It was a call from Peter.
As Jennifer answered the phone. Jasper watched her expression grow increasingly serious. His instincts told him this lunch was probably a lost cause.
Sure enough, when she hung up, she gave him an apologetic look. “I’m really sorry–something’s come up. Can we reschedule?”
“Of course. Work comes first.”
He walked her to the taxi. Only after it had driven off did he lower hist waving hand and mutter to the empty air, “How do I get you to realize I’m trying to win you over?”
Following the location Peter had sent, Jennifer took a cab to a modern restaurant. Through the large glass windows, she could already see Peter waiting inside.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Traffic was a nightmare,” she said as she sat across from him.
“No problem at all,” Peter replied, pulling out a thick stack of design drafts from a folder. “These are from the new batch of interns. The team’s divided on them, so we’re calling in the big guns–you.”
He made a dramatic “I’m begging you” gesture, making Jennifer laugh despite herself.
“I haven’t touched jewelry design in years. My taste is probably totally out of date. You sure you want me judging these?”
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“Some people happen to love that ‘outdated‘ taste of yours.”
Smiling, Jennifer began flipping through the designs.
Since these were from Velvet Rose Group’s interns, one of them was probably by Catalina. But the drafts weren’t labeled, so she couldn’t tell which was hers.
It wasn’t that Jennifer had anything against Catalina–she was just curious. Brayan had called her a rising star in the jewelry design world, and the fact that she made it into VelvetRose Group said a lot. Jennifer genuinely wanted to see what kind of talent the girl had.
She took her time scoring each draft, then had lunch with Peter while they chatted casually.
Afterward, Peter had to head back to the office, but not before reminding her, “Make sure you come in to sign the contract next Monday. You can be late–but don’t you dare not show up.”
Jennifer laughed.
That smile–Peter thought–was probably one she hadn’t worn once in the three years of her marriage/
After lunch, Jennifer had planned to browse some jewelry stores. It had been years since she’d done any design work, and lately, she’d been spending her days buried in household chores, with barely any time or reason to dress up. Not that Brayan was stingy–he’d given her jewelry, sure–but nine times out of ten, it was pink diamonds. Jennifer had never liked pink. And when you were up to your elbows in housework every day, even the nicest accessories just ended up collecting dust.
She really was worried she’d fallen behind. Peter clearly believed in her, and she didn’t want to let him down.
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But her plans were cut short by a message from Lydia–a cry for help.
As night fell, the grand entrance of the Royalpine Hotel glowed under. the lights, its glass facade gleaming.
A group of people filtered in through the crystal revolving doors.
Two men, three women–but it was obvious who the star of the night was: the woman in the pink silk mermaid dress.
Catalina had brought Brayan, Ronan, Elise, and Ally with her tonight. to celebrate her promotion–from VelvetRose Group intern to full–time. employee.
“Catalina, you look absolutely stunning. Like a real princess.”
Ronan laughed as Elise gushed, wagging her finger. “That’s not how you do it. What you should say is: Brayan must’ve saved the galaxy in a past life to land a wife like this… Am I right?”
Catalina blushed and gave Ronan a playful swat for his teasing.
Tonight was all about her, and she had made sure to shine–every detail of her look had been carefully chosen. From her diamond- studded headband to the delicate anklet, she was adorned in a full set. of pink diamonds gifted by Brayan. It was a luxury collection, and it hadn’t come cheap.
Royalpine Hotel was one of the most prestigious hotels in Nexford, a place where only the wealthy and influential gathered. But even among such a glamorous crowd, Catalina stood out. All eyes were on her.
Walking arm–in–arm with Brayan, she held her head high and her shoulders back–like a proud, elegant swan.
She knew the kind of woman Brayan admired: someone accomplished, polished, and impressive. Only a woman of true caliber was worthy of
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standing beside him.
That was why she never skimped when it came to her appearance.
Beside her, Brayan walked with his usual cool elegance. The sharp angles of his face, normally so aloof, seemed softened by the warm lighting, as if touched by something tender. The faint, unreadable smile on his lips was effortlessly perfect–no matter the angle.
