Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 282 Valeria actually felt a little nervous when it was her turn to give a presentation. Fortunately, everything went smoothly. Her design was a sleeveless, colored bodycon dress with golden tassels flowing down the front. Valeria had studied history and even visited the Broburgh City Museum for inspiration. She designed the bodycon dress with a fire-burned gradient effect, resembling that of the ceramic remnants that had gained their unique color from the unique kiln firing techniques. The museum director was seated beside Sebastian.

He was first surprised and then extremely satisfied with the subtle detail in Valeria's design. The design of the bodycon dress perfectly recreated the very essence of its inspiration piece. It had promoted its cultural inspiration and theme flawlessly. The director instinctively cleared his throat and exchanged a look with his colleague beside him. They, too, were very pleased , but in the end, the result of the bidding conference depended on the Grant Group's decision. Sebastian was also staring at the images of the design on the screen in awe.

He listened carefully to Valeria's soft but steady voice, explaining about her design. ---- Her tone was a little stiff at first as she was feeling nervous. However, as she eased into the presentation about something she knew best herself, her delivery became flawless. After Valeria sat down, she pressed a hand against her chest and let out a breath of relief. She was the third to last to give a presentation , so there were only two more design firms after her. Kayla leaned close to her and whispered, "I have a feeling that we're going to win this." Valeria was as calm as ever.

"I hope so, too." "You probably didn't notice, but Sabrina was looking both shocked and jealous at your design. She's on the verge of losing it! The other designers were also similarly awestruck with genuine admiration when they saw your design." At noon, everyone began to disperse from the meeting room. The results of the bidding conference would be sent out by email from the Grant Group. Two days later, Kayla received an email from the Grant Group reaching out to Etoile for collaboration.

She clutched Valeria's arm and shouted, "I knew we could do it!" That night, Kayla booked out two large private rooms at a bar so that the whole company could celebrate. ---- Valeria had a couple of drinks, perhaps influenced by the cheerful atmosphere throughout the room. Kayla drank heavily , though. She had a strong tolerance for alcohol and never really bothered to hold herself back. It did not matter whether it was a happy or sad occasion. Whenever she got drunk, however, she would start crying out a certain someone's name, no matter how she felt.

Valeria held onto her and gently patted her on the back. That night, Nancy drove Kayla's car to take Kayla home. Nancy herself did not drink even a drop, as she knew that Kayla would get wasted that night. In the end, it was just as she had expected. As soon as the car pulled into the garage, Kayla gagged and was about to throw up. Nancy shouted, "Ms. Mendes, not in the car!" Valeria had staggered out of the car as well, and Nancy immediately called out to her. "Ms. Neal, can you make it upstairs by yourself? I can't leave Ms.

Mendes here like this." Valeria just waved it off like it was nothing too much trouble. She slowly moved ahead in a daze, but she was going the opposite direction. Nancy glanced at the vomiting Kayla, gritted her teeth, and ---- quickly hurried over to Valeria. She grabbed Valeria by her shoulders and turned her around. "Ms. Neal, it's this way. This is the way back to your home." After watching Valeria enter the elevator, she pressed the button for the 16th floor before leaving to help Kayla back in the car.

Nancy had no idea who Nathan was, but Kayla would always curse out at his name every time she got drunk. The elevator doors slid open after a ding. Valeria stepped out and stumbled to her doorway. She braced herself against the doorframe and started keying in her password. After the second wrong attempt , the door opened from the inside. Sebastian had just finished showering and was wearing a dark gray bathing robe. His hair was still damp as it draped over his forehead. He looked at the woman in front of him and immediately noticed that she was reeking of alcohol.

Valeria's fair cheeks were completely red, and her eyes were seemingly losing focus. Her breathing was heavy, and her body was swaying around, most likely because she was drunk. Sebastian reached out to her, and she fell straight into his ---- arms.