CHAPTER 6
After returning from the party, Elena sat down at her desk, staring at the blank paper in front of her. Her hand was already gripping the pencil, but her mind drifted towards the man she had just met tonight-Nathaniel Drake Sebastian.
"Did I offend him?" she muttered under her breath.
She didn't apologize when Elena bumped into his at the party, instead She just walked away. The man was definitely not the type to be ignored. Had Nathaniel asked her to make this suit as a form of punishment?
Elena let out a long breath. "Never mind, I just need to keep my promise."
Tamara, who was sitting on the sofa with her laptop on her lap, gave Elena a curious glance. "El, have you figured out what kind of design you want to make?"
Elena tapped her pencil against the table. "I don't know what she likes yet. But I can guess from his style. A man like Nathaniel must like something classic, elegant and high quality."
Tamara nodded in agreement. "He always looks neat. Seems like the type who doesn't like weird experiments in dressing style."
Elena began drawing preliminary lines on her paper. "I'll make something perfect. If he's willing to play with my patience, I'll give him the best suit he's ever had."
Tamara chuckled. "Sounds like a challenge."
Elena grinned. "It is."
Three days later, Elena stood in front of Nathaniel's magnificent building. Her hands clutched the box containing the suit she had finished making.
"Why do I feel nervous?" she muttered.
She took a deep breath before going inside. A receptionist greeted her immediately. "Are you Miss Elena?"
"Yes."
"Mr. Nathan is waiting in his office. Please follow me."
Elena followed the woman to the elevator. After a short ride, the elevator doors opened, and she was taken to a spacious room with large windows that showed a panoramic view of the city.
Inside, Nathaniel sat behind a desk, signing some documents.
Without raising his head, he said, "You're just in time. At least you can keep your word."
Elena snorted softly. Her demeanor was still the same-cold and imperious.
"I don't like being in debt," she replied as she placed the suit case on the table.
Nathaniel finally looked at her. His eyes were sharp, as if scrutinizing Elena from head to toe. Then, with a casual gesture, he opened the box and lifted the suit.
His eyes narrowed. He looked carefully at the stitching, the fabric, and the design.
But then, his expression turned flat. "Hmm."
Elena frowned. "Why, you don't like it?"
Nathaniel shrugged. "It's normal."
Elena folded her arms across her chest. "Ordinary?"
Nathaniel put the suit back in the box. "I've seen better."
Elena almost laughed. It was a lie. She knew the suit was perfect. "If you don't like it, you don't have to pay me," she challenged.
Nathaniel stared at her for a moment before smiling wryly. "Who said I'd pay you?"
Elena snorted. "Then why ask me to make it?"
Nathaniel leaned back in his chair. "Just wanted to see if you could fulfill your promise. As a matter of responsibility since you soiled my suit."
Elena could hardly believe it. "All right. So our business is concluded, Mr. Nathan."
Nathaniel didn't answer, just smiled slightly.
Elena looked at him sharply. "You liked the suit, didn't you?"
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "Who says?"
Elena chuckled. "I know you like it. But you pretended to be dissatisfied, either out of prestige or just to test my patience."
Nathaniel gave a small smile. "Interesting."
Elena chuckled. "I don't have time to play games. If you don't want this suit, I can give it to someone else."
Nathaniel chuckled, then stood up, approaching the table. His hand casually picked up the suit again, then glanced at Elena with a sharp gaze.
"I'll try it on first," he said before stepping into another room.
A few minutes later, Nathaniel came out wearing the suit.
Elena held her breath.
Damn.
The suit looked amazing on his.
Nathaniel looked at himself in the mirror, shrugging as if he wasn't too impressed. "Not bad."
Elena restrained herself from throwing something at him.
"If it's so good, why don't you take it off?" she quipped.
Nathaniel turned around, giving her a long look before finally smiling faintly. "Alright. I'll admit, it's one of the best suits I've ever worn."
Elena smiled with satisfaction. "Finally."
Nathaniel walked back to his desk. "Having said that, I have an offer for you."
Elena looked Nathan carefully. "An offer?"
"I want you to be my personal designer."
Elena paused. It was a big offer-too big.
Nathaniel leaned back in his chair. "I need someone who can make clothes that meet my standards. I'm sure you can do it."
Elena gave his a sharp look. "Why me?"
Nathaniel gave a small smile. "Because you're the only person who dares to talk to me like that."
Elena thought for a moment. This offer was too tempting to refuse, but also risky.
Then, she nodded. "Okay. I accept."
Nathaniel smiled with satisfaction. "A wise decision."