Chapter 58 The Best Choice
As soon as Leonard said those words, both Emma and I were stunned. The Hamon Group’s design department was
jast anyone could walk into
Emma had confided in me before about how she had applied twice without success. But now, Leonard was not only stepping back for Lily, but he was also suggesting that Emma manage Expartment Three.
Although Department Three’s design team wasn’t particularly impressive, appointing someone as the Head of Design Department from outside the company was unprecedented.
Besides, the position of Head of Design Department at Harmon Group held much more weight than that of a designer at other companies.
Icould sense Emma’s excitement, but she still looked to me for guidance. I understood–she was tempted.
Zack glared at Leonard. “Mr. Harmon, you really are generous, Is there nothing you wouldn’t do for Lily?”
Leonard cleared his throat, adopting a righteous stance. “Emma’s designs have indeed been used by Harmon Group, making her the perfect candidate to oversee Department Three’s projects. I’m doing this for the good of the company, and for her career as well.”
He emphasized the word “career“, his gaze fixed firmly on me. He knew what I cared about most. Emma was one of my few close friends, so there was no way I could ignore this
Leonard was counting on me compromising for Emma’s sake. After all, this was her issue to begin with. He had read me perfectly.
I pressed my lips together, feeling a twinge of indecision. Sensing my hesitation, Leonard seemed to relax a little..
“Talways keep my word. If you join our company, your best friend will be your immediate superior. No one will treat you unfairly. And since even the designs you discarded were selected, it proves how strong your abilities are. Department Three has been without a suitable leader for too long. Enuma, think about it.”
His eyes were sincere, as if he truly believed in Emma’s talent
I lowered my head, unsure of what to say. Harmon Group was indeed a great choice for a designer. Emma had worked hard for years, only to be betrayed by the last company she joined. There was no way she wasn’t feeling bitter.
But if she started job hunting again, word about her past would spread quickly in the industry, making it hard for her to find her footing. If she could join Harmon Group, it would be a blessing in disguise, and a powerful way to prove her worth.
But letting Lily off so easily
Iclenched my fists, unwilling to look past it. She had crossed a line by targeting my friend.
Suddenly, Emma placed her hand over my fist, intertwining our fingers. She then gave my hand a gentle squeeze. Her eyes darted toward the door, and I immediately understood her meaning
“Leonard, we need to discuss this privately. We’ll get back to you
I pulled Emma out of the police station, with Zack following behind us. Leonard took a few steps after us but stopped.
I closed my eyes for a moment. Of course, he wouldn’t leave. With Lily still under investigation, there was no way he’d walk away. But Lily would have to cooperate with the investigation, which meant she might be held for 24 hours–more than enough time for her to stew.
Zack drove us back, even suggesting that Emma could work at his company instead. “Our design department is still in its early stages, but we have many projects that require external partnerships. We could really use someone with your talent.”
He was just as sincere, but after a brief hesitation, Emma politely declined. Finally, we returned to her place, where she collapsed onto the sofa. She looked at me with pleading eyes. “Eva, what should I do?”
“Ask for money. Compensation, of course,” I said immediately.
I gave her the first option without hesitation. Whether or not she decided to work at Harmon Group, she deserved to be paid.
The designs were from small projects, so the total might be around 200 thousand dollars–nothing huge. But working at Harmon Group would be different. Even if she left after a few years, her resume would look impressive, not to mention the valuable connections she’d make
Thinking about how I might divorce Leonard soon, I looked at Emma, feeling torn. But I still smiled.
“Harmon Group’s design department is top–notch. The projects they handle are leagues beyond what your previous company could offer. I know your skills, and after two there, you’d have even greater opportunities for growth. Harmon Group really is a great choice.”
She shot up from the sofa, glaring at me with displeasure. “Eva, what are you saying? Are you trying to make me compromise?
I knew why she was really conflicted–it was for my sake. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and spoke eamestly, “We’re not kids anymore. Don’t be so emotional You know Harmon Group is the best option.
“Besides, after I dintre Leonard, I won’t stay at Harmon Group. You’ll have a better future there, understand?*
Currently, most of Harmon Group’s designs were done collaboratively. Aside from me, the Director, there was no real competition. If I left, Emma would likely become the Director
She stared at mor, tears welling up in her eyes. “EVIL‘
the lugged me tightly, and I smiled as I lifted my hand only far my vision to suddenly goblack as my body collapsed backward.
