Chapter 35 - Katias Visit (1/2)

Jean's last message made Finland smile. She returned to work and prepared a program for several new brands that had entered into contracts with LTX. An hour before lunch, Ms. Song invited all members of the Marketing department to eat together. She treated them to lunch to celebrate the success of the previous Bartz event and their success in bringing together Jean and Bartz's Brand Manager in Singapore.

”This is all thanks to Finland. We thank you.” said Ms. Song in her speech. ”You really are a very valuable employee. I want to announce that today, LTX will officially hire you as a full-time employee.”

Finland gasped at the sweet announcement. She could only bow and say thank you. Her colleagues clapped. At that time Finland felt very moved. Finally, her hard work was noticed and recognized by the company. The 800-dollar bonus from Ms. Song was transferred on the same day. She felt very grateful.

[My probation period is over. Now I'm LTX International's full-time employee.]

She sent an SMS to Jean and Caspar.

[Congratulations! LTX is lucky to have such a talented and dedicated employee like you.] Replied Jean.

[I am very proud of you.] Replied Caspar.

That day Finland did not stop smiling. Slowly her life was going in the right direction. When they returned to the office from lunch, two bouquets of flowers were waiting on Finland's desk. Her office friends teased her about her fans. They were no longer mocking her and Finland felt very grateful for the change in attitude.

The first flower was definitely from Jean. He always added one white rose in the bouquet of whatever flowers he sent, so even though there was no card, Finland immediately knew who the sender was.

The second flower was very large and filled almost all the space in the empty corner of the office. It had a card from Heinrich Schneider.

”Excuse me, Finland, you have a guest.” Jenny from the front office called Finland when the girl was admiring her flowers. ”Katia Sorrenson wants to meet you to discuss the design you submitted yesterday.”

”Oh, she came here. I thought we'd meet tomorrow during dinner with Jean.” Finland was rather confused. She invited Katia into the Marketing department office. The beautiful platinum-haired girl walked in gracefully and sat on the sofa facing Finland's desk. For a moment her gaze swept over a large bouquet of flowers in the corner of the room.

”Oh, what is the occasion? Who do I need to congratulate?” she asked in a cheerful voice.

”Today, Finland is officially a full-time employee at LTX, and the bouquet is from her lover.” Tran answered quickly. She glanced at Finland enviously, but the tone of her voice was not cynical.

”Wahh... congratulations, Finland. Sorry I didn't know, so I didn't bring anything.”

”Er... no need. Thank you ...” Finland smiled wryly. She opened her laptop and looked for the material she prepared for Katia.

She did not notice the platinum-haired girl studying the card attached to the large bouquet of flowers. Her forehead twitched as she read the contents of the card. She turned and looked at Finland in disbelief.

”Is this card from Heinrich Schneider?” she asked quietly. ”What is your relationship with Heinrich Schneider?”

Finland gasped. She did not know whether or not she should be honest with Katia.

”Uhm... I met him several times. We worked together for the launch of Bartz's new product at his hotel last week. He was very friendly.” answered Finland as casual as possible.

Katia looked at her with a complicated look.

”Finland, you're Jean's friend, aren't you?” She asked a moment later. ”We will meet for dinner tomorrow, right?”