C11 Competition

Jefferson's gaze was icy as he looked at Rhyd.

"Are you challenging my judgment?"

Rhyd bristled under Jefferson's steely stare, seething with resentment and feeling deeply humiliated. She was poised to argue back but chose to bite back her fury, opting for restraint.

Before Jefferson's arrival at Evans Group, who would have dared to rebuke her in such a manner?

"Chairman Jefferson, don't you think this decision was made a bit hastily? Appointing someone to the role of Chief Design Officer just like that?" Leon expressed his discontent. "Julietta was merely a junior employee in the marketing department, lacking any relevant experience."

"The jewelry design team is pivotal to our product development and a key link in our industrial chain," Leon continued assertively. "With her limited work history and lack of experience, Julietta is simply not fit for the role of Chief Design Officer. I fear this decision won't sit well with the rest of the staff."

Jefferson let out a laugh.

"Do you really think I'm seeking your approval?" he asked, turning to Leon. "Julietta's design drafts have met my standards. I'm confident in her abilities to fulfill the duties of Chief Design Officer."

"Vice President Leon, if you believe my decision is flawed, feel free to voice your objections at the board meeting and call for a vote. I'm curious to see what weight you carry," Jefferson said coolly, not mincing his words.

Leon's face was a picture of dissatisfaction, but he managed to keep his anger in check.

He was the esteemed eldest son of the Simons family, the future heir in York City, and he had never been so blatantly disrespected.

The Evans family might fear Jefferson, but Leon had no such qualms.

If he were dealing with Director Jeremiah Alvarez of the Alvarez Group, he would show due deference. But Jefferson was merely Alvarez's secretary; Leon saw no need to extend the same courtesies to him.

Besides, his primary interests lay with the Simons family. Even if he were to lose his entire stake in the Evans Group and be ousted by the board, it would merely be a financial setback.

That's what Leon reassured himself.

"Chairman Jefferson, my concerns are, of course, in the interest of the group's future. I'm not opposing you," Leon stated calmly. He didn't directly challenge Jefferson, but his stance made it clear he wasn't in agreement either.

Jefferson let out a cold chuckle and said slowly, "Objections are welcome. In fact, I have another significant announcement to make."

"I've decided that the company's next phase of expansion will primarily focus on developing new jewelry designs and gathering a wealth of creative proposals. The 'King of the World,' personally designed by Julietta, has been greenlit as a major project. This multimillion-dollar jewelry venture will be fully managed by our newly appointed Acting Chief Design Officer, Julietta."

With a serious tone, Jefferson continued, "Furthermore, the Evans Group will host a Jewelry Show in half a month to unveil our latest creations. During this time, any internal team member is encouraged to develop new jewelry projects and enter the competition. The designer whose piece takes first place at the Show will be promoted to the official Chief Design Officer."

"So," Jefferson paused, his eyes glinting with a mischievous smile as he looked at Rhyd and her husband Leon, "if you're unhappy with my decisions, let your talents do the talking."

"A multimillion-dollar jewelry project?" Rhyd echoed, incredulous.

"Seriously? Assigning such a high-stakes R&D project to a newcomer like Julietta, isn't that a bit of a gamble?"

"Hush, she's the acting Chief Design Officer now..."

Jefferson's announcement sent shockwaves through the management team. They were visibly astonished, their expressions varied as they murmured among themselves.

Deep down, they were green with envy that Julietta had landed such a prestigious project, yet outwardly, they refrained from openly challenging Chairman Jefferson as Leon had.

"A public Jewelry Show?" Rhyd mused, her expression shifting subtly as she locked eyes with Leon.

"Chairman Jefferson, I withdraw any objections. However, the Chief Design Officer you're so fond of might not be up to the task," Leon interjected.

Rhyd, brimming with confidence, added, "Chairman Jefferson, I too will develop a jewelry project and submit my own designs for the Show. Once the exhibition commences, it will become clear who the most talented jewelry designer in the company truly is."

Jefferson's smile remained enigmatic as he replied calmly, "Now, if you'll all return to your duties."

He then turned on his heel and retreated to his office.

Julietta's fists tightened in resolve, her heart ablaze with determination. This was her moment—Chairman Jefferson had presented her with an incredible opportunity, and she was determined to triumph over Rhyd at the upcoming Jewelry Show.

