"This morning, some big corporation made an acquisition offer. Very generous price. The board voted unanimously to accept," Lucas said. I could practically picture him looking smug right now.
"Of course, you'll still handle all our jewelry design projects. Though your new boss might not be as easygoing as me."
My heart gradually sank.
Life was so fucking hilarious. After one problem hits, there's always a steady stream of second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth ones coming right behind.
"Which corporation?" I controlled the urge to scream, forcing myself to stay patient and gather information about my new boss. As Lucas said, while he was unreliable and irresponsible, he truly was a boss who didn't make difficult demands.
But the new boss... judging from this sudden acquisition, I was definitely going to miss Lucas after meeting him.
"Can't disclose that yet, you know, confidentiality agreement. But you'll meet him in two hours." Lucas paused. Some rustling soundscame through that made my ears itch. I sighed and switched to speaker.
"He specifically requested to meet you at Blue Note Café to discuss the cooperation details. Ella, prepare well."
"Lucas," I felt desperate. Meeting in two hours, minus travel time, left me very limited time to prepare. "At least tell me—are they also in the jewelry business?"
"Ah, I really have to go!" An engine roared to life—Lucas starting up his McLaren. "The acquisition payment just cleared. I've got friends waiting on the yacht to celebrate. Leaving now!"
"Wait..."
"Good luck, Miss Ross. I believe in you!"
"Lucas!"
Beep beep beep—
I stared at the screen and gave a cold laugh. Were these damn rich people trying to destroy my career?!
"What happened?" Anna asked worriedly.
"Lucas's company got acquired." I tossed my phone on the desk. "New boss wants to see me in two hours, but Lucas didn't tell me anything—just rushed off to play with his money."
"Acquired?" Anna frowned. "So sudden?"
"Who knows." I slumped back in my chair, exhausted. "Maybe it's just a normal M&A deal."
But an uneasy feeling rose in my chest. My gut told me this wasn't simple, but I didn't have the energy to figure it out. Everything I was dealing with was enough to keep me spinning like a top.
"Ella, are you worried about something?" Anna picked up on my mood.
"No." I shook my head, forcing myself to rally. "Just tired."
Layla, calm down. Calm down.
Think about the breach penalty. Think about your pitiful savings. Lucas's contract is worth 1.8 million. You can't afford to lose it.
"Help me prepare a complete project report," I said, standing up and gathering my things. "All design drawings, progress schedules, and budget details."
"Got it." Anna sprang into action.
I went to the bathroom and fixed my makeup in the mirror.
The woman staring back looked exhausted—faint, dark circles under her eyes, pale complexion, lips pressed into a tight line.
"Pull yourself together, Layla," I told my reflection. "You can do this. Be a professional."
I forced a smile, covered the dark circles with concealer, and touched up my lipstick. When I came back out, Anna had everything ready.
