I'm Willing To Trust You

Anthea found herself liking Linsey, but she never judged solely on first impressions.

She needed to see for herself if Linsey truly deserved Collin's high praise.

She steered the conversation back to business with a knowing smile. "Relax. If I doubted you, you wouldn't be sitting here."

A deliberate silence hung in the air as she took a slow sip of coffee.

Her voice then carried a quiet, firm authority. "But understand this. My standards for designers are exceptionally high. I'm giving you this chance. Fail to meet my expectations, and I will walk away without a second thought."

Linsey met her gaze steadily, a spark of absolute certainty in her eyes. "Mrs. kely, I have complete faith in my abilities. Trust me. The results will not just meet your expectations. They will exceed them."

Anthea gave a light, almost dismissive chuckle. "I've heard that promise more times than I can count. If you want me to take you seriously, show me something tangible."

Without hesitation, Linsey offered a confident smile. "That's easily done."

She reached into her bag and produced a thick portfolio, handing it over. "Mrs. kely, these are personal projects and sketches. Some are unfinished concepts. But they will give you a clear measure of my skill and creative range."

A flicker of genuine interest crossed Anthea's face as she accepted the folder.

She began flipping through the pages, her scrutiny intense and careful.

Seeing her focus, Linsey spoke with quiet conviction. "To be perfectly honest, Mrs. kely, you would be my first official client. I don't take that lightly. I sincerely hope you'll grant me this opportunity. I promise to deliver a design that surpasses anything you've imagined."

As Anthea turned the pages, her initial skepticism began to dissolve, replaced by growing admiration.

Truthfully, she had only agreed to see Linsey out of respect for Collin.

But now, faced with the raw creativity and evident evolution in the sketches, her perspective shifted. This wasn't just potential. This was proven talent.

The portfolio was arranged chronologically, charting Linsey's artistic journey.

The early works showed skill but were still derivative, influenced by other designers.

As the pages progressed, her confidence blossomed. Her lines became bolder, more intentional. The designs shed their influences, becoming uniquely her own.

The sheer volume of work spoke volumes about her dedication. Every sketch, every revision, was a testament to her relentless drive for mastery.

Anthea took her time, examining each page with meticulous attention.

Finally, she closed the portfolio and set it down, her expression inscrutable.

When she looked up again, unmistakable admiration shone in her eyes.

"Alright," she said, her tone decisive yet measured. "I'm willing to trust you. Do not disappoint me."

Linsey's heart soared. She nodded, determination blazing in her gaze. "I won't!"

Soon after, she returned to the office, the signed contract feeling like a hard-won trophy in her hands.

The moment she stepped inside, Cynthia moved to intercept her, blocking her path.

"Linsey, back already?" Cynthia sneered, her gaze sweeping over her with contempt. "Let me guess. Mrs. kely didn't even let you past the door. How pathetic. You should start packing your desk. If you can't close this deal, you have no place here."

Before Linsey could reply, Coen emerged from his office. Hearing Cynthia's taunts, he immediately assumed the worst.

His face darkened with a deep frown. "Linsey, did you even manage to meet Mrs. kely? It seems your abilities were overestimated. I expected more from the top candidate."

Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever