Chris Cooper was someone close to the boss, so his words clearly carried the boss’s authority—everyone stopped gossiping at once.

Lauren Shaw presented her branding proposal and began outlining her vision for the studio’s future.

"Previously, my studio operated both online and offline, with most of our work online. From now on, I’ll focus on high-end custom orders."

"That sounds nice, but it isn’t realistic. Given your current capabilities, you’re not ready for high-end customization—your brand’s reputation, aesthetic, target market… all these take time to build. The company doesn’t have that much time to wait for you," Mandy Snow said bluntly. As the company’s design director, her words carried weight.

Lauren Shaw could tell Mandy Snow was deliberately putting obstacles in her way. As a newcomer, nothing she said would be convincing. She doubted anyone here saw her as more than someone with connections.

Suddenly, the meeting room doors opened and everyone looked up.

Bryce Shaw walked in and took a seat.

He glanced around the room, then fixed his gaze on Lauren Shaw.

"I think Designer Li’s plan is excellent and worth a try. Didn’t we recently roll out a new online initiative? We could use Li's studio as a pilot. What does everyone think?" Bryce Shaw asked, his tone knowing.

The boss himself had spoken—who dared to argue? Even if she had connections, so what? The company belonged to his family.

Seeing the silence, Bryce Shaw gave Mandy Snow a meaningful look. "Director Xue, do you have any objections?"

Mandy Snow’s face stiffened. She looked up at him. "Whatever President Shen decides."

Her hand clenched tightly beneath the table. Though resentful, she kept her feelings in check.

The meeting ended.

As everyone was about to leave, Bryce Shaw called out, "Designer Li, I’d like to speak with you. Please come to my office later."

A few of the senior staff threw curious glances her way.

Once out of the meeting room, people started whispering.

"Did you notice how President Shen treats this new designer differently?"

"I thought so too—he even dismissed Director Xue’s opinion."

"Who exactly is this Lauren Shaw, anyway?"

Up until now, Mandy Snow’s word was law—everyone knew she was President Shen’s sister-in-law, all family. But today, it seemed like Bryce Shaw was opposing her on purpose.

Mandy Snow stopped in front, and the others quickly fell silent.

"If you spent less time gossiping and more time working on your plans, maybe our unknown brand would actually stand a chance at custom design. Otherwise, it’s just wishful thinking," she said, her voice loud enough for Lauren Shaw, just emerging from the meeting, to hear. Most likely, it was meant for her.

Those who had been gossiping moments ago were now watching with popcorn-in-hand expressions.

On one side was the Shen family’s daughter-in-law; on the other, a designer favored by the boss. Even if they butted heads, wasn’t the outcome obvious?

Everyone was on Mandy Snow’s side.

"You’re right, Director Xue. Not only do I like to dream—I like making those dreams reality. I hope you’ll guide me well," Lauren Shaw replied smoothly, her smile relaxed and unruffled.

Why exhaust yourself fighting internally, when you could just drive your opponents crazy instead?

Mandy Snow maintained her smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. The whole exchange felt undeniably fake.

"Let’s hope you don’t let everyone down, Designer Li," she said.

Lauren Shaw stared right back, refusing to back down. "As long as Director Xue doesn’t target me every time, I’m sure I won’t."

She disliked her, and it was clearly mutual.

Tit for tat—it was only fair.

Mandy Snow realized she couldn’t win verbally, especially with so many onlookers. She forced a smile. "Why would I target you? I’m only thinking of the company’s best interests. Don’t overthink it."

Lauren Shaw waved her off with an air of magnanimity. "Of course, Director Xue, I know you’re putting the company first. But you know how people love to gossip. Outsiders might assume you’re treating me unfairly. But I know you’re not the scheming, underhanded type."

By now, Mandy Snow’s face had darkened.

She said nothing more and turned away.

Lauren Shaw called after her, "Director Xue, let’s chat more—why are you leaving so soon? Did I say something wrong?"

On her very first day, Lauren Shaw had already shown Mandy Snow what it meant to be a tough nut to crack.

Lauren Shaw might look easy to bully, but try and you’d find you were kicking an iron wall.

Lauren Shaw made her way to Bryce Shaw’s office.

Bryce Shaw resembled his younger brother Yancy Shaw, but radiated a very different vibe.

Bryce Shaw was a shrewd and decisive businessman—every inch the archetype of the modern corporate leader.

Whereas Yancy Shaw had an air of calm detachment, unbothered by the world and content within himself.

"Lauren Shaw, sit," Bryce Shaw said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.

Lauren Shaw sat down and offered a small smile. "Thank you, second brother."

Bryce Shaw looked at her. "Sorry we kept you in the dark about all this, and hid things from you. But don’t blame Yancheng—he didn’t know either."

Lauren Shaw smiled lightly. "Don’t worry. Yancheng already explained everything to me. I understand."

Bryce Shaw smiled. Mature, gentle, and understanding—no wonder Yancheng was taken with her.

"Yancheng is lucky to have married you."

"And I’m lucky to have him," Lauren Shaw replied quietly. They truly did heal and understand each other.

Both of them were fortunate.

"What happened before left Yancheng deeply scarred. He always blamed himself for grandfather’s death and couldn’t move on for a long time…" Bryce Shaw’s voice trembled slightly at the memories.

"Grandfather was stabbed over ten times—every wound fatal. Yancheng was pinned by the car, helpless to do anything but watch the violence…"

Lauren Shaw had heard the story from Yancy Shaw before, but hearing it from Bryce Shaw now hit even harder. Her heart ached.

"Even now, I’m still investigating who was behind it all."

Lauren Shaw blinked in surprise. Still investigating? Did that mean the real mastermind had never been caught?

"The person who orchestrated the crash died in prison and we couldn’t pursue it any further. The Shen family made plenty of enemies over the years—there are too many suspects."

Bryce Shaw exhaled heavily. In truth, he had been under a lot of pressure managing the Shen family’s businesses for so many years—and lately, it was catching up with him.

He hated the mastermind behind grandfather’s murder—no one in the Shen family had ever let it go.

Lauren Shaw felt a wave of bitterness. To witness your own family being killed and be powerless to stop it—if it had been her, she might have fallen apart, too.