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Novel Catalog
Chapter 25
The project manager’s voice echoed with concern. “It’s not that easy. Among the bidders are two listed companies, and several others with decades of experience and numerous branches. Summit is probably going to win this competition.”
Catherine felt a tight knot in her chest.
It wasn’t surprising that Summit was participating too. Big projects like this one brought both profits and prestige. She had no idea which designer would represent them, but she wasn’t overly concerned. She knew the designers at Summit better than anyone. They had the experience, but lacked creativity.
After a brief pause, she spoke with conviction. “President Yates, we should be bold and take on the challenge. The Culture and Technology Center will be a public landmark in the future. I believe we can combine cultural and scientific elements in the design to create a unique experience that represents future advancements.”
“Good point,” President Yates nodded, clearly impressed. “Alright, you and Henry will collaborate on the design. With only half a month left until the deadline, focus on refining this idea and put the other projects aside.”
Catherine’s concern deepened.
Although she hadn’t worked with Henry for long, she had already noticed his impulsive nature. He often used his seniority to criticize or give orders, even when he wasn’t fully capable of executing those tasks. More often than not, he would simply replicate designs from existing sources. While that approach might work for simpler projects, it wasn’t suitable for large-scale projects like this one.
She hesitated before suggesting, “President Yates, I think it might be better if Henry and I work independently. Each designer has their own ideas, and working together could cause conflicts. Besides, we’re both young, and a friendly competition might inspire us to come up with something even better.”
President Yates remained silent for a moment, considering her proposal. On the other hand, Henry took this suggestion as a personal attack.
“What do you mean?” he sneered. “You think you’re better than me—”
“No,” Catherine interrupted calmly. “I’m suggesting a fair competition.”
Henry’s tone grew harsh. “You’re younger than me and lack experience. Instead of learning from your senior, you’re aiming too high. Do you care more about showing off than about the company’s success? We have only 15 days for this major project. Instead of helping me, you want to create your own design? Is that really your priority?”
President Yates’ opinion of Catherine seemed to shift upon hearing this.
Catherine took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “It’s true I’m younger, but I’ve been involved in several large-scale projects like this before. Not to mention, I studied abroad—”
Henry’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile. “So what if you studied abroad? Does speaking another language make you special? If you were truly as capable as you claim, you wouldn’t have joined our small company. Show us proof, not just empty words. I could also claim I helped design the Queen’s palace.”
“I’ve said this before,” Catherine replied, her voice calm but firm. “This should be a fair competition based on ability.”
Turning to President Yates, she added, “I secured us a spot in the bidding. In 15 days, you can choose the design you prefer. I trust your judgment and won’t object to your decision.”
Her respectful tone pleased President Yates.
“Alright, it’s settled. Moore, watch your tone. Jones is not your assistant,” he said, before leaving the room.
After that incident, Henry made it his mission to mock and belittle Catherine at every opportunity.
But she wasn’t bothered by him. His skills would never compare to hers.
Over the next 15 days, Catherine immersed herself completely in designing for the center.
Sometimes, Shaun would wake up in the middle of the night to find her room still glowing with light. The dark circles under her eyes became more prominent each morning, but he didn’t say anything. After all, her determination to fight was something he respected.
It was that same fighting spirit that had shaped him into the man he was today.
The deadline arrived in the blink of an eye. After a long day of dealing with a lawsuit, Shaun came home to see Catherine smiling brightly, her face radiating pride.
“Is it done?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.