[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-280":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},280,66,"Chapter 66: The Legacy Left in the Snow","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">QX was holding its first staff meeting of the new year, laying out the annual goals, growth strategy, and production schedule.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Noah Mitchell leaned back in his chair with practiced ease, delegating tasks and outlining the roadmap for each department. His voice was steady and measured, his directives clear and commanding. In just a few months, he had steered the company toward rapid expansion, earning the unwavering respect of managers twice his age.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The spring catalog hits the shelves this month,\" Noah said, his gaze sweeping the room. \"Every department needs to be on high alert. This is our opening act for the year—bring your A-game.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Production, everything rests on the foundation you build. Rigorous quality control is the only way to clear the path for our growth.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Understood!\" the room echoed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Meeting adjourned.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">With a clear vision in sight, the managers dispersed to execute their orders.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You’re a natural-born leader, Noah,\" Remi Crawford said, her eyes practically sparkling with admiration.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline Montgomery nodded in agreement. \"She’s right. With you at the helm, the path ahead looks wide open.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m just the driver,\" Noah said, folding his hands and giving his chair a casual spin. He looked content. \"You two are the visionaries who put me in the seat. I’m just glad to see the hard work finally paying off.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As the departments hummed with efficiency, the spring catalog was released to the public. The designs were striking and sophisticated, and QX, with its proven track record, swept up a massive new wave of fans. Reviews were glowing, and QX cemented its status as the industry’s undisputed dark horse.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Soon, potential partners from across the country were flooding into the office. The business department shifted from one-on-one meetings to high-volume group consultations. Every regional franchise was handled with care, as QX dispatched specialists to assist with site selection and interior construction to ensure the brand's standard remained impeccable. Under Noah's iron-clad management, the company became a well-oiled machine.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline and Remi leaned into their strengths, establishing a specialized private-order division to cater to their elite clientele.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">One afternoon, while Evangeline was buried in paperwork, her assistant knocked on the office door.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ms. Montgomery, the CEO of Resure is here to see you. She’s waiting in the conference room.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Resure? They were a high-end jewelry house with no prior business overlap. Curious, Evangeline headed toward the conference room.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s a pleasure to meet you, dear.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The woman standing there was draped in elegance, her presence imposing yet soft. Evangeline couldn't help but think she looked like the personification of grace.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hello,\" Evangeline replied. \"I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve been introduced?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m Sadie Larson’s mother.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The way she spoke was hollow, devoid of the usual social warmth. A cold shiver raced down Evangeline’s spine.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sadie... how is she?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"She’s gone,\" the woman said, her voice dropping. \"She didn’t make it through the new year. She passed away on a night when the snow was falling hard.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The woman’s lips trembled, and she fought to keep her eyes dry, though a stubborn tear welled at the corner. \"She adored you. She mentioned you constantly—'Big Sister Evangeline' this, 'Big Sister Evangeline' that.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline felt a sharp ache in her chest. She tried not to picture the sweet, soft-spoken girl, but the grief hit her like a physical blow. Her throat tightened.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"She was wearing the dress you designed when she passed,\" her mother continued, composing herself with a shaky breath. \"Her eyes... they were full of hope for a new beginning.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After a brief pause, the woman shifted gears, her tone turning professional. \"I’m here today to propose a collaboration between Resure and QX. What are your thoughts?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"A collaboration?\" Evangeline was stunned. \"We’re still in our growth phase. I’m not sure our brand carries the weight for a house like Resure. You’re being far too kind.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't sell yourself short, Ms. Montgomery. Your momentum is undeniable. I trust your instincts won't let you stop here.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you doing this just because Sadie liked me?\" Evangeline asked quietly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"For Resure, this is a minor gesture. But for QX, it’s a massive stepping stone. Are you really going to walk away from that?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline fell into deep thought. The temptation was enormous, but the risks of attaching her brand to a giant were just as high.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Resure was founded the year Sadie was born,\" her mother said, watching her. \"It snowed that day, too. I named it Resure, hoping to gift it to her when she came of age. But...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She sighed. \"She arrived with the snow, and she left with it. She told me she wanted to grow up to be a dreamer like you. I’m helping you because I’m honoring her. Don't let your doubts get in the way. Just do your job. I’ll handle everything else.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hearing those words, Evangeline’s hesitation melted. You never know if you can succeed until you try, and opportunities like this rarely knock twice.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Then I’ll leave it to you,\" Evangeline said. \"Our lead partner, Mr. Mitchell, handles our business dealings. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll bring him in.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After a swift meeting between Noah and the CEO, the deal was struck.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You’ve found a remarkable partner, Ms. Montgomery,\" the woman said, looking toward Noah with an approving nod. \"QX has a limitless future.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Noah remained calm and professional, composed as ever. The woman was right—perhaps this collaboration would be a victory for both sides.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Thank you, ma’am,\" Noah replied.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Excellent. We’ll be in touch regarding the contracts.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">With a firm handshake, the meeting concluded. Back in the office, Evangeline still felt like she was dreaming. \"Did we just land Resure?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi laughed and poked her forehead. \"You’re on a roll! The universe is practically paving the road for you. Honestly, Evangeline, you should just quit working and let Noah and me support you as our company mascot.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't tempt me,\" Evangeline joked, then her expression darkened, the weight of the earlier conversation returning.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What is it?\" Remi asked, her smile fading.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s Sadie. She was only seventeen. She barely had a chance to see the world before the pain took her. She was so strong, yet...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline struggled to find the words. Life was so fragile, and success felt hollow when measured against such a loss. She felt a profound sadness, and Remi pulled her into a warm, silent hug.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After a long moment, Evangeline pulled away and wiped her eyes. \"She looked up to me. I won’t let her down.\"\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272913801]