was an undeniable charm in her smile.
He quickly averted his gaze, his fingers awkwardly undoing the buttons on his shirt collar as he felt heat rise within him.
“If you really think so, then make me a delicious meal later,” he said, trying to shift the attention away from his discomfort.
“No problem. I can cook anything you want.”
He already knew she was an excellent cook. Thinking about the meal she had prepared for him before, his stomach gave a subtle protest. But his pride prevented him from asking for anything specific.
“Stop here for a while. I’ll grab some streaky pork,” she said as they neared her neighborhood.
A flicker of surprise passed across Shaun’s face, though it lasted only a second.
She smiled to herself as she got out of the car, thinking how amusing it was that he looked like a hungry kitten. She had never mentioned it before, but she knew roast pork was his favorite.
As she walked toward the butcher, Shaun pulled out his phone with a faint smile, dialing a number.
“Make sure Catherine Jones from Imperial Design can join the bidding for the Melbourne Culture and Technology Center,” he instructed.
Chase was taken aback. “I’ve never even heard of that company. Are you really trying to help Catherine? This is so unlike you.”
“What kind of character do you think I have?” Shaun responded, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Chase fell silent but thought to himself, ‘A cold-hearted, callous one.’