Chapter 410

Alex, clutching his latest creation, strode into Josefina's office and laid the design out for review.

"Ms. Josefina, I've finished up. Could you take a look and give me your thoughts?"

Josefina picked up the designs, nodding in approval. "Not bad at all. These will do nicely."

Alex's face lit up with a grin. "Thanks, Ms. Josefina! I'll get back to it then. We've got more partners on board now, so there's an even bigger need for fresh designs."

"Alex, you've been a real trooper," Josefina said, her voice warm with appreciation. "Starting this month, we're tripling your salary. And any design we use, that's a bonus on top."

Alex's entry salary as an intern had been a modest three grand a month. Upon becoming a full-fledged member of the team, it had bumped to eight thousand.

Triple that? Twenty-four grand a month!

His hands rubbed together in barely contained excitement. "Isn't that a bit much?" "Not at all," Josefina assured him. "You've earned it with your contributions. Keep up the good work, and there's more where that came from."

Overflowing with gratitude, Alex apologized for his excitement and scurried out to share the news with Jade.

"Jade, I got a raise! Let's hit that buffet after work-the one you've been eyeing but never splurge on!"

Jade looked up, a playful smirk on her face. "Did you invite Josie to celebrate too?"

"Ms. Josefina's swamped with work," Alex replied. "She's barely had time to breathe since she got back. Let's wait until things settle down and after we've shown the door to that snake, Johns, then we'll celebrate properly." Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on find[ɴ]ovel.net

"Johns, the snake?" Jade chuckled. "Sounds like you've got a real zoo at your office!"

"Something like that," Alex admitted, then turned serious. "I've got to keep my nose to the grindstone now."

With that, he dove back into his sketches, his pen racing across the paper. Meanwhile, Holly tiptoed into Josefina's sanctuary, her nerves a bundle of tension. "Ms. Josefina," she began timidly, "here's my design. I'm not sure if it's any good, but I'd be honored if you'd take a look."

Josefina extended her hand, and Holly's face flickered with hope and uncertainty.

"You're really going to review my work?" Holly asked, a mixture of disbelief and joy in her voice.

Josefina chuckled softly. "Is that a problem?"

"No, no! I'm thrilled, it's just... I never expected someone like you to take interest in my designs."

Ever since Holly found out that

Josefina was the elusive Anya, she'd

been walking on eggshells. Gone

were the days of coasting b

by at

work; now she poured her heart into every task, fearful of losing this golden opportunity. s

The designs she offered were the fruit of four days of intense effort Even if they weren't chosen, just having Josefina's guidance was a victory itself. x s

Josefina studied each of the five designs closely, jotting meticulous notes beside each one, treating Holly's work with the utmost seriousness.

Tears welled up in Holly's eyes-never in her tenure had she seen a leader so patient, so willing to give her staff a chance.

Once Josefina finished, she handed back the designs with advice for revisions.

"Work on these changes and bring the new versions to me," she instructed.

Holly bowed so deeply she nearly tumbled forward, clutching the precious feedback to her chest.

Josefina couldn't suppress a smile. "Easy, Holly. I'm here to give you all a chance, as long as you put in the work."

After all, Josefina wouldn't be staying at the company indefinitely. University awaited her return when the new term started.

"I'll do my best, Ms. Josefina, I'll double my efforts. I'm with you alt the way!" Holly pledged with fervor, as if she had pledged fealty to the ever serve. s

only leader she wothe

Josefina walked over and gently patted her shoulder. "Stay strong, Holly. I believe in you."

"Thank you for believing in me, Ms. Josefina!"

With her designs clutched close, Holly left the office, her steps lighter, her heart

full of newfound hope for the future.