Chapter 31
Evangeline gave Anathea a tour of the studio. It wasn’t too far away from the Sinclair residence. It would take Anathea just over
ten minutes to get to work by car.
“Everyone,” Evangeline announced as she led Anathea to the center of the studio bullpen, clapping her hands twice to get her employees‘ attention. “This is our new floral designer, She’ll be working with you from now on!”
Anathea smiled courteously and nodded once in greeting. “I’m Anathea Jacobson. I’m glad to be part of your team, and I look forward to working with you all.”
Her introduction was met with wholehearted applause.
“Nice one, Ms. Holstrom! Where did you find such a delicate doll of a floral designer?” someone praised.
“She’s my junior,” Evangeline explained, wrapping an arm around Anathea as if showing her off. “Bet you’re jealous, huh?”
“More like very jealous!”
Another person piped up happily, “Knowing I’ll have a babe for a colleague makes me want to show up to work every day!”
A blush crept over Anathea’s cheeks when she heard the compliments directed at her. She couldn’t help feeling self–conscious.
“Alright, enough with the flattery and get back to work. I want to be surprised by the fruits of your labor this month, people!” Evangeline said before leading Anathea into an office.
The office wasn’t big, but it had everything a working floral designer could ask for. More importantly, it was a private office.
Anathea knew the office was too much for a newbie like her. “Evangeline, I don’t think this is a good look for us… I should probably join the others in the bullpen-”
“Nonsense. Take a seat,” Evangeline prompted, half–pushing Anathea into the office chair. She added emphatically, “Don’t forget that I hired you for your creative input.”
“Yes, but…” Anathea doubted if her input warranted such special treatment.
“Don’t worry. If you can’t deliver, I’ll dock your pay.” Evangeline put on an expression of mock seriousness. “So please stay put in your office and make money for the studio, okay?”
Evangeline was trying to make Anathea feel better about having an office in the studio. Knowing this, Anathea replied, “Alright.”
She was grateful to have Hannah and Evangeline look out for her like this. Now that she’d secured a job, she could afford to live independently.
While the pay Evangeline offered her was far from the three million dollars she needed for Fiona’s surgery, Eden Studio’s clientele was loaded enough that Anathea stood to earn 200 thousand dollars for each premium floral arrangement she secured. It was more than she’d expected.
1/2
+15 Bonus
Besides, her uncle, William Jacobson, had agreed to lend her the three million dollars to help her tide over. She only had to work to pay off the loan.
It was the first time Anathea felt like things were finally looking up for her. With her spirits restored, she pulled herself together and poured herself into work for the next two days.
Gregory had left for a business trip after he’d swung by the company the other day. Word was that Natalie had gone with him. He hadn’t even taken Martin along.
But Anathea couldn’t care less what Gregory and Natalie were doing. Right now, she needed to focus on herself. She didn’t have to tell Gregory about her new job either, considering he was away on business. She had to admit she felt liberated
Unfortunately, her freedom lasted only three days.
Xander was the first to discover that Anathea had a job. Normally, he’d see her first thing when he came home from school. However, for the last two days, he’d bounded through the foyer and called out for Anathea, only to be met with silence instead of her usual warm greeting.
“Jenny, where’s Mom?” Xander asked, puzzled by Anathea’s absence.
“Uh, well…” Jenny was at a loss too. She had no idea what Anathea had been up to recently. She just knew that Anathea had been notably absent from home.
But she’d noticed Anathea was visibly happier and wondered if the latter had gotten involved in a side project to win Gregory back. Jenny hoped that was the case.
At that moment, Anathea returned after getting off work earlier than usual. Jenny’s eyes lit up. “Mrs. Sinclair, you’re home!”
“Mom!” Xander jogged up to Anathea and wrapped his arms around her leg
