Page 96 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

"Dear Ms. Riley Quinn. We are honored to invite you to join Bykov Group as Director of Design..."

I rubbed my eyes and read it again. The position clearly stated: Group Director of Design. I stared at the screen, unable to process it.

I knew exactly whose doing this was. In the entire Bykov Group, only one person could elevate an intern to Director of Design overnight—Matvey.

So this was his idea of making it up to me?

Honestly, I should have been angry. Once again, he'd made decisions without asking if this was what I wanted.

But as my finger hovered over that email, what churned inside me wasn't entirely resistance.

Riley, admit it. This time, what he's giving you is exactly what you want.

Before Matvey appeared, I'd sketched stack after stack of designs, but no one ever treated me like a real designer. I could only sit in my corner workstation, doing tedious reports for my superiors while secretly fantasizing about becoming a real designer someday.

Evelyn always said when I drew, my eyes lit up. Before everything fell apart at home, Mom used to run her fingers over that old notebook filled with jewelry sketches, smiling as she said I'd become an amazing designer.

I thought I'd never get to fulfill that dream in this lifetime. And now, the chance to realize it had been gently placed in front of me.

I clicked "Accept." Not because he was Matvey. Because this was what I wanted all along.

I'd prove with my abilities that I deserved this position.

I picked up my phone and sent Matvey a message.

"Got the offer, Matvey. But are you sure it's appropriate to push me into Director of Design like this? Aren't you worried I'll screw up?"

His reply came instantly.

"I'm only giving you what you deserve."

"Don't disappoint me, Designer Quinn."

I looked at those words, couldn't help smiling. Of course. I wouldn't disappoint anyone.

I closed my laptop and was about to get up when my phone buzzed again.

"Wear that office outfit I sent you. It'll suit you perfectly."

I stared at the message, then found myself walking to my closet.

Those shopping bags with luxury logos still lay quietly in the back.

I used to think I didn't deserve these clothes. But now I felt I'd earned the right.

I pulled out that cream-colored suit.

Getting into it wasn't smooth—I was so nervous my hands shook. I'd never worn anything this sophisticated. Just those tiny buttons had me fumbling.

Or maybe this nervousness was because Matvey had personally chosen this outfit for me. And now he'd told me to wear it.

After finally making peace with those buttons, I stood before my slightly worn full-length mirror.

The sight stopped me cold.

The girl in the mirror stood straight, the cream outfit hugging every curve perfectly.

I felt dazed. I no longer looked stuffed like a sausage—this precise tailoring made me look beautiful and sophisticated.