Chapter 77

Sylvia and Nina exchanged a brief look before Nina made the introductions. "This is my assistant, Liliana."

"Oh, it's you," Sylvia said, a harmless smile gracing her lips as she looked at Liliana. She even stood up, as if to seem more approachable.

Liliana remained frozen in place, her hands clutching the file she was holding. It was clear Nina knew Sylvia, but from her expression, she had no idea that Liliana and Sylvia also knew each other.

*What a small world,* Liliana thought bitterly. She couldn't seem to escape either Cedric or Sylvia. This was no coincidence.

"You two know each other?" Nina asked, surprised.

"Yes," Sylvia said with a nod.

"No," Liliana said flatly.

The atmosphere in the room turned awkward. Sylvia broke the silence, brushing it off. "I saw her once with my boyfriend outside a restaurant. She even delivered some documents to him later. I guess she doesn't remember me."

*My boyfriend. Cedric.* She said it with her arms crossed, a triumphant smile on her face as she watched Liliana. It was a blatant provocation, and Liliana found it utterly ridiculous. So Sylvia remembered every encounter perfectly, yet had pretended not to know her in Cedric's office.

Their marriage was a secret, something she couldn't bring up. With a divorce pending, she had no desire to cause a scene.

"Miss Woods has an excellent memory," she said with a faint smile, then pulled out a chair and sat down, ready to get to business.

Her calm reaction was like punching a pillow, but Sylvia remained unfazed. Once they were all seated, Nina began. "Miss Woods, what are your requirements for the renovation?"

"My boyfriend will be visiting often,

so it should be decorated to his taste. He prefers darker colors schemes, Sylvia said, specifying requirements for the bedroom and study.

Nina asked about colors and materials. Liliana was supposed to be taking notes, but her pen remained motionless.

"Miss Woods, I'm a strong believer in giving newcomers a chance. I was hoping you would allow Liliana to handle your project."

When Liliana tuned back in, Nina had already finished her pitch and was now giving her a pointed look. Before Liliana could say anything, Sylvia readily agreed.

"Of course. I'm a person who loves giving people chances. As long as Miss Preston knows how to take them."

"Then let's proceed with the deposit,"

vel

Nina said, producing a contract. "It's company policy to take a deposit first. Once that's paid, we can schedule a time to take... measurements. Then went greate design plan for your approval. We can make adjustments until you're satisfied, at which point we'll sign the final contract and you can pay the remaining balance."

Sylvia immediately took a black card from her purse and slid it across the table toward Liliana. "You don't need to explain all that. I trust you. Just run the card."

el.n'

Liliana had seen that card in Cedric's wallet countless times. On the rare occasions she needed it for an extra expense, she had to ask his permission. He would always remind her to return it promptly. She always did, terrified of forgetting and angering him. To her that card hatt always been a symbol of something untouchable.

And now, her husband's card was in another woman's hand.

"Liliana!" Nina prompted, gesturing for her to take the card.

Sylvia smiled. "Miss Preston seems a little distracted. Is something wrong?"

Liliana stared at the card for a few more seconds before picking it up. "Is this card in your name, Miss Woods?"

"No," Sylvia replied casually. "It's my boyfriend's."