Chapter 72

Her words were serious, and everyone turned to Jennifer, waiting for her to explain.

Jennifer pointed to a design sketch and raised her voice.

"This design won the gold medal at the Young Designers Competition three years ago. It was later bought by a private buyer overseas. It's not super famous, but people remember it."

She pulled out her phone and searched for the news from back then.

Sure enough, they found a blurry image of the original design in the news, and it was almost identical to the sketch.

"You're always trying to scam people!" Jennifer said coldly, frowning.

Ava looked up and asked, "What does this mean?"

She had thought she had found a rare talent, but now it seemed there was a suspicion of plagiarism. Such a scandal would be a big deal in the design world.

Christina calmly asked, "How can you be so sure this design isn't mine?"

"How could it be?" Jennifer's confidence wavered.

If Jennifer hadn't brought it up, she would have almost forgotten that this design had won an award. After all, with memories from both her past and present lives, many details had faded over time.

Although she had forgotten, proving it wasn't difficult.

After the proof was presented, even Ava showed a look of admiration. "I guess I underestimated you. Your design is impressive. How about we discuss a collaboration?"

Kaitlyn, worried that the earlier tension might cause issues, decided to clear the air.

"Ava, you were just criticizing her."

"I was too hasty!" Ava smiled apologetically. "I won't judge by appearances again."

"I was too aggressive in my words," Christina also showed her sincerity without hesitation.

All the discord vanished in that moment.

"Why don't we talk about the collaboration?" Ava suggested.

"Sure," Christina agreed with a nod.

Seeing them start to get along, Kaitlyn felt relieved and, noticing her own empty stomach, made a suggestion.

"What's the point of talking here? Let's go to a restaurant. We just got off work and haven't eaten yet."

Ava thought it was a great idea and nodded. "We haven't eaten either. There's a nice restaurant nearby."

"Whatever you say," Christina smiled and nodded.

Jennifer, seeing their friendly interaction, felt a twinge of displeasure.

Ava noticed Jennifer was still there and casually invited her along.

They went to an upscale club that ensured privacy and had a professional chef, making it perfect for business dinners.

Once seated, they began chatting and laughing.

Ava was eager to collaborate. "What kind of partnership are you thinking of?"

"I'd like to collaborate by sharing the design profits," Christina had thought it through.

"I work at an architecture firm, which is my main job, but I also do some fashion design. After deducting costs, I'd like to share the remaining profits with your studio."

Ava thought for a moment, finding the terms a bit strict.

"Usually, we buy the designs outright. Besides, you're not part of Velvet Mirage, so profit-sharing seems unstable."

She was concerned about the high risk involved.

"I get where you're coming from. Kaitlyn's my friend, and she brought me this opportunity. I'm really grateful," Christina said with a smile.

She implied that the collaboration would be stable because a friend was involved.

After thinking for a moment, Ava nodded slightly. "Alright, since you'll be sharing the risk, let's do it."

"Let's discuss the profit-sharing details," Christina raised her coffee cup for a toast.

"Seventy-thirty, that's the usual rate," Ava said decisively.

"Since I'm taking on the risk, isn't my share too small?" Christina raised an eyebrow. "Fifty-fifty, after deducting costs, is already quite low."

Ava hesitated, knowing that deducting costs meant guaranteed profit.

Kaitlyn chimed in, "Ava, think it over. My friend is very talented and can take your business to the next level."

After a long hesitation, Ava seemed to make a decision.

"You've thought it through well. What else can I say? Let's do it. I'll have our legal department draft a contract, and we can sign it soon."

"No problem. I'll toast to our collaboration with coffee," Christina stood up and gracefully raised her coffee cup.

They were all women, so they didn't stick to traditional drinking customs. They enjoyed their drinks and food, chatting and laughing.

"I'll be right back," Christina said to Kaitlyn, seeing Ava and Jennifer talking, and headed towards the door.

Jennifer watched her leave, raising an eyebrow slightly.

With the collaboration settled, Jennifer felt there was nothing more to say.

In the next room, William was chatting with a friend when the friend suddenly clapped.

A group of beautiful women entered, sitting next to William as if they were old friends.

"Mr. Cavendish, let me pour you a drink."

"What's this?" William frowned.

His friend smiled. "It's a special service here. They're just here to serve you. With your experience, why worry?"

As William was about to speak, one of the women brought a glass to his lips.

"Mr. Cavendish, have a drink."

William pushed her hand away, frowning.

"This isn't fun."

He stood up and walked towards the door. His friend, surprised, quickly followed. "Mr. Cavendish, where are you going?"

William turned, his gaze deep and intense.

"I warn you, don't play any tricks."

A wave of heat surged through him, challenging his rationality.

He managed to stay composed and left. No one dared stop him, but once outside, his steps became unsteady.

Everything seemed to blur and double before his eyes.

He shook his head, trying to clear his mind, but it was almost impossible.

At that moment, he saw a familiar figure, one that made him lose all reason.

"Christina, is that you?"

He stumbled forward, grabbing the person's wrist.