Chapter 21

With Fiona gone, Cordy had help from Stephen to select a new secretary, Vince Cartman. He was young and academically qualified, and had not joined either faction in Starstream Group since he was only recently hired.

And as instructed, Noel arrived to present her drafts for the season in the vast conference room. But even as she elaborated on the details, she lost confidence by the minute under Cordy's watchful gaze.

She certainly had to admit that she did not have the inspiration to create a design from scratch—even if she was given another week. Her design was fundamentally stuck to her old ideas, and the minute adjustments she made by borrowing inspiration from others left her designs less than outstanding.

"Do you think this is going to fly, Ms. Sachs?" Cordy asked as she took a sip of tea.

It was only natural that Noel came up with an excuse beforehand. "Personally, I think trends matter, but that does not mean we should lose our brand's individuality. What's wrong in keeping o