?Chapter 223:

    Lise casually pressed the answer button and heard a voice on the line, attempting to persuade her.

    “Lise, please ept this order. The clientes from a major corporation and has been very persistent in raising the offer. They are desperate to work with you and are prepared to pay whatever it takes.”

    Lise instinctively tightened her grip on the phone, her eyes shing with hesitation.

    “Just decline the order. I’m too busy and drained to handle it right now.”

    The woman on the other side of the call let out a helpless sigh. “He’s been looking for you for a year. I’m at a loss for how to reject him anymore. It’s been three years since you retired, yet he still managed to find a way to reach me.”

    Neil, who was standing next to Lise, could hear the conversation clearly even though it was on speaker.

    Three years after her retirement, a well-paid order came in, and everything started to make sense. Joy surged in Neil’s heart.

    Lise was indeed Iris.

    Even as the woman on the call continued to argue her point, Lise was not swayed. “I really can’t do it. There are more pressing matters I need to attend to.”

    “Alright then,” the woman finally relented, hearing the resolve in Lise’s voice.

    After hanging up, Lise locked eyes with Neil, who was visibly excited.

    Taken aback, she cautiously called out, “Neil?”

    “Lise, are you still trying to fool me? I know already—you are Iris. But why have you kept your real identity a secret all this time?”

    Neil struggled to understand.

    Lise knew well how much pressure hispany had been under, and she had watched him wrestle with the confusion of Katelyn’s identity for so long. Why had she never thought to speak up and clear things up?

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    A flicker of guilt and regret passed through Lise’s eyes as she took a seat and began to exin.

    “Neil, I didn’t mean to keep this from you. I just couldn’t find the right words. I’ve been out of the game for three years, and I know yourpany has been under strain. I was worried my designs wouldn’t measure up and would let you down.” As she spoke, Lise paused briefly, her eyes reflecting her difort.

    This was the exnation she had prepared from the start, and it should be convincing enough for Neil.

    “I wanted you to find a more capable designer. However, as theunch event approached and thepany was still struggling, I drew up a few designs for you. If they met your approval, my n was to keep refining them.”

    Lise portrayed her actions as being in Neil’s and thepany’s best interest. How could Neil not see her good intentions?

    A wave of warmth flooded his heart, but another question persisted.

    “When I was looking into Katelyn, suspecting she was Iris, why didn’t youe forward to clear things up?”

    Lise sighed deeply, her voice tinged with helplessness. “I never thought Katelyn would boldly impersonate Iris. But I felt sympathy for her. If assuming my identity brought her some sce and boosted her confidence, why should I reveal her?”

    Neil nodded thoughtfully, his eyes locked on Lise.

    “Lise, you’re trulypassionate. But can you make me a promise? No matter what happens, don’t keep secrets from me again. I don’t want any secrets between us.”

    Lise lowered her head and nodded in agreement. “I didn’t mean to mislead you. I was just scared of disappointing you.”

    Neil’s gaze softened, filled with affection. “How could I ever be disappointed in you? A powerhouse in the design industry, even your initial sketches surpass many established designers. You should believe more in your talents.”

    “Okay, I get it now.”

    Lise nodded meekly, resting her head on Neil’s shoulder. Her tone was gentle and mellow. “I don’t care much for fame or wealth. As long as I can support you, that’s all I need.”

    Neil tenderly kissed her forehead, his love evident. “I’m so lucky to have you here.”

    At that moment, Neil felt incredibly blessed. He gently patted Lise’s shoulder, his thoughts whirling with ns.

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