When Ivy heard she had been accepted, she was already over the moon, but she couldnât believe it when Nolan offered her such a significant position. Even she doubted her own abilities after being cooped up in the Dunhill family for so long, and worried that some of her professional knowledge might be rusty.
âBecause Iâm Nolan. Iâve known you since high school, and I understand your character and your capabilities. Iâm giving you this position because I believe in you, Nolanâs eyes shone with sincere affirmation, making it clear that this wasnât just flattery; he genuinely believed in Ivy.
Ivy couldnât help feeling a twinge of nervousness under Nolanâs admiring gaze.
The more someone trusted her, the more she began to doubt herself. âNolan, thank you for believing in me. If youâre willing to take me on, Iâd be happy with the simplest job. Iâve never worked before, and thereâs so much I donât understand. Iâm afraid Iâll let you down. If I suddenly take on the role of the Advertising Director, I might mess up the branchâs business.â
âIvy, I saw how you handled Clara with such determination. But now, why are you still as insecure as before? You should have more confidence in yourself and believe in yourself. Youâre truly exceptional!â
Ivyâs mouth dropped open in astonishment, âNolan, you⦠you saw that?â
Nolan smiled, âYeah, I saw everything!â
Ivy was embarrassed and hung her head. âNolan, she was slandering me, and I was just so angry that I couldnât hold back. Iâm sorry for causing trouble for your company.â
Nolan chuckled, âYou didnât cause any trouble. In fact, I think it was for the best. You helped us weed out a brand ambassador with questionable character.â
Ivy had expected Nolan to scold her, but upon hearing his praise, she lifted her head, blinked, and said, âNolan, I hindered the companyâs shooting progress and caused damage to the hired artistâs appearance. Why are you praising me?â
âYou did nothing wrong. When someone slanders and bullies you, you should stand up for yourself.â
Nolan had already investigated everything that happened that day and learned a lot of details from the staff.
He was now certain that it was Clara who had provoked Ivy. That woman was no innocent party.
Ivy had always been accommodating, so for her to react that strongly, Clara must have gone too far!
Ivy felt a touch of emotion, âNolan, do you really think I did the right thing?â
Nolan nodded firmly with a smile, âOf course. Since Clara slandered you, you have every right to defend your reputation.â
Ivy felt a wave of warmth. Nolan was just as understanding as ever.
All along, Tessa had drilled into Ivy that she should yield to Clara, no matter what Clara did. She wasnât allowed to fight back.
Over the years.
Raised by a mother who constantly belittled her, that was why she had endured so much Thinking of her biased mother, Ivyâs smile was laced with bitterness, Thanks for understanding me, Nolan, but Iâm sure some people will think what I did was wrong.
âYou donât need to worry about anyone elseâs opinions.â Nolan leaned back in his chair, looking at Ivy with a tinge of pity. âSo, what do you think? Do you want to join our branch?â
Nolan was serious about hiring her, but Ivy was still hesitant.
The position of Advertising Director was probably the best offer she could get at this stage, but she had her concerns. First, she feared her own capabilities and whether she could fulfill the role. Second, she hadnât forgotten the warning Balfour gave her; he didnât want her getting too close to other men. She couldnât just ignore that and jump into working at Nolanâs company, could she?
If she accepted Nolanâs offer, it would be difficult to explain to Balfour.
But if she gave up, she would be letting go of an opportunity that had not come easily.