The elevator ascended directly to the CEO’s office on the top floor. Axel opened the door and stepped aside, gesturing for Nora to enter. Her expression remained composed as she offered him a brief nod before walking in.
As Axel closed the door behind her, he couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Mr. Harper said she was just some twenty–something who didn’t even finish junior college. But why does she feel like a full–blown business shark?‘ He shook his head, chalking it up to overwork and an overactive imagination.
“Nora, how long have you been waiting? Why didn’t you call me?” Julian stood up and poured her a cup of water.
Thanks. I didn’t have your number,” Nora replied, taking the cup.
Julian paused, feeling a bit awkward. He quickly pulled out his phone and added her on WhatsApp and exchanged phone numbers. “Sorry about that, my mistake.”
Nora shook her head. “No need to apologize. I wasn’t blaming you–just clarifying why I didn’t reach out.”
“Oh, right, Julian replied, still grappling with how to engage with Nora. She was so different from Wendy in every possible
way.
Recalling their mother’s advice, Julian added, “Nora, your onboarding is all set. You’ll be in the third design department. If anyone gives you a hard time, just let me know. If I’m not around, find Axel.”
After all, Nora was now the apple of the Harper family’s eye. If their parents found out she was being mistreated here, they’d likely storm into Kayson Designs without hesitation.
“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary,” Nora replied, her tone calm and measured. “I’d prefer if no one in the company knew about our relationship. I don’t want it to affect how I work with my colleagues. If there’s an issue, I’ll handle it myself.”
Julian blinked in surprise at the unexpected request from this seemingly innocent girl. “But…”
Sensing his concern, Nora quickly added, “Don’t worry. I won’t tattle on you to the family.”
Her words left Julian momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, Nora realized she might have come off as too harsh and softened her tone. “If something comes up that I can’t handle, I’ll definitely come to you.”
“Alright, Julian chuckled, shaking his head in frustration. “Axel will take you to the office.”
As Nora walked away, Julian couldn’t help but watch her with a mix of surprise and admiration. Despite her lack of formal education and experience compared to others, she radiated a spark and determination that few could match. There was something about her that promised potential, and he felt genuinely impressed.
Following Axel, Nora made her way to the third design department, where she’d be working on the follow–up designs for Cooper Jewelry’s sapphire necklace project.
“Anita, this is Nora Harper, our new designer. Can you find her a spot?” Axel said, addressing a sharply dressed woman with a stern expression who was intently focused on her work. This was Anita Bennett, the supervisor of the department.
Without even sparing Nora a glance, Anita replied coolly, “Oh, I’ve heard all about her. There’s a spot in the corner that should suit her just fine.”
Nora scanned the area Anita referred to. It was cramped, dim, and piled high with random clutter.
Axel frowned, displeased. “Anita, you do know she designed the original sketch for Cooper Jewelry, right?”
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Anita finally looked up. “And so what?”
Before Axel could say anything, Nora spoke first, “Got it. I’ll clean it up.”
As Nora reached her desk, a group of unfamiliar coworkers immediately surrounded her, their enthusiasm almost overwhelming.
“Miss Harper, this spot is too small for you. Why not take my desk instead?” one suggested.
“Let me help you tidy up. It’s your first day; we can show you around,” another chimed in.
“I baked some cookies. Want to give them a try?”
The sudden flurry of attention caught Nora off guard, leaving her feeling uncomfortable. She smiled politely and shook her head. “No, thanks.”
One of the coworkers couldn’t help but ask, “Miss Harper, we’re all dying to know: what’s your connection to Mr. Harper? I mean, Axel not only fired the receptionist but also tore into the HR manager for being late and leaving you hanging.”
Nora quickly grasped the situation. So, this was how rumors took flight. Anita’s earlier coldness made sense now; she must have assumed Nora had landed the job through connections.
Nora took a breath, maintaining her composure as she clarified, “You’ve misunderstood. I don’t have any personal relationship with Mr. Harper. We just share the same last name. I sketched the design while freelancing for the Harper family, and Mr. Harper saw potential in my work and offered me this opportunity.”
With that, she effectively distanced herself from any notions of nepotism.
The room fell silent as Nora’s words settled in, and the once–friendly coworkers began to disperse, even reclaiming the cookies they had offered her earlier.
“Pfft, I knew it. There’s no way the real Harper heiress would be working here like one of us,” one muttered dismissively.
“Guess I made a fool of myself trying to curry favor. Looks like Axel just had it in for the HR manager from the start,” another added, shaking her head.
“Well, this is disappointing. I thought we had a big shot in the office,” someone else chimed in, their enthusiasm clearly deflated.
Their glances toward Nora now held a hint of disdain, as if she had intentionally led them on. But Nora brushed off their judgments–she wasn’t here to make friends. Her focus was on her job and preparing for Valor Studio’s entry into Windiburg’s market, not engaging in office drama.
As she tidied her workspace, Nora inquired about the piles of clutter left at her desk. Most of her coworkers ignored her, while others dismissed her with vague excuses.
“Nora, sorry about the mess. My desk is just too full, so I had to leave a few things at yours for now. You’re new and don’t have much work yet, so it should be fine, right?” one coworker said dismissively.
Nora glanced at their desks, still spacious and clutter–free, her patience wearing thin. It was evident they viewed her as a pushover–someone they could easily walk over. But she had no intention of being anyone’s doormat.
“If none of you are in a hurry to reclaim your belongings, I’ll assume they’re not that important. And if they’re just junk… well, I suppose they belong in the trash.”
Without waiting for a response, Nora scooped up the pile of clutter and tossed it straight into the trash can.
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A chorus of gasps followed.
“My cup!” one voice cried.
“Nora, what the hell is wrong with you?” another exclaimed.
“Jesus! My half–finished designs!”
Colleagues scrambled to rescue their belongings from the trash, igniting a whirlwind of chaos that swept through the office.
One girl sitting across from Nora couldn’t contain herself and burst into laughter, only to quickly stifle it and feign focus when Nora’s gaze shifted in her direction.
“What’s all this commotion about?” Anita stormed out of her office, looking furious.
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AD
