Melissa Greenwood was busy greeting her colleagues and hadn't noticed Yolanda Greenwood, but Cooper Coldson's reminder brought a flash of displeasure to her eyes.
With so many people coming out of the building, how could Cooper have seen her?
She silently clenched her teeth and then forced a smile as she rushed after him.
"Yolanda, wait a moment." She grabbed Yolanda Greenwood's arm, "Yolanda, we agreed to celebrate together, are you trying to sneak away?"
"Forget it, I..." Yolanda Greenwood really didn't want to go, "You just got back to the country, I don't want to intrude on your time together."
"What are you talking about?" Melissa Greenwood blushed, "You and Cooper aren't even divorced yet, plus, you're not an outsider."
"Cousin," Yolanda Greenwood started to explain anxiously, "ask Cooper when he's free, and we can go finalize the procedures."
"I won't ask. If you need to, you ask him yourself." Melissa Greenwood replied with a coquettish expression, "Don't let him think I'm desperate to marry him. Let me tell you, the easier a man gets a woman, the less he values her."
Yolanda Greenwood was momentarily stunned.
So, to Cooper, was she just too easy to obtain, and thus not worth cherishing?
Eventually, Melissa Greenwood dragged her into the car.
She sat in the front seat, while Melissa Greenwood and Cooper Coldson took the back.
Yolanda Greenwood bowed her head, imagining her face pale and probably hideous.
Throughout the journey, it was mostly Melissa Greenwood who did the talking.
"Cooper, what would you like to eat? Japanese food or Western?"
"Either is fine."
"It's always like this, I'm not asking you anymore. Yolanda, what would you like to eat?"
"Ah? I'm fine with anything."
"No 'fine with anything,' today we are celebrating you, you must choose one."
"Then let's go for Western."
"Western, huh? I've had enough of that abroad this past year. But if Yolanda likes it, then let's go with Western."
"Ah? Japanese food, that's fine too."
"No, let's stick with Western."
Once they arrived at the Western restaurant, Melissa Greenwood got busy ordering, and after placing their order, she winked at Yolanda Greenwood, "I'm going to the restroom."
Yolanda Greenwood immediately understood; Melissa Greenwood was reminding her about finalizing the divorce.
"Cooper," she looked up at the man, "when are you free? Let's go finalize the procedures."
"You seem more anxious than I am." Cooper Coldson snorted lightly, "Don't worry, I'll let you know immediately when I find the time."
"Okay." Yolanda Greenwood didn't want to stay any longer.
She grabbed her bag and stood up, "I have another errand to run, so I'll leave first, please tell my cousin for me."
She left the restaurant almost as if she was fleeing, and then sent Melissa Greenwood a WeChat message.
[Cousin, I asked Cooper about the divorce, he said he'd schedule it as soon as he's free.]
Melissa Greenwood replied quickly.
[Yeah, he's too busy with work, keep reminding him now and then, hehe, our Yolanda is the best, I'll treat you next time.]
Yolanda Greenwood took a walk along the riverbank; it was Lola Gold's live streaming day, she would have to return home later.
The river wind was strong, blowing tears from her face, and she knew she really needed to let go of Cooper Coldson.
In the following days, there was no word from Cooper Coldson, but instead, Melissa Greenwood made plans with Yolanda Greenwood every few days.
Yolanda Greenwood understood that Melissa Greenwood was anxious; this was her way of reminding her to urge Cooper.
But what kind of person was Cooper? How could he easily yield to her wishes?
In the office, the empty workspace remained vacant, Yolanda Greenwood knew that no new person was coming—it was just that Jenny Reyes didn't like her.
She continued to be invisible.
No one assigned her work, no one paid her any mind, her own time was embarrassingly abundant.
So, she took a drawing board and picked up the brushes again, painting whatever came to mind, filling her days with productivity and ease.
Actually, Jenny Reyes had been waiting for Yolanda Greenwood to quit on her own, but instead, she had come up with several design drafts.
"Did Yolanda Greenwood draw these?" She looked over the drawings several times.
Painter Sophie Taylor nodded, "Yes, I saw her drawing them, and honestly, they're pretty good, aren't they?"
Jenny Reyes didn't say a word. Although the hand-drawn designs lacked the techniques and finesse of a professional fashion designer, the bold use of colors and clever designs were refreshing.
Could this copycat really have something to offer?
The next morning, she called Yolanda Greenwood in.
"Good morning, Manager Reyes," Yolanda Greenwood said nervously.
Jenny Reyes looked at her coldly, "Enjoying getting paid for doing nothing?"
Yolanda Greenwood didn't respond; she didn't want to argue.
Seeing this, Jenny Reyes took out a document knowingly.
"This is for a high-end client of ours; she's getting engaged and wants a gown, can you provide three drafts within a week?"
Yolanda Greenwood couldn't believe her eyes.
"Answer me!" Jenny Reyes had no more patience.
As if afraid Jenny Reyes might change her mind, Yolanda Greenwood clutched the documents to her chest, "Don't worry, Manager Reyes, I'll give it my all."
Jenny Reyes waved her off, watching Yolanda Greenwood's excited figure leave, and secretly felt this young lady wasn't quite what she had expected.
She remembered the designs she saw last night; the color use and composition were quite similar to the award-winning work of Melissa Greenwood.
Could this copycat be imitating Director Greenwood?
But last night's designs seemed a tad more mature.
What Yolanda Greenwood didn't know was that Melissa Greenwood also received the same information and requirements for this high-end client.
Jenny Reyes suddenly looked forward to comparing their drafts.
...
After returning, Yolanda Greenwood threw herself wholeheartedly into the gown.
A rare opportunity, she had to prove herself.
After spending several days studying client information and famous international designers, Yolanda Greenwood finally had an idea that weekend.
But then Melissa Greenwood called, "Yolanda, I'm going to try on wedding dresses today, can you come with me?"
"Today?" Yolanda Greenwood was troubled, "But I have work today. Maybe you could..."
"Yolanda, I haven't told anyone else that Cooper and I are getting married," Melissa Greenwood laughed bitterly, "After all, you two are not yet divorced, and I don't want them gossiping about us behind our backs."
She pleaded, "So Yolanda, you're the only one who can help me, could you come?"
With things said to that extent, Yolanda Greenwood could not decline.
Changing her mindset, she decided to visit the bridal shop to possibly find new inspiration.
"Okay, then send me the address."
Yolanda Greenwood packed up her things and soon arrived at the bridal shop.
As the only daughter of the Patriarch of the Greenwood Family, marrying into the highest echelons of Gray City, naturally, she would choose only the best wedding dress.
Once Yolanda Greenwood entered the shop, she was captivated by various beautifully designed wedding dresses and gowns.
If wedding dresses were every girl's dream, then this place was truly a dreamy paradise.
While Melissa Greenwood tried on the latest model inside,
Yolanda Greenwood explored on her own, inspecting each piece.
She had once dreamt of wearing her own designed wedding dress to marry Cooper Coldson, but in reality... they hadn't even held a wedding ceremony.
Suddenly, a familiar, slightly mocking voice spoke from behind.
"What? Do you also want to try one on?"