Chapter 918
When Love Comes Late
She set her coffee cup down and gave Stella a critical once-over, a trace of disdain reappearing on her face.
âSheâs wearing some absurd outfit.
It doesnât pique my interest.
I can tell sheâs not a professional designer.
I wouldnât want her to affect my career.
â
She snorted, then turned her attention back to her coffee, examining it with an air of indifference.
Stella glanced down at her attire.
She wore a simple white T-shirt and overalls, chosen for practicality at work.
There would be times when she needed to create prototypes herself and it wasnât very convenient to wear formal clothing in those situations.
She had assumed her meeting with Alina was for design discussions, so she hadnât bothered to dress up formally.
âI apologize, Miss Walker.
I typically opt for simpler attire while working.
How thoughtless of me!â Stella said sincerely.
âBut judging my professionalism solely based on my outfit seems rather arbitrary.
Sonny Murray didnât major in design either, and he didnât become a real designer until he was in his forties.
Iâm confident that I can create a dress that will satisfy you.
â
Alina snorted and turned to gaze at her without saying a word, her smile sending shivers down Stellaâs spine.
Stella took a deep breath and maintained her composure.
A thin Layer of sweat formed on her back.
Just as she was about to break eye contact, Alina looked away first and spoke in a flat tone.
âWell, you can give it a try.
â
Stella breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.
However, Alina continued, her tone light, âBut I must add that Sonny Murray had a decent background, and he emerged as a designer during a time when public aesthetic sensibilities were rather muddled.
So, he may not be the most convincing example.
â
Stella furrowed her brow, unsure of how to respond.
Fortunately, Alina chose not to persist in making things difficult for her and instead countered her initial criticism.
âFor Miaâs sake, I can give you a chance.
â A faint smile graced Alinaâs Lips.
Mia gestured for Stella to take her seat, steering the conversation back to the main purpose of the meeting with a warm smile.
âStella, this is your first collaboration with Alina, and you two are not very familiar with each other.
Thatâs why I arranged this meeting today.
I want you to get acquainted and discuss the dress design ideas.
â
Stella expressed her gratitude with a smile directed at Mia.
After regaining her composure, she turned to Alina and inquired, âMiss Walker, what color palettes and dress styles do you usually prefer?â
Alina replied, âI donât have any specific requirements, as long as I like the dress you design.
By the way, Iâll only give you three days.
In three days, I want to see your initial draft.
If Iâm not satisfied with it, Iâm afraid.
.