Filed to story: Unmasking the Billionaire: Don’t Mess with the Ex (Victoria & Carter) Book PDF Free
Victoria looked at the man and gave a soft nod.
Landon wore a sharp black suit that made him look quite polished. His gaze briefly shifted toward Eugene, who remained lounging casually at the desk, before quickly focusing on Victoria.
“Hello, I’m Landon Voss. Pleasure to meet you!” Landon said as he took the seat clearly reserved for the boss.
Victoria watched the exchange, glancing between Eugene and Landon before responding, “I’m Victoria Lewis.”
“I’ve personally reviewed your design portfolio. I believe you have remarkable potential.” Landon’s usual casual demeanor vanished, replaced by complete professionalism. “Before we discuss salary, may I ask how familiar you are with Cosmos Group, Ms. Lewis?”
“I have some understanding.” Victoria didn’t hesitate to point out both the company’s strengths and several issues she had observed.
Landon listened intently, watching Victoria for a while before slowly beginning to applaud.
“Outstanding! I knew I had chosen the right candidate. You possess genuine potential. On behalf of Cosmos Group, welcome to our team.” Landon stood up and extended his hand toward Victoria.
Victoria smiled at his sincere expression and stepped forward to take his hand.
“The honor is mine.”
Landon held Victoria’s hand, his smile warm.
Eugene remained lounging in his chair, but his eyes drifted toward where Landon was shaking Victoria’s hand. He raised his eyebrows slightly, his expression difficult to read, though for a brief moment, the atmosphere in the large office seemed to grow colder.
Landon sensed the subtle change in the room. Feeling a slight chill on the back of his neck, he quickly released Victoria’s hand and offered an easy smile.
“Ms. Lewis, allow me to introduce a friend. This is one of our investors, Mr. Rosewood!” Landon said, trying to sound casual as he gestured toward Eugene.
Victoria looked at Eugene sitting nearby and smiled. “What an unexpected coincidence, Mr. Rosewood!”
Eugene’s expression remained unchanged, though the corners of his lips curved slightly. “Indeed, Ms. Lewis.”
“You two already know each other?” Landon asked, feigning surprise while looking between them with curiosity.
Victoria replied calmly, “In a manner of speaking.”
“I’d met Ms. Lewis before. Didn’t expect to meet her again today.” Eugene glanced toward Victoria. “Ms. Lewis, how’s your recovery coming along?”
“I’ve fully recovered. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Rosewood.”
Victoria hadn’t anticipated encountering Eugene here. Today he was dressed very casually, creating a complete contrast to Landon’s sharp business suit.
Landon appeared every inch the corporate executive, while Eugene’s relaxed style seemed almost effortless. Yet when it came to presence, Eugene operated on an entirely different level, radiating a natural authority that commanded attention.
Perhaps that was simply how some people were – you could immediately sense they required keeping a respectful distance.
Landon glanced at Eugene’s composed face, mentally complaining about him. He cleared his throat and adopted a serious tone. “Ms. Lewis, I’m certain you understand why we invited you here today.”
Landon reached into a folder and withdrew Victoria’s original design sketch, spreading it carefully across the desk.
“Ms. Lewis, did you create this design?” Landon asked, pointing to the sketch.
Victoria glanced at her own draft and gave a slight nod.
“I find this design really compelling. Could you share what inspired it?” Landon sat elegantly in the president’s office chair, watching Victoria as he waited for her response.
Victoria studied the sketch on the table, her brow furrowing slightly.
To be honest, this was actually a draft she had discarded earlier. Still, for most design companies, it was already quite impressive.
She never expected to be discussing it here in the Cosmos Group office, so she decided to be straightforward.
“I was originally planning a series called ‘The Four Seasons.’ This sketch was one of the early concepts for Spring, though I never completed it.” Victoria kept her explanation simple. “Right now, I need a job, which is why I’m applying for the designer position.”
She wasn’t hiding her practical motives.
“The Four Seasons series? That’s an interesting concept. I genuinely like your design. How many pieces were you planning for the complete series?”
“Twelve,” Victoria answered.
“Perfect. I’m really looking forward to seeing the full collection.” Landon pulled another document from the folder and placed it before Victoria. “Please take a look, Ms. Lewis. Do you have any additional requests?”
Victoria quickly scanned the document, then met Landon’s gaze directly. “So you’re offering me the position?”
“More than that.” Landon’s smile widened. “Cosmos Group is expanding, and we’d like to offer you a chief designer position to lead our new series. We hope you’ll design the complete Four Seasons collection. Are you interested?”
Victoria didn’t respond immediately.
“Don’t worry about salary, Ms. Lewis. We’ll pay you what our top designer makes. If your work really takes off and brings major success to the company, we can even talk about sharing profits on future projects.” Landon spread his hands, looking serious. “I believe in rewarding talent. If you bring value to us, you’ll help set your own worth.”
Upon hearing this, a slight smile touched Victoria’s lips. “I’m honored!”
“So, Ms. Lewis, when can you start?”
“Tomorrow,” Victoria replied without hesitation.
“Perfect. I’m excited to see what you’ll bring to Cosmos Group.” With that, Landon called his assistant to help Victoria with the onboarding procedures.
The moment Victoria was out the door, Landon dropped his professional act. He sprang up and turned to Eugene. “So? How’d I do? Did I pass the test?”
Eugene had gotten Landon to play the part of Cosmos Group’s agent – a cover so Victoria wouldn’t find out who he really was.
Landon thought he’d nailed the role and was hoping for a little praise.
“Not bad. Keep it up,” Eugene said flatly, already heading for the door.
Landon stared after him, annoyed by his cool response. “Seriously, a little ‘good job’ wouldn’t hurt.”
Eugene didn’t bother looking back. But just as he reached the door, Landon spoke up again.
“Eugene, you could have any woman you want. Why are you so interested in Victoria, a divorced single mother?”
Eugene stopped and glanced back at Landon.
Was he really interested in Victoria?
He wasn’t entirely sure himself. He just felt there was something intriguing beneath Victoria’s surface, something that made him want to understand her better. Whenever she appeared, he found himself paying more attention.
If that counted as interest, then maybe he was interested in her.
“Come on, just tell me!” Landon had been curious about Victoria too. He’d even considered pursuing her himself. But with Eugene in the picture, he knew better than to embarrass himself.
Eugene’s interest in Victoria had always puzzled him.
“If you really need a reason, let’s just say I’m attracted to her appearance.” Eugene tossed out the line casually before striding away.
“Seriously? That’s all?!”
