Morning greeted Lilah with a busy schedule. She made her way to the company.

While Aurora Jewelers had a good rep internationally, it wasn't a big name back home. Tasked with boosting its profile, the chairman handed the reins to Lilah.

And why not? She was the brain behind their designs at the main office. Everyone knew her as L.P.

When she walked in, Joseph Merritt, the CEO of the local branch, greeted her with added reverence. "The team's going to be ecstatic knowing L.P's in the house! Can't wait to introduce you at the meeting."

Lilah held up a hand. “Let's keep my identity under wraps for now."

Joseph raised an eyebrow but got the drift. Lilah wanted to gauge her team without any preconceived notions. He just hoped the designers would step up.

Come 10 a.m., the meeting room was abuzz.

There had been whispers. The director's chair had been empty for a while, and today was D-day. The announcement of the new director was imminent.

Of the lot, Nevaeh Rendell, the deputy director, was a bundle of nerves. After years at the company, could this be her moment in the sun?

Joseph took his seat at the front. With all eyes on him, he said, "I've chosen the new director. Lilah Phillips, come say hello."

Lilah rose to her feet and nodded. “I'm new here at the company, but I've been filled in on where things stand. Together, we'll boost and polish Aurora Jewelers’ reputation."

Nevaeh was taken aback by this. Her colleagues looked equally shocked.

A newbie as the director?

Some of Nevaeh's close colleagues jumped in. "Mr. Merritt, our deputy director just secured a deal with the Hughes family. She should have the position. It's only right! We're a globally recognized company.

Should we really hand over such a pivotal role to a newcomer?"

Joseph answered, “Lilah is a designer from our main office. They sent her to assist us."

As soon as he said this, the room filled with a growing sense of dismay.

Designers from the main office were all top-notch, especially L.P, who was revered by many.

After the meeting was over, Lilah hadn't gotten far when Nevaeh stepped in her way.

“Lilah Phillips? I thought you looked familiar. Aren't you that Phillips girl, the one with the scandal a few years ago? I didn't expect that you were at Aurora Jewelers' main office." Nevaeh looked at Lilah with clear contempt. "Did you, perhaps, use some ‘special favors' to get ahead?"

Smack!

Lilah slapped Nevaeh before she could continue. Nevaeh, hand on her cheek, stared at Lilah, her face a mix of shock and anger.

Lilah's tone was ice-cold. "If you're seeing dirt everywhere, maybe you're the one who's dirty. I didn't call you out about the Hughes deal earlier. Watch yourself around me."

A hint of fear appeared in Nevaeh's eyes. Yes, she hadn't personally secured the deal with the Hughes family, but she was the one who received their representative today. No one else knew the truth, except her. Even if Lilah tried to spill the beans, no one would take her word for it.