On Monday morning, Elsie Clinton sat at the coffee table, slowly sipping her tea as she waited for Lilian Asienwegher. Today was Lilian's first day at the company, and all the workers were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their new boss. The former CEO had relocated back to his country and placed the company on the market. Thankfully, the new CEO retained most of the former workers, with only a few changes made. The building had been expanded to include a health and wellness center, and former secretaries were reassigned to new roles within the company. Receptionists were also retained, while new employees were hired to fill additional positions.
Most of the workers were relieved to have their jobs secured. In addition, three renowned designers had been employed with high salaries, which further boosted morale. Excitement filled the air as everyone awaited the grand welcoming of their new leader.
When the driver parked the Ferrari 250 GTO in the middle of the two parted rows formed by the awaiting staff, anticipation grew. Elsie calmly opened the co‑pilot's door, stepped out, and quickly moved to the passenger side. She picked up a briefcase and Lilian's handbag, then stepped aside to allow Lilian to exit.
Lilian did not rush. She took a deep breath, then elegantly stretched out her long, straight legs, her smooth skin glowing with a natural warm undertone. She placed her feet on the ground but remained seated for a moment, gathering herself.
Just then, a young lady stepped forward, standing before Lilian. Shock flickered across her face at the sight of this mysterious figure, but she quickly composed herself. Smiling beautifully, she handed over a bouquet of white roses, wrapped neatly, and said, "Welcome, ma'am." Then she stepped aside.
Lilian smiled beneath her covering, though no one could see it. She sniffed the roses gently, then rose to her feet. Her piercing eyes scanned the crowd, scrutinizing the questioning gazes directed at her. She understood their curiosity. She was covered from head to toe, her face concealed, leaving only her sharp eyes visible.
Elsie cleared her throat and stepped forward to explain. "We're truly sorry, but our new CEO is a traditionalist. Her tradition does not permit exposure of her face or body."
The officials sighed, nodding in understanding. They smiled politely and introduced the higher‑ups and the three designers. Then they offered to take Lilian on a tour, explaining the scope of the company and its future plans. Lilian listened attentively, occasionally nodding.
After the tour, she entered her office and immediately ordered a meeting in the conference room, summoning only the higher officials.
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Each manager and director presented a brief analysis of their department's progress and outlined plans to boost the company's success. Elsie listened carefully, taking notes, while Lilian also jotted down points on her notepad.
When everyone was finished, Lilian reviewed their analyses and proposals. She approved those that were satisfactory, rejected those she found unconvincing, and adjusted others as necessary. Her decisions were firm yet fair, leaving the officials impressed by her clarity and precision.
Soon, the meeting ended. Lilian then summoned the three highly paid designers for a separate briefing. She gave them a task: to create a design titled "My Soulmate and Angel of My Heart" within one month.
Later, in her office, Lilian instructed Elsie to relay her orders to the planning committee. They were to organize a show event in three months' time, marking the company's debut. The theme of the event would be the auction of their newest design, "My Soulmate and Angel of My Heart."
She also planned to include minor jewelry pieces she had designed long ago. Though she did not attach great importance to these, she knew they would fetch a considerable sum for the company. Lilian already had blueprints for her new design, but she wanted to compare them with the creations of the renowned designers. If their work surpassed hers, she would use theirs; if not, she would proceed with her own.
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The day was long and tiring, but eventually it came to an end. Lilian and Elsie asked the driver to take them to the mall to buy groceries and daily necessities. Too exhausted to cook, they ordered takeout. After eating, they discussed further plans for the company's growth, shared stories, and finally went to sleep.
Though they had initially been neighbors, Lilian and Elsie had gradually become roommates. Inside the company, they were superior and subordinate, but outside of work, they were close friends. Their relationship grew enviable, becoming the talk of Atherton town.
Because of distance, Lilian had relocated to Atherton, closer to her company. Elsie moved with her, serving as her assistant. Together, they set daily routines. Lilian spent her leisure time sketching and creating new designs, while Elsie accompanied her most of the time. Occasionally, Elsie represented the company at dinner parties or social events.
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Back in Avaldos City, Avery Macdonald's hatred for Lilian burned stronger than ever. She could not comprehend what charm Lilian possessed that made Perry so obsessed with her — enough to persuade his father to offer such a reward just to find her, with promises of even more.
Consumed by envy, Avery decided to undergo plastic surgery to transform her face into Lilian's.
Meanwhile, another girl named Brenda Miles, who had long harbored a crush on Perry, also despised Lilian. Brenda was the daughter of a wealthy man, but to get close to Perry, she applied to work as a maid in his villa.
Brenda hated Lilian with passion, because Perry never looked at any girl after meeting her. Brenda had been with Perry before, but he dismissed her after only one encounter. She remembered the day she framed Lilian for spiking Perry's drink. Lilian admitted openly that she wanted to kill him and be free. Yet Perry spared her life, laughed, hugged her tightly, and said, "Oh dolly, I haven't had enough of you. How can I die so easily?"
That moment deepened Brenda's hatred. She could not understand why Perry treated Lilian differently. Determined to win him back, Brenda also decided to undergo plastic surgery to impersonate Lilian Asienwegher.