Lilian's eyes also widened in surprise. "Annabelle is notorious for being unruly and unreasonable. This is going to be tough."
Max, the leader of the Darius group, chimed in, "Annabelle's reputation precedes her. She's a handful, even for experienced designers."
Julia took a deep breath, determination in her eyes. "I'll do it. I won't let Audrey win."
Julia gazed at Lilian, sensing she had a mysterious past. "I've just heard rumors," Julia said with a smile, not prying further. Everyone has secrets, and they hadn't known each other long enough to share personal stories.
Julia focused on the customer information, learning Annabelle Sanchez was the daughter of Splendid Entertainment. The notes described her as a challenging client, even for Audrey. Julia's headache intensified as she read on.
Lilian pointed out, "Annabelle loves Hermès bags. She's a VIP client, gets new releases and customizations, even has them delivered to her doorstep." Lilian paused for dramatic effect. "She had a Hermès designer fired once."
Julia's eyes widened in fear. "Maybe I'll be the next one she gets fired," Julia joked nervously. If Hermès could let someone go due to Annabelle's demands...
Lilian's expression turned serious. "Be careful, Julia. Annabelle's reputation precedes her. We'll support you, but tread carefully."
Julia's eyes widened in fear. "Maybe I'll be the next one she gets fired," Julia joked nervously. If Hermès could let someone go due to Annabelle's demands, what chance did she stand?
Just then, a colleague shouted from the front desk, "Julia, your takeaway!"
Julia looked up, confused, and saw a packing box being held out. "Here," she said, raising her hand.
Lilian asked, "Did you order takeout?"
Julia shook her head. "No, I haven't had lunch yet. I forgot."
The colleague at the front desk handed Julia the box. "Someone dropped it off for you. Said it was for Julia."
Julia took the box, still puzzled. "Thanks," she said, opening the box to reveal a delicious meal.
Lilian's curiosity got the better of her. "Who could have sent you food, Julia?"
Julia shrugged, taking a bite. "No idea, but I'm not complaining!"
Julia smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude. "I'll take all the luck I can get."
Samson walked over to Julia: "Mmm, it smells amazing! And it looks delicious too."
Just then, Julia's phone rang. She answered, and Max's smooth voice came through: "Hey, have you eaten? Georgina made lunch and sent it over to you. Did you get it?"
Julia smiled, "Ah, so this is Georgina's cooking! I just got it, and I'm starving. Have you eaten yet?"
Max had already returned to the company and was sitting in the president's office: "First day on the job, how's it going?"
Julia gave a neutral report: "It's not bad. My colleagues are treating me well."
Lilian, who was sitting next to Julia, widened her eyes in surprise. Wasn't Julia just talking nonsense with Max?
Max continued, "Great, I'll pick you up at 5:30 when you get off work."
Julia nodded, even though Max couldn't see her. "Okay, sounds good."
As Julia hung up the phone, Lilian whispered, "You two are pretty close, huh?"
Julia blushed, "We're just friends."
Lilian teased, "Sure you are, Julia. Sure you are."
Here is the rewritten text with the requested changes:
"Go eat quickly, don't stay hungry," Max said, his voice filled with concern.
Julia's mood lifted, and she took her meal to the coffee room. Lilian followed, curious. "Was that your husband? He sounds so sweet!"
Julia smiled, "He's a tough exterior, but a softie inside." She gushed about Max, not holding back.
Lilian's eyes widened. "A beautiful woman like you needed a blind date? Tsk tsk, the man next to you has some responsibility!"
Julia laughed, feeling at ease. After lunch, she dove back into work, determined to find a design style that would impress Annabelle..
Just then Lilian worked up to her, if you're done then" Let's head out together," Lilian said. "I'll walk you out."
Julia replied, "No need, my husband is picking me up at the entrance."
As they walked downstairs, Lilian said, "You're so lucky to have Max. He's really sweet on you."
Julia smiled, feeling grateful. When they reached the parking lot, Lilian drove off, waving goodbye. "Drive safely, I'll go first! See you tomorrow!"
Max, waiting by the car, opened the door for Julia. As she got in, he asked, "What do you want to eat tonight?"
Julia replied, "I need to visit the hospital first. A colleague from sales had her baby today, and I'm the godmother. I need to get a gift for the baby."
As they drove, Julia gushed about the newborn's tiny hands and feet. Max listened, a hint of a smile on his face. "When we have a baby, it'll be the cutest one in the world," he said, teasing her.
Julia's heart skipped a beat. That wasn't what she meant, but Max's words sparked a glimmer of hope. His genes were great, and their baby would surely be adorable.
Women are complex creatures, always seeking the most affirming response, leaving ambiguity unsettling. Julia and Max visited the maternity and baby store, where Julia sought to buy two sets of clothes for the newborn. Uncertain about sizing, she asked the owner for guidance.
Assuming Julia was pregnant, the owner smiled and asked, "How many months along are you? When's the due date? I can recommend seasonal clothes suitable for your baby's delicate skin."
Julia glanced at Max, embarrassed, and clarified, "I'm buying this as a gift for a friend."
The owner, realizing her mistake, smiled and asked, "Boy or girl?"
Julia replied, "A boy. My colleague just gave birth, and I'm the godmother."
Max chimed in, "We should get something cute and cozy for the little guy."
The owner showed them adorable outfits, and Julia asked Max, "What do you think? Should we get the blue or neutral set?"
Max smiled, "Surprise me. You choose."
Julia playfully rolled her eyes, "You're not helping."
She asked the store owner for recommendations.
As Julia chatted with the owner, Max wandered over to the newborn clothes, touching a pink dress. "This one's cute," he said.
The owner smiled, "Pink is suitable for boys too, and this set comes in various sizes. Why not get one? It's pure cotton and affordable."
Julia considered the dress, "What do you think, Max? Should we get this one?"
Max replied, "Let me look around. Since Mrs. George just had a boy. Blue or yellow would be better."
The owner quickly showed them blue options. Max carefully selected clothes, as if choosing for his own child. Julia watched, smiling, realizing Max loved kids. She was clueless about buying children's things, but Max picked the best ones, including two sets of clothes and a set of quacking yellow duck toys.
As they checked out, Julia teased, "You're quite the expert, Max."
Max chuckled, "Just trying to help. Besides, I have a good eye for cute things."
Julia playfully rolled her eyes, "Sure you do.
As Julia chatted with the store owner, Max strolled over to the newborn clothes, his fingers brushing against a pink dress. "Aww, this one's adorable," he said, his eyes sparkling with delight.
The owner smiled, "You know, kids don't care about colors these days. Pink is just as great as blue! We have various sizes for this set. Why not grab one? It's pure cotton and won't break the bank."
Julia's gaze followed Max's, and she couldn't help but agree. "What do you think, Max? Should we go for this one?"
Max hesitated, "Let me browse a bit more. Since Mrs. George. Just had a baby boy, Maybe blue or yellow would be more suitable."
The owner quickly presented them with blue options. Max scrutinized each piece, his expression as serious as if he were shopping for his own child. Julia watched, a smile creeping onto her face. It was clear Max had a soft spot for kids. She, on the other hand, was clueless about buying children's clothes.