Byrum sat down and handed over his resume and portfolio.
“Miss Hudson, I’ve heard much about you. You’re quite renowned in the design circles of Cairhienen.”
Sadie offered a faint smile, taking the documents to review them closely.
Byrum’s work was bold, innovative, and practical, making a strong impression.
“Your work is quite impressive,” Sadie said, setting down the portfolio, her voice tinged with admiration.
“Thank you, Miss Hudson.”
“I’m looking for someone who can independently complete design projects and who takes responsibility seriously.” Sadie outlined her needs clearly.
“No problem. I can handle that,” Byrum responded confidently. “Additionally, I bring stable client resources.”
He reached into his bag, pulling out a document. “These are some of my recent collaborative projects. Please have a look.”
Sadie took the document and quickly scanned it, her expression showing a hint of surprise.
Byrum’s client list was impressive, featuring several well-known brands.
“Miss Hudson, I have one request,” Byrum said, his tone earnest. “I hope we can finalize the contract soon.”
Sadie looked up, meeting his gaze, her instincts slightly uneasy.
Byrum’s credentials were compelling, and she recognized his potential.
Yet, something about his eagerness felt unsettling.
After a brief pause, Sadie made her decision.
“Alright, I agree, but with a one-month probation period. Your salary will be as discussed, but we’ll hold off on signing the contract until the probation is complete,” she stated firmly.
Byrum’s expression tightened slightly.
“Miss Hudson, I assure you of my sincerity.”
“And I respect that, Mr. Smith,” Sadie replied. “But in business, precautions are necessary. If you accept these terms, start tomorrow at nine.”
Byrum masked his irritation and nodded with a forced smile. “No problem. I look forward to our collaboration.”
After he left the office, Byrum’s smile faded.
He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed a number, his voice betraying his tension.
“Hello, Miss Wade, it’s done. I’m in, but Sadie insists on a one-month probation before signing the contract. She seems to trust me,” he said, his tone attempting to sound confident but revealing his anxiety.
“Byrum, I hope you’re not deceiving me. If I find out you’re up to any tricks…” Kyla paused.
“No, how could I possibly?” Byrum quickly interjected, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. “Miss Wade, please rest assured. You can trust me. I’ll start right away and get her design drafts as soon as I can.”
“Good,” Kyla’s tone softened slightly. “Remember, I want her reputation completely ruined. She must never recover.”
“Understood, Miss Wade,” Byrum responded immediately.
“You’ll be well rewarded once it’s done,” Kyla said before hanging up.
Listening to the beeps as the call ended, Byrum exhaled a long sigh of relief.
The next second, his phone chimed with a notification. He opened it to see a transfer of one hundred thousand dollars displayed on the screen. A greedy smile crept across Byrum’s face as he gazed at the substantial amount.
Meanwhile, Sadie was deeply focused on preparing for the upcoming project in her studio.
Suddenly, a shrill ringtone shattered the silence.
“Hello?” Sadie answered, her voice weary.
“Miss Hudson, Averi… He’s suddenly got a high fever. It’s really severe, and he’s been crying non-stop…” Carol’s voice was fraught with tears and urgency.
Sadie felt a pang of worry, and the documents she was holding dropped onto the desk.
“A fever? How bad is it? How is he now?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
“I took his temperature; it’s already 40 degrees. I… I don’t know what to do…” Carol replied, her voice trembling with panic.
“I’m coming right now. Use warm water to sponge him down and make sure he drinks plenty of water,” Sadie said hurriedly, grabbing her coat and dashing out.
“What about Grandma? How is she?” Sadie remembered Laura as she reached the door, her anxiety deepening.
“Laura’s okay, just worried about Averi. I’ve asked her to stay in her room while I look after him,” Carol replied, sounding a bit calmer.
“Good. Take care of Averi and Grandma. I’ll be there soon,” Sadie said, ending the call and sprinting to the parking lot. She started her car and sped toward home.
Throughout the drive, Sadie’s heart was racing.
Averi was her world; the thought of anything happening to him was unbearable.
When Sadie arrived home, she rushed into the room.
Seeing Averi’s flushed face filled her with concern. “Averi… Averi, Mommy’s here. Everything will be alright.”
“He’s still burning up; we need to get him to the hospital right now,” Sadie said, quickly scooping Averi into her arms.
“I’ll drive,” Carol said, following them swiftly.
At the hospital, the doctor examined Averi and administered a fever-reducing injection.
“Doctor, how is he?” Sadie asked, her voice filled with worry.
“He’s fine. It’s just a reaction to the new environment and the recent weather changes that caused the fever. The injection will help, and he should recover quickly with some rest,” the doctor said.
Relieved by the doctor’s words, Sadie finally relaxed.
“Thank you, doctor,” she said with heartfelt gratitude.
“You’re welcome. It’s my duty,” the doctor replied with a smile before leaving the room.
Relief washed over Sadie, grateful it was not a serious situation. She asked Carol to return home to look after Laura, while she stayed with Averi.
As night fell, Sadie dozed off beside Averi’s bed.
The next morning, Averi moaned softly and slowly opened his eyes.
“You’re awake, Averi?” Sadie instantly sat up, feeling his forehead. “How do you feel? Still uncomfortable?”
“Mommy, I’m a bit hungry,” Averi murmured, his voice soft and slightly whiny.
“Alright. I’ll get you something to eat,” Sadie replied, gently ruffling his hair.
Just then, the door to the ward opened, and the doctor entered with a nurse to make their rounds.
Sadie’s gaze landed on a young doctor in a white coat who looked vaguely familiar.
The young doctor paused, then smiled politely. “Sadie?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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