"Sorry?" Kylie raised an eyebrow.
Joseph scrambled for words. "I mean, I apologize. Our new director hasn't been on the ball with staff management. Just give us two more days for your designs, and you'll have them, promise!"
Nevaeh, with a smirk just barely noticeable, jumped in. "Absolutely, Mrs. Hughes. I'll be taking the reins this time. We'll make sure this doesn't happen again."
Kylie shrugged. "No worries. Miss Phillips already showed me the designs. I'm happy with them."
Everyone's jaws dropped.
How did that even happen?
Most of them hadn't even turned in their designs!
Nevaeh was at a loss for words. This wasn't the news she was expecting.
Kylie continued, giving a polite nod to both Joseph and Nevaeh but saving a genuine smile for Lilah. "Miss Phillips has a real knack for this. I'll be in touch next time."
Lilah responded with a humble grin, “I'm just glad you Liked it.
Call me anytime you need more designs.”
Nevaeh blurted out, “But how?"
Everyone turned to Lilah, equally baffled.
"I turned in the designs you all dropped the ball on. Is there an issue?" Lilah replied, her voice steady. Her piercing eyes surveyed the room, causing many to suddenly find the floor very interesting.
Nevaeh felt like the wind was knocked out of her sails. So, Lilah had a plan all along, making their whole hustle seem pointless!
Joseph was bound to point fingers at them!
The designers shifted uncomfortably. Nevaeh's friend was downright mad. She thought back to how hard Nevaeh worked to land this deal.
So, why was Lilah acting like she did all the work? “Seriously, Lilah? Nevaeh got this contract, and you're just riding her coattails!
Where's your sense of decency?"
Hearing this, folks started giving Lilah the side-eye.
Nevaeh looked like a deer caught in headlights, and people felt sorry for her.
Lilah acting like the big shot? That wasn't going to fly!
"Nevaeh?" Kylie broke the silence, sounding a tad confused.
"Yes, Mrs. Hughes, I was the one you met with," Nevaeh replied, her voice a mix of hurt and strength.