"Heh, Julietta, don't fool yourself into thinking that just because Chairman Jefferson admires you, you'll shoot straight to the top," Rhyd said with a sneer. "You're in for a hard fall, and when you do, your lack of talent will be on full display for all to see, making you the butt of everyone's jokes. I'll show you what true professionalism is."

"And don't get any ideas about outshining me in the future. You're nothing but an interim Chief Design Officer with no real power to call the shots in the design department," Rhyd added coldly, her confidence in her own design skills unwavering.

How could Julietta, with no prior experience in jewelry design, ever hope to compete with her?

"I will not lose to you," Julietta declared, her lips pressed tightly together.

"We'll see about that," Rhyd replied with a cold laugh.

Leon let out a derisive chuckle and said, "Don't waste your time arguing with those two. Judging by their shabby looks, they've probably never even seen high-end jewelry, let alone design a piece worth millions. It's laughable!"

With that, Leon turned his icy gaze to Miron and threatened, "And you, Miron, if you think you can dismiss my earlier warnings, think again. I'll make sure you learn a lesson you'll never forget!"

Miron, choosing not to engage with Leon, simply walked away with Julietta.

"What an ignorant fool!" Leon muttered, watching Miron's retreating figure with a dark scowl.

Walking down the corridor, Miron saw the concern etched on Julietta's face and reassured her, "Don't overthink it. Just concentrate on your work, and you'll be fine."

Julietta nodded with resolve, and together they exited the Boyden Building via the elevator.

...

Back at home...

The Evans family had already heard the good news over the phone, and Gianna, in a rare move, had taken it upon herself to prepare a celebratory meal.

"Today we celebrate our daughter's promotion to Chief Design Officer at the company, and her leadership on a jewelry project valued in the tens of millions," Gianna beamed, uncorking a bottle of red wine at the dinner table.

"Right now, I'm only the acting director. I need to secure first place at the Jewelry Show to make it official," Julietta clarified, her tone earnest.

"What, an acting director? With Chairman Jefferson's high regard for your jewelry designs, you shouldn't worry about Rhyd besting you. Our family can finally hold our heads high. Imagine that—the Chief Jewelry Designer, Rhyd, is now subordinate to my daughter," Gianna said with delight.

Alexander Evans wore a look of solemn satisfaction as he spoke, "Julietta, it appears that Chairman Jefferson values talent over tenure. This is a golden opportunity that won't come around often. You must grasp it firmly. Our family doesn't wield much power within the group, so we'll need to proceed with caution and maintain a low profile going forward."

"I understand," Julietta responded with a nod.

"But I've heard that Miron has stirred up trouble at the company again? Leon from the Simons family has threatened to deal with you, hasn't he?" Gianna frowned deeply, her gaze fixed on Miron with clear disapproval. "You're always causing problems. Julietta never should have taken you to the company."

"And another thing, daughter," Gianna pressed on, "I heard you've made Miron your assistant? What were you thinking? He's clueless and only adds to the chaos. Heed my advice, go back to the company and find a suitable assistant. Miron simply cannot fill that role."

"Mom, Miron did contribute to the recognition I received from Chairman Jefferson," Julietta interjected. "Please, don't worry about our work."

"Fine, he can stay in the position for the time being," Gianna conceded reluctantly, her frown lingering as she regarded Miron with dissatisfaction. "Miron, don't bring any more trouble to our family. Just support Julietta at the company and don't hold her back. If you do, you'll answer to me!"

Just then, Alexander Evans, realizing his cigarette case was empty, said, "Miron, would you mind going down to buy me a pack of cigarettes?"

Miron nodded and made his way downstairs.

After two years of living with Gianna's constant chatter, Miron had grown indifferent to it.

Having just purchased two packs of cigarettes from the corner store at the entrance of his neighborhood, Miron was about to head back home when...

*Screech!*

A black Toyota Prado abruptly halted in front of him.

"Is this Miron?"

"Absolutely. He's the pathetic loser we were told to pick up. Let's get this over with."

Two muscular men with intimidating stances stepped out of the vehicle and eyed Miron with a menacing gaze.