In her office, Niamh was examining the jewelry samples Sophia had just handed her–a necklace strung with deep green stones, designed and crafted by Sophia herself.
Of course, the necklace wasn’t made with high–quality natural emeralds, but with lab–created stones instead. While the craftsmanship still had a long way to go, the design itself was impressive. Niamh couldn’t help but offer praise after praise, making Sophia blush with embarrassment.
Sophia knew all too well that her skills still fell short of Niamh’s high standards. But compared to her previous attempts, this piece was a big improvement. She realized Niamh was encouraging her, and reminded herself not to get carried away. “Excuse me, sir. May I ask who you’re here to see? This is the office of Nocturne Royal Jewels. We don’t permit unauthorized visitors.”
Natalie, who sat closest to the door, stood up. She didn’t recognize the man who’d just swept in with confident strides, but he certainly looked the part: sharply dressed, gold–rimmed glasses, the air of a young, sophisticated professor.
As Natalie spoke, the rest of the office turned their attention to the unexpected
guest.
Just yesterday, Preston Winslow had warned Niamh to avoid any further entanglements with Michael. And yet, here he was again.
Michael wore a different suit than last time, but the gold–rimmed glasses remained the same. His lips curled into a devil–may–care smile, an expression that undercut some of his otherwise disarming charm.
But this time, Michael hadn’t come alone. He had brought someone with him.
Niamh felt nothing but irritation–and outright dislike–at Michael’s arrival. But the woman standing behind him piqued her curiosity.
The newcomer was striking though clearly of European descent, she wore her platinum–blonde hair in voluminous waves and carried herself with the
unmistakable confidence of someone at the top of the fashion world. Her makeup and wardrobe screamed high–end international chic.
And, in fact, she was an industry titan.
Niamh recognized her instantly, though she doubted the feeling was mutual. Her
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པ་་སཔ་པ་ ་
name was Miranda, the editor–in–chief of *Shine*, the world’s leading jewelry fashion magazine. She’d made a name for herself at a young age and was now a respected authority in the industry.
Niamh had only ever seen Miranda in magazine spreads or online features; she’d never imagined she’d meet her in person.
Miranda was dressed head–to–toe in designer labels, and as she swept into the room behind Michael, her presence was even more commanding than his.
At first, Natalie had assumed Michael was simply lost. But now, sensing the almost palpable aura radiating from both Michael and Miranda, she realized this was no ordinary visit–they were here to make a statement.
“Boss…” Natalie quickly retreated to Niamh’s side, clearly unsettled.
Their only male colleague, Quentin, happened to be out at the moment. If Michael was here to start trouble, Niamh–who’d trained in kickboxing–might be the only one capable of standing up to him.
But Niamh doubted Michael was here to pick a fight. After all, he hadn’t brought muscle; he’d brought Miranda.
“Mr. Burton, I’ll need you to state your business. Otherwise, I’ll have to ask security to escort you out.”
Niamh stood up, her own presence nearly as formidable as Michael’s.
Michael gave her a brief glance, adjusted his glasses, then let his gaze settle on her desk.
“So, this is your submission for Luminous Divas Fashion Week?”
He picked up the emerald necklace, turning it over in his hands, inspecting it from every angle.
“This is it…?”
He didn’t finish his thought aloud, but Niamh could guess what he meant: *This? This is supposed to be competition for Marina?* But with Miranda present, he was careful not to mention Marina’s name–no need to stir up unnecessary trouble for
her.
