onathan didn’t pull his hand away from Marina.
That didn’t surprise Niamh at all.
Even though Jonathan had never publicly acknowledged Marina’s status, the fact that he allowed her to hold onto him–never once pulling away–spoke volumes.
Devon’s gaze shifted between Jonathan and Marina, a knowing glint in his eyes.
He invited all four of them inside and asked his assistant to bring in some tea.
Devon might not have been the president of the Gemstone Collectors‘ Guild, but he had a tradition of his own: every year, he would select one up–and–coming designer to recommend to the association.
That, more than anything, was why both Jonathan and Peter had chosen to approach him.
Since Peter and Niamh had arrived early, Devon simply had his assistant collect both Niamh’s and Marina’s jewelry submissions at the same time.
Every designer who came to see him was expected to bring a piece of their own creation–anything at all, as long as it showcased their design philosophy.
“You can head home and wait for the results,” Devon said once the meeting wrapped up. “I’ll have my assistant notify you when I’ve made my decision.”
He chatted with them for most of the afternoon, and eventually asked his assistant
to show them out.
When the assistant returned, she accidentally bumped into the corner of a cabinet. The name tags affixed to the two jewelry boxes fell off.
Flustered, she hurried to pick up the tags and stick them back on, but in her haste, she placed Niamh’s tag on Marina’s box, and Marina’s tag on Niamh’s.
“Amy, bring me those two designers‘ pieces, will you?” Devon called out.
The assistant quickly grabbed the two jewelry boxes and handed them over to him.
Back at her own studio, Niamh was restless.
When Jonathan had told her that Marina had opened a studio as well, she’d suspected they’d end up competing sooner or later.
She just hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.
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Chapter 143
Still, Niamh wasn’t completely lacking in confidence.
On the way back, Peter had taken her past a shopping mall. In the display window, every highlighted piece of jewelry was from one of her own designs.
Peter told her that in just the past two months, sales at The Thomas Group had skyrocketed, surpassing even their main rival, FY.
Peter, being a designer himself, immediately recognized the new releases as Niamh’s work–even though she’d already resigned.
“That’s all the stuff my manager shot down back when I was at the company,” Niamh explained.
By “manager,” she meant Marina.
She never expected that after she left, Marina would dust off those designs and push them as The Thomas Group’s new signature pieces, bringing in- record–breaking sales for the brand.
A full week passed before Niamh finally heard back.
It was Peter who called with the news.
“I’m sorry, Devon chose Marina’s design.”
Niamh’s heart sank, her mood plummeting as if she’d just dropped from the peak of
a roller coaster.
“Niamh? Are you alright?”
“… Yeah, I’m fine…”
Peter could hear the disappointment in her voice, clear as da
“He did praise your design, you know. He just preferred Marina’s creative vision this
time.”
“…Okay…”
Niamh knew Peter was trying to comfort her, but she couldn’t muster any
enthusiasm.
Her studio had barely gotten off the ground before she’d suffered her first defeat–and she knew it was her responsibility.
When Niamh stayed silent for a long moment, Peter changed the subject.
“How about we grab dinner tonight? My treat.”
14:03
Chapter 143
“You’ve already done so much for me. I couldn’t possibly let you spend more.”
“No, this time you’re helping me. I need you to be my date for an event.”
Niamh’s eyes widened. She realized Peter’s invitation wasn’t as simple as dinner.
The Louvre Royal Ballroom.
Golden chandeliers, sparkling crystal, laughter and champagne flutes clinking in the
air.
Devon was introducing Marina to Liam Grant, the president of the Gemstone Collectors‘ Guild.
“Chairman Grant, this young designer is incredibly promising–her creative vision is truly ahead of its time,” Devon said, unable to hide his admiration. “You should have seen the dynamic crystal cufflink she designed. I’ve never encountered anything like it.”
