His Destructive, Toxic Love

"I can't take credit; Mr. Casper reviewed and approved it himself," Faithe said, handing the draft to Nova. "Looking forward to seeing the final product."

"Faithe, I'll do my best," Nova replied, tucking the manuscript away. Then, with a warm smile, she added, "Casper gave me some French coffee a while back, and I haven't had the chance to try it yet. Want to join me?"

"I'd love to."

Faithe followed Nova to her office.

Sitting next to Eliza, Jessie rolled her eyes. "Seriously, everyone knows she's Mr. Casper's girlfriend. It's like a done deal."

Eliza glanced at her, saying nothing.

Frustrated, Jessie threw down her pencil. "I mean, she didn't even go to college! How could she possibly outshine those of us with formal training?"

Leaning towards Eliza, Jessie asked, "Right, Eliza?"

"Formal training or not, it doesn't matter. What matters is that Mr. Casper likes her designs," Eliza replied with a slight smile. "Let's just try harder next time."

"If she was already picked, why make us all compete and dangle a hundred thousand dollars in front of us?" Jessie fumed. "I really want to see her design. If it's truly a masterpiece, I'll accept it." "Let's not dwell on it. Let's get back to work."

To Eliza, it was clear that Casper was just using the design department to make Nova happy. It was a pity because the designers were racking their brains for that prize money.

Once the dust settled, work got a bit easier.

Over the weekend, Eliza visited the hospital.

Rose's treatment was going exceptionally well, and the project was about to kick off.

Brimming with confidence, Dr. Sanders said, "Ms. Eliza, once the project starts, I believe your mother could wake up in a month at most."

"That soon?" Eliza was thrilled.

"Mr. Casper personally negotiated

with the team abroad a few days

ago. This time, they'll send

professional doctors here and bring advanced medicine. Victory is within reach."

Eliza's face darkened slightly.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Casper personally handled this? Honestly, she wasn't grateful. If he hadn't halted the project in the first place, her mother would have woken up by now. "Let's hope for the best."

"All will be well. The dark days are almost behind us, and we'll see the sun soon."

Eliza nodded. No matter what, this was uplifting news.

"Dr. Sanders, I'll go see my mom now."

"Sure."

After leaving the hospital, Eliza returned to her apartment. Feeling good, she hummed a tune, preparing to make some instant soup.

The doorbell rang. It was Faithe.

"Ms. Eliza, Mr. Casper has a last-minute engagement. Change your clothes and come with me to the office."

Faithe's tone was harsh and coercive, with a hint of 'don't you dare refuse.' Eliza disliked her condescending attitude.

"Faithe, it's my off-time now. I'm not obliged to accompany Mr. Casper to any engagement."

Faithe sneered, "If Ms. Nova wasn't

feeling unwell suddenly, you

wouldn't have been considered. After all, we're meeting with a renowned figure in the literary and art world."

"Then let Mr. Casper find someone else. Falconridge is big; can't he find another woman?" Eliza's eyes swept over Faithe mockingly. "Maybe you, Faithe? Don't you dream of standing by Casper's side one day?"

Faithe's face twisted in anger. "You..."