Chapter 147

Ethan Roscente leaned back in his leather chair, a lit cigarette held between his slender fingers.

Smoke curled around him as he narrowed his eyes at the door.

Felix Roland pushed it open, his suit jacket slung carelessly over one shoulder, his tie loose around his neck.

"Well, well, Ethan, lost in thought?" Felix grinned as he sauntered closer.

Ethan didn’t even bother to look up. "What do you want?"

Felix plopped onto the edge of the desk and picked up a pen, twirling it between his fingers. "Just here to deliver a little surprise."

"Get off." Ethan’s icy gaze flicked to where Felix was sitting.

Felix immediately hopped down, dramatically brushing off the desk. "Wouldn’t dare disrespect the boss’s territory."

He slid a file toward Ethan. "Luming Studio just sent over their new design proposal. Take a look."

Ethan stubbed out his cigarette and flipped open the file.

His fingers paused slightly as the first page revealed the design sketch.

The fluid lines of the architectural outline leaped off the page, seamlessly blending traditional elements with modern aesthetics.

Felix studied his expression. "Well?"

Ethan turned the page without a hint of reaction. "Passable."

"Just passable?" Felix’s eyes widened. "This was unanimously approved by the entire project team!"

When Ethan reached the last page, his gaze lingered on the designer’s signature.

"Lilian?" He raised an eyebrow. "A newcomer?"

Felix nodded eagerly. "Yeah, freshly scouted by Luming. No big reputation yet, but her skills—"

"No." Ethan shut the file decisively.

"What?" Felix nearly jumped. "You’re rejecting a design this good?"

Ethan stood, looking down at him with cool detachment. "An unknown designer, no matter how talented, isn’t worth the risk."

"Luming recommended her!"

"An outsider." Ethan smirked. "Never met her. No idea who she really is."

Felix scratched his head in frustration. "Since when are you this rigid?"

Ethan had already turned toward the floor-to-ceiling window, his posture radiating finality.

Felix stared at the back of his head, then suddenly grinned. "Fine. I’ll have her come meet you in person."

Ethan didn’t turn around. "Not interested."

"You will be." Felix’s voice dripped with implication. "She’s a rare beauty."

The window’s reflection showed Ethan’s slight frown.

Felix seized the moment to shove the file into his desk drawer. "Three p.m. tomorrow. Don’t be late."

He bolted before Ethan could refuse.

Silence reclaimed the office.

Ethan stared at the drawer for a long moment before finally pulling out the proposal again.

The signature on the design stood out starkly.

Lilian.