The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 32: Chapter 32

The next day, Eliza arrived at the company with an exquisite folder in hand.
During the morning meeting of the design department, she confidently handed her drafts to her supervisor, Matthew Green. "Mr. Green, these are the preliminary designs I've created for the 'Serenova' collection. Please take a look."
Matthew put on his glasses and began carefully examining Eliza's work. He felt the style was somewhat familiar.
His gaze paused on one particular draft, and his brows knitted slightly. "Eliza, did you create these designs entirely on your own?"
Eliza made a conscious effort to keep her expression steady, determined not to let the slightest hint of panic surface. She maintained a calm demeanor and replied, "Yes, I assure you all of these drafts are original."
Still somewhat skeptical, Matthew flipped through a few more of the pages Eliza had brought in.
Eliza stole a quick glance at the designs in his hands, which were the very drafts she had plagiarized from Serena's designs.
The styles were similar, clearly crafted by the same hand, and they were all of remarkably high quality.
Matthew nodded and commented, "I can tell you put a lot of thought into these. The 'Serenova' collection is very important. I expect your best work on it."
The stiff smile on Eliza's face softened into something more natural with a subtle trace of satisfaction upon hearing what Matthew said.
She responded with modest grace, "Thank you, Mr. Green. I'll do my best."
Over the next few days, Eliza continued to submit more drafts, each one even more stunning than the last.
Matthew's initial suspicions gradually faded, replaced by growing admiration. He thought to himself, 'Eliza is genuinely talented. Seems I underestimated her.'
When Victor heard of Eliza's impressive progress on the "Serenova" collection, he immediately had his assistant summon Eliza to his office.
Upon receiving the message, Eliza's heart leapt with glee. She ducked into the restroom, checked her makeup, and touched up her lipstick before heading to Victor's office.
She knocked lightly on the door. When she got Victor's permission, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. "Vic, anything you'd like to discuss with me?"
Victor sat behind his large desk and looked up at Eliza, a glint of approval showing in his eyes. "Ellie, I've seen the drafts for the 'Serenova' collection. They're excellent. You've done a great job."
He rose and walked around the desk to stand in front of her, giving her shoulder a gentle pat. "It's been a tough stretch. Thank you for your hard work."
A pleased smile bloomed on Eliza's face, just the right mix of delight and allure. "This is what I'm here for. I'm just happy to have your recognition."
Victor reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing softly against her cheek.
Eliza lowered her gaze, looking a bit bashful. The atmosphere grew warm, the air thick with unspoken memories of their past.
Victor's fingers lingered for a moment before slowly pulling away. He said, "Alright, go back to work. And make sure to get some rest."
"Okay, I'll leave now," replied Eliza.
Eliza left Victor's office with a smile she could no longer contain. She hummed cheerfully on her way back to the design department.
Clearing her throat, she raised her voice and announced, "Guys, to celebrate the successful approval of the 'Serenova' designs, I'll buy you coffee. Feel free to order whatever you want."
Her colleagues immediately gathered around, excited chatter filling the room.
A girl exclaimed, "Really? That's awesome. Thanks."
"Can I have an Americano?" said someone.
"I want a caramel macchiato," said a man.
Eliza jotted down everyone's orders with a smile. Then, she pulled out her phone and opened the food delivery app.
"No problem. It's all on me," she said, waving a hand with obvious pride.
"Eliza, can we take a look at the 'Serenova' drafts? We heard Matthew was full of praise. We're all dying to see your work," someone asked.
"Yeah, Eliza, we're keen to learn something from you," someone else chimed in.
Eliza offered a modest smile and replied, "Oh, it's really nothing special. Just some standard designs. Mr. Green flattered me."
Even as she said that, she still turned on her laptop and pulled up the 'Serenova' drafts to show everyone. The team immediately gathered around, pointing at the screen, their voices overlapping in excitement. "Wow, these are absolutely stunning."
Any lingering doubts about Eliza's abilities vanished in an instant.
A clerk said, eyes still fixed on the screen, "I used to think she just got lucky. Didn't expect her to actually be this talented."
"Yeah, I always assumed she climbed the ladder through connections. But clearly, I was too mean," said another man.
As the praise rolled in, Eliza felt a surge of satisfaction well up inside her. She kept her humble smile perfectly in place, but inside, she was glowing with pride.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Keith sat in a sterile consultation room, his heart weighed down with worry. "How is Alyssa?" he asked.
The doctor let out a long sigh, removed his glasses, and shook his head. His voice was grave as he replied, "Mr. Brannon, Alyssa's condition is not ideal. What she's exhibiting now aligns with severe autism."
Keith's breath caught. "H-How could this happen..."
"Mr. Brannon, right now, the most important thing is your presence. Alyssa needs to feel the warmth of love around her. That is absolutely critical for her."
"How long will this take?" asked Keith.
The doctor replied, "Autism is a lifelong condition, and treatment is often a long and challenging journey. In Alyssa's case, the severity means she'll need extensive therapy and long-term psychological support.
"We will do everything in our power to give her the best care available, but I cannot promise specific outcomes."
Keith sat silently for a long time.
"Mr. Brannon, please don't lose hope. With proper treatment and family support, many individuals with autism can gradually improve and eventually lead fulfilling lives. Alyssa still has a real chance," added the doctor.
Keith nodded, trying to keep his emotions in check.
Henry looked at Keith's worried expression and spoke gently, "Keith, you heard what the doctor said. Alyssa needs her family. You're not getting any younger. Maybe it's time to consider settling down. It would make things easier, especially with Alyssa needing more attention now."
Keith pressed his fingers against his temples, sighing. "I can't even think about that right now. Alyssa's health is all I care about."
Henry patted his shoulder and added, "I know you're worried. But having a complete family can really help her development. Kids need that kind of environment."
Henry's words kept echoing in Keith's mind, making him silent.
As if remembering something, Henry added, "Actually, I've been thinking that Ms. Gray you brought the other night seems like a good fit. Alyssa looked really happy with her. Maybe you should give it some thought."
At the mention of Serena's name, something stirred in Keith's heart. He could still picture her, sitting on the carpet, gently guiding Alyssa through a game. The way she smiled and the patient tone in her voice felt so natural and warm.
But he shook his head and answered, "I really can't think about that right now. I'll wait until Alyssa's condition stabilizes."