Chapter 83
Angelina spent a few more days resting at home passing the time by sketching design drafts.
The supporting female character initially chose to study design. It wasn’t driven by passion or genuine interest. Her only motivation had been to compete with Isadora.
The results were clear that she lacked the talent for it. After a few unsatisfactory sketches, she sighed, closed her design notebook, and quietly slipped it into a drawer.
Isadora, however, remained enthusiastic and kept encouraging her to come to the studio.
“Angie, you just had the baby, but you don’t want to stay home taking care of her forever. My mom doesn’t work, so she can help with Catherine. We women deserve to pursue our own
careers too,” Isadora said earnestly.
“Are you worried that Chester can’t support me? Angelina asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Come on. Chester can more than afford to support you,” Isadora replied with a playful smirk.
Chester had made it through the recent challenges and was finally turning a good profit. While the family hadn’t fully regained its former prosperity, they weren’t far behind.
Isadora scooped some ice cream and handed it to Angelina, sitting beside her on thé sofa. ” Come on, Angie. Give it a try. Let me see your designs, and I’ll give you some feedback,” she
encouraged.
Angelina shook her head. She didn’t want to embarrass herself, but Isadora’s offer tempted
her.
“I still owe you 300 thousand from the startup funds you gave me. If you join us, consider it your investment. Since Megan and Rosalind joined, the studio has expanded significantly, Isadora murmured.
“Then why do you need me?” Angelina asked, frowning slightly.
“To bring in some fresh ideas, of course! Your style will be different from ours. Design needs that spark of novelty, something that makes people go ‘wow‘!” Isadora said brightly.
Angelina said she’d think about it, but she was already imagining herself sketching designs in
the studio.
Emily was downstairs chatting with the neighbors while Catherine enjoyed the sunshine. When she returned and opened the door, Isadora quickly tossed the half–eaten ice cream into
the trash.
Angelina stared silently, unimpressed.
To cover her tracks, Isadora threw a napkin on top. Such a waste of perfectly good dessert.
Chapter 83
“Catherine, sweetheart, let Auntie hold you,” Isadora cooed.
“Wash your hands first,” Emily said firmly.
“They’re clean,” Isadora insisted.
“Use sanitizer. You’re always handling fabric. Do you think that stuff is clean? Workers‘ shoes have probably been all over it. Think of the germs.”
With a sigh, Isadora washed her hands and took Catherine into her arms.
Since her jaundice had cleared, Catherine had been eating and sleeping well. Although she was bottle–fed, she was just as chubby and healthy as any breastfed baby.
Bundled up in a snug fall jacket, she looked even sturdier.
“Catherine, eat well, sleep well, and grow up nice and tall. Try to be as tall as Auntie!” Isadora said cheerfully. Standing at five feet six inches, Isadora was tall for a woman.
Emily snorted. “Catherine will be taller than you,” she said confidently.
“I’m not short!” Isadora protested. “Being too tall isn’t great unless you’re a model.”
“A model? Catherine is not going to be a model.” Emily’s face darkened as she took Catherine
back.
, give her back!” Isadora complained.
“No. You’ll spoil her,” Emily retorted.
Angelina never fought to hold Catherine. Chester always brought Catherine to their room as soon as he got home.
That evening, Chester returned to find Angelina lying on the bed, scrolling through her phone. He casually took it from her hand.
“Don’t. It’s bad for your eyes,” he said softly.
She started to roll her eyes but stopped halfway. “Fine. Whatever you say,” she muttered. No phone? No problem. Following Chester’s advice had always been the safest bet. You couldn’t have it all. With that much money at stake, doing what he said was a fair trade.
