Chapter 246
“Isn’t this design just a cheap knockoff of Van Cleef & Arpels‘ four–leaf clover?”
No sooner had Michael spoken than Sophia’s cheeks turned crimson, as if she’d been slapped.
She hadn’t actually copied Van Cleef & Arpels. But she had taken inspiration from their signature clover motif.
“Tacky. Cheap.”
With a flick of his wrist, Michael yanked the emerald necklace apart. Metal links. and green stones scattered across the floor, clattering as they fell.
Niamh glanced over to see Sophia standing there, eyes brimming with tears.
“Michael, apologize. Now!” Niamh snapped.
Michael adjusted his gold–rimmed glasses and shrugged, a lazy grin on his face..
“Not going to happen. What are you going to do about it–call the cops? It’s a fake, mass–produced, lab–made emerald necklace. Trash. The only person who thinks it’s worth anything is you. Honestly, it’s perfect–garbage suits garbage. A match made in heaven!”
His words, laced with venom, clashed starkly with his polished, scholarly
appearance.
Before Niamh could retort, Miranda let out a derisive laugh from nearby.
“Mr. Burton’s right. This is garbage. If that’s the best you can design, don’t even bother showing up at Luminous Divas Fashion Week. We don’t need our eyes
insulted.”
Niamh had heard a little about Miranda’s reputation. She was infamously proud and harsh; even the most prestigious brands weren’t safe from her scathing criticism.
“Ms. Miranda, I’m the winner of the first Nova Jewelry Design Award, hosted by Luminous Divas Fashion Week. I doubt you can just strip me of my spot,” Niamh replied, her tone calm and unyielding.
For the first time, Miranda gave Niamh a real look. Her red lips curled into a
knowing smile–sultry and powerful all at once.
“Oh, so you know who I am. All the more reason for you to understand: I don’t care whose champion you are. If I say you’re out, you’re out.”
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17:27
Chapter 246
Miranda wasn’t joking.
She expected Niamh’s confidence to falter, maybe even panic. Instead, Niamh met her gaze with easy composure, and a hint of a smile.
“Then you’ll just be missing out on a world–class designer,” she said lightly.
Miranda’s eyes flashed with surprise.
Michael, standing aside, pushed his glasses up and regarded Niamh with new interest. He couldn’t recall her ever speaking that way before.
Niamh had done her homework. She’d watched plenty of Miranda’s interviews and knew the woman admired designers who believed in their own talent. So Niamh had played to her tastes, purposely striking a confident note to leave an impression.
Miranda’s smile softened, losing its earlier contempt.
If she remembered correctly, Aldonia’s culture valued modesty. This Niamh was turning out to be rather interesting.
“Careful–blind confidence is just arrogance. In my opinion, there’s only one designer in the world worthy of being called extraordinary…”
Niamh’s curiosity was piqued. Before starting her own studio, she’d barely followed the world of jewelry designers.
“The mysterious BYC, creator of the FY Grand Piano Collection,” Miranda said.
The words caught Niamh so off–guard she nearly choked on her own breath, coughing for several moments.
“Of course, I wouldn’t expect you to compete with BYC. His genius with the Grand Piano Collection is simply unmatched.”
Niamh fell silent, her cheeks suddenly burning.
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