Niamh’s workday ended, and once again, it was Julian waiting to pick her up.
After all the help he’d given her last night, Niamh had insisted on treating him to dinner. But just as they pulled up to the mall, Julian’s phone buzzed–something. urgent had come up at work, and he was needed back at the office to take charge.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?” he asked, lingering by the curb, reluctant to leave.
Niamh couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m not a child, Julian. Besides, Aldenville Mall isn’t exactly a warzone.”
She wasn’t in any rush to head home. Since she was already here, she figured she’d wander a bit–she liked to window–shop now and then.
Whenever she visited a high–end mall, she couldn’t resist stopping by the FY boutique. She’d always pause at the jewelry counter, curious to see how her own designs looked on display.
The Grand Piano Collection had become FY’s signature line, the very face of the brand, Black and white diamonds, dazzling and meticulously cut, caught the light in a way that was nothing short of breathtaking. The patented cut brought out the fire in each stone, while the latest invisible setting technique made the prongs vanish–so all you saw was pure brilliance.
Niamh had designed