Chapter 481
Chapter 481:
“We are,” Fabrizio said. “But you’ve seen what my team had before you arrived. We’d need to rebuild it from the ground up. Might as well go all in with your work. Faster, better. And you deserve the credit p>
Wow. Fabrizio had just given me a massive responsibility. And taken a massive risk himself. It was like asking an Apple intern to design the next iPhone OS.
I didn’t know what else to say. “Wow. That’s… a lot. Thanks, Mr. Marchetti p>
“Fabrizio,” he corrected. “And I should be the one thanking you. Since you’ll be carrying the line, I think it’s only fair you profit from it, beyond just a salary. Hence the joint venture proposal. Have you given it any thought p>
“I have. Still undecided. You know I already have my studio in Skyline p>
“I do. But there’s no law saying a designer can only run one. If it’s the workload you’re worried about, I’ll handle the admin, payroll, HR—the dull stuff. You focus on the design. We can keep it small to start. Say, ten million seed capital. That’s five million euros for a fifty percent stake. With the sales you’re pulling in from your current studio, it’s hardly a gamble p>
Before I could respond, a loud, deliberate click came from Jean-Baptiste’s corner.
“They’re really staking everything on some nobody? That’s desperate.” He wasn’t whispering.
Everyone heard.
The presenter carried on regardless, switching to slides of my past collections.
Each one filled the screen—sketches, color palettes, gemstone specs. The murmuring slowly quieted, and I saw heads begin to nod.
Fabrizio leaned in. “Want to say a few words p>
His scent was suddenly too close.
I shifted in my seat.
“I’d rather let the work speak for itself p>
The next slide brought up an old piece.
Jean-Baptiste’s signature sprawled pretentiously in the corner.
The next chapters are on ⲅ𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅⧽ⓒo𝗺
“This one’s from a former designer,” the presenter said, stony-faced. “Compare it with Miss Vance’s. The difference speaks for itself. We’ve chosen the right lead for this year’s line, and we’re excited to see what comes next p>
Jean-Baptiste flushed a mottled pink.
Before the next brand took the mic, the host returned to the stage. “Good news: we’ve got a special guest joining us later today p>
“Who is it?” someone asked from the back.
“Monsieur Ashton Laurent. A major investor from Skyline City, with stakes in several French businesses as well. He confirmed just minutes ago that he’ll be joining us p>
Chairs straightened.
Even those dozing sat up.
The presentation resumed.
Fabrizio caught my eye, mouthing, “Mr. Laurent’s coming p>
“Apparently,” I said, shrugging. “News to me p>
I picked up my phone and typed quickly.
Me: [Why didn’t you tell me you were coming here p>