Chapter 124
Blake’s POV
I gazed out the window. Morning light hit the hardwood floors of Lunar Mansion, making my hangover worse.
“Handle it as you see fit,” I finally said. “Just bring the design drafts and hangover soup.”
I hung up and moved to the dining table, where I began examining some jewelry samples from Parker Group. Despite my pounding headache, I forced myself to focus on the business at hand.
Half an hour later, the electronic lock beeped. Michael walked in with a thermal container and portfolio. I hadn’t moved, still studying the designs.
“Sir,” he greeted softly.
He crossed to the dining table and poured steaming soup into a bowl, his eyes scanning the room.
“Miss Rose isn’t here?” he finally asked..
I looked up, fixing him with a cold stare. “Why would Laurel be here?”
Michael faltered. “The last time I visited, she was –
“I’ve arranged other accommodations for her, I cut him off. “She’s a single woman. It wouldn’t be appropriate for her to stay in a house I frequently visit.”
As I spoke, I found myself taking in the room. Staff had removed all traces of Laurel. The decor had returned from pink tones to the cream and hatural wood that Audrey preferred.
Most noticeably, Laurel’s photo was gone, replaced with my wedding portrait with Audrey. In it, I wore my usual serious look while Audrey leaned against me, smiling.
Michael frowned. “Sir, that photograph… should I have it removed?”
“What’s the point?” I replied. “It would just need to be put back up eventually.”
Michael paused, then nodded. “Of course.”
He added, “Mrs. Parker has always threatened divorce or leaving. When you ignore it, she gets bored and comes back to apologize. This time is just more dramatic than usual.”
Something about his assessment shifted my mood slightly. The image of Audrey walkin our divorce certificate flashed through my mind, but I dismissed it.
ay with
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Chapter 124
I sipped the soup while examining the designs Michael had brought. The sketches had been refined based on my suggestions, with Improvements to the original concepts.
Michael cleared his throat. “Sir.”
Since the designer’s name is Rachel Hayes, I was curious. Oh my way here, I called Original Studio
to learn more.”
“They say this designer is mysterious. She’s joined their studio but hasn’t worked there in person
yet.”
“Her only requirement is that the jewelry be produced within three months.”
“That’s nearly impossible,” Michael explained. “Only companies with major backing and aggressive production would attempt such a timeline. That’s why they approached our new venture.
I examined the sketches, appreciating the details. “Why the three–month deadline? Did you ask?”
“I did,” Michael replied hesitantly. “It sounds made up.
“They claim she has a terminal illness with only three months to live. She wants to see her work on the market before she dies.”
My fingers paused briefly as I flipped through the designs.
“Terminal illness? Only three months?” I kept my voice neutral.
I laughed coldly. “This designer will do anything for attention.”
“Rachel Hayes has been dead for four years, and now someone’s giving her a terminal illness…”
I set the designs aside. “Make arrangements. I plan to meet this designer in person.”
Audrey’s POV
“Audrey, are you up?” James knocked on my door at eight in the morning.
–
I opened quickly. His surprise was immediate his eyes widened at my newly cut short hair and pink casual outfit. The morning sunlight caught my fresh haircut, and I felt lighter, like I’d shed more than just hair.
You… cut your hair?” he asked after
a moment.
I smiled. “Last night after you left, I thought I should make some changes for my first c myself.”
o I cut it
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Chapter 124
I touched the ends. “It doesn’t look bad, does it?”
James shook his head. ‘You could become a stylist.”
I laughed. “I’ll pass. For now, I just want to design jewelry.”
I closed my door and walked toward the elevator. “Let’s go.”
James caught up. “You haven’t had breakfast, have you? I bought something for you.”
During my marriage to Blake, I’d gotten used to caring for others while neglecting myself, Having someone think of my needs felt strange but nice. I took the paper bag, finding a croissant and fruit
inside.
“Thanks,” I said simply.
Half an hour later, we arrived at Original Studio. Being my first day, James led me to meet management. We knocked and entered the director’s office.
George Mei was on the phone. “Your company’s investor wants to meet Ms. Hayes?” he asked eagerly
“No p problém at all. She started today and is available anytime. Just let us know when!”
He ended the call. “Yes, yes, we’ll be in touch!”
As he hung up, George turned with a practiced smile. James stepped forward. “Mr. Mei, this is –
“I’ve seen enough news about Ms. Sinclair lately, George interrupted. “No need for introductions.”
George was a balding man in his fifties with shrewd written all over him. He waved James off and turned his calculating smile to me.
“Ms. Sinclair, I never expected to meet you in person!” His warmth seemed exaggerated. “You’re prettier than in the news! But I should remind you, we’re under Cartier Jewelry Group, focusing only on jewelry design. That won’t be a problem, right?”
I understood his concern – he worried my divorce drama might affect the studio.
“Mr. Mei, I’ve completed all the paperwork. I’m your employee now, so please direct me as needed.” George laughed. “Excellent! No wonder James requested his transfer here from Cartier.”
He then explained the phone call – a client had seen my designs and asked to meet me
“For them to pick your design from all those submissions proves your work is exceptional!” George said.
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“This company is backed by a multinational conglomerate with substantial resources. If our studio completes this project, our reputation will soar.”
George offered me ten. “Ms. Sinclair, it all depends on your performance.”
As I sipped, George addressed what was clearly bothering him: “James must have mentioned that due to your recent news… your designs will use Rachel Hayes‘ name, and you’ll need to keep your identity confidential…”
He leaned forward. “Can you accept this condition?”
1 set down the teacup and nodded. “Yes.”
George sighed with relief. “Once the controversy dies down, you can use your own name on future projects.”
Future projects. If only he knew those didn’t exist for me. I kept my face neutral, hiding my diagnosis.
“The investor is busy,” George added. “Your meeting is in three days. You-
Suddenly, a panicked employee burst in. “Emergency! We have a problem!”
He explained frantically: ‘Alex, who was supposed to supervise the fashion magazine photo shoot, got food poisoning and couldn’t make it. The magazine wants someone else!”
“They won’t take responsibility if our jewelry goes missing, but our studio is short–staffed. We have no one available…” He was sweating. “What should we do?”
I watched George’s face tighten. Before James could speak, I stepped forward.
“I’ll go, I offered. “Everyone else seems busy, so sending me, the newcomer, makes the most sense.”
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