Chapter 246: The Deal is Done
Vivian Lowell awoke from a dream.
When she opened her eyes, she stared at the intense sunlight streaming through the window, still a bit dazed.
’Wasn’t I just beachcombing?’
The dream had been so incredibly real. She’d spent a long time searching the beach, but in the end, all she found were a few small shells. She couldn’t even tell what kind they were.
Still, at least she had something to show for her efforts.
But compared to Mr. Drake, her haul was pitifully small!
Most importantly, Vivian had actually found a Clam at one point, but that Clam was too clever. Sprinkling salt didn’t lure it out, and when Vivian tried to dig for it directly, the Clam got away!
Vivian was too embarrassed to even tell Mr. Drake about it. She was stewing in her frustration when she woke up and realized it had all been just a dream!
"That dream was so amazing!"
Vivian couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.
She remembered having watched beachcombing videos online before, but that was a long time ago. She couldn’t remember any of the basic tips the creator had taught.
She never expected to dream about Mr. Drake teaching her how to go beachcombing, and for it to feel so real!
Sprinkling salt, telling whether it was a crab, a Moon Shell, or a Cat’s Eye Snail based on the different shapes of the holes in the sand—she actually remembered it all!
"You’re awake?"
Vivian was still lost in her memories when Julian Faulkner, finished with his morning routine, walked out of the bathroom.
"Mhm, I’m awake."
Vivian nodded and immediately started telling Julian about her dream. "You have no idea, beachcombing is so much fun!"
Julian frowned after listening, mulling it over for a long moment before saying, "That dream does sound a bit strange. But... do you really want to go beachcombing that badly?"
Vivian nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! After that dream last night, Julian, I think I’m a beachcombing expert now!"
"If we go to the coast, I’ll definitely be able to catch a ton of stuff!"
Julian shook his head and chuckled, not bothering to argue. "Alright. If we have time in the next few days, I’ll charter a fishing boat for you, and we can go out on the ocean."
"We could go sea fishing, too! Then, when we catch some fish, we can grill them, right?"
At the mention of these wonderful possibilities, Vivian’s eyes started to sparkle. She wanted nothing more than to throw herself at Julian and give him a kiss.
’Thank you for remembering my wish!’
After washing up, Vivian went downstairs with Julian for breakfast.
It was still early, just past eight. Like yesterday, Vivian had the free-range chicken rice noodles.
"These rice noodles are so good. You can tell the chicken broth was simmered for ages, not just some ’science and shady additives’ concoction~" Vivian said, then popped a grape into her mouth.
The grapes were delicious too. They were green grapes—sweet, with thin skins.
"If you like it, have some more. But remember to eat a balanced meal. You should have some vegetables too."
𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂
Julian advised. Vivian nodded. Just as the two were enjoying their meal, Joy Drake appeared beside them.
Catching sight of Joy out of the corner of her eye, Vivian almost rolled her eyes. ’This woman is like a ghost you can’t shake off; she’s always popping up around me!’
And just as she thought that, Joy Drake walked over.
She wore an apologetic expression as she looked at Vivian and Julian. "President Faulkner, Mrs. Faulkner. I’m truly sorry about what happened last night."
"I never thought my negligence would lead to something like this! Sylvia and Finn Drake have confessed everything. They realize their mistake and want to apologize to you both!"
"And I... I also owe you an apology."
"There’s no need."
Julian’s gaze was indifferent. "Miss Drake, the best apology you could give us is to appear in front of my wife and me as little as possible from now on."
"..."
Joy Drake clearly hadn’t expected Julian to be so blunt this time. His words were tantamount to a direct slap in the face.
Joy was so embarrassed she was at a loss for what to do. It was Hazel Drake who saw the awkward situation, came over, and tugged on Joy’s arm. "Mr. Faulkner, Mrs. Faulkner, please enjoy your meal."
"I need to talk to Joy about something!"
No one paid Hazel any mind.
Hazel herself didn’t seem to care and simply pulled Joy away.
With Joy gone, Vivian felt the space instantly quiet down. She pouted and said, "That woman... I have no idea what goes on in her head!"
"Bringing that up again, is she trying to disgust us on purpose?"
’Perhaps that’s exactly what Joy was thinking!’
By disgusting Vivian and Julian one more time, she would make them resent Sylvia Drake and Finn Drake even more. That way, Sylvia and Finn would never have a chance to make a comeback!
Given Joy’s methods, it was entirely possible she would do something like that!
But...
By doing so, Joy would also make Vivian and Julian resent her as well.
’I really don’t get it. Has Joy really stooped this low just to get rid of her rivals?’
After breakfast, Finn took Vivian to meet several clients. They were the heads of a few apparel and accessory brands who were looking to introduce products from abroad into the domestic market and needed someone for packaging design.
Vivian met with these clients and presented her preliminary proposals—in other words, her design sketches. Everyone was extremely satisfied, and the deals were signed almost immediately.
「At noon.」
When Vivian returned to the hotel with a stack of hefty contracts, Finn was so excited he looked like he was about to jump for joy.
"Boss, you’re amazing! You closed several million in contracts in a single morning! WAHHH, I don’t know if I could earn this much money in my entire life!"
"Is this what capitalism feels like? I’m so jealous! It’s so sinful, I love it!"
Finn was getting boisterous again.
Vivian laughed and handed all the contracts to Finn. "Alright now, scan a copy of these when you get back, then send them to Leo."
"Once she receives them, she’ll know how to proceed with the follow-up work at the company. We’re not in the office for the next few days, so we need her to coordinate things."
"You’re the one who put in the effort to find those clients for me, too. Don’t worry, you’ll get your commission. What was that about money an ordinary person could never earn in a lifetime?"
"Working for me, as long as you’re willing to work hard, you’ll have your chance."
Hearing Vivian’s words, Finn clutched the contracts, instantly filled with motivation.
"Boss, I’ll definitely work hard from now on!"
Finn looked like he was about to thump his chest to guarantee it.
Vivian couldn’t help but laugh. She suddenly felt like one of those capitalists who are good at "dangling a carrot," but even if she was a capitalist, she was a conscientious one!
She was nothing like those bosses who preach that "working 996 is a blessing" and make their employees work unpaid overtime!
...
Back at the hotel, Vivian spent the afternoon busy communicating with Leo about the follow-up matters.
Julian didn’t go out either. He simply grabbed his laptop and sat beside Vivian, working alongside her. He would occasionally bring her a glass of water or have a small piece of cake sent up for her.
He looked for all the world like a man dedicated to staying by her side and waiting on her hand and foot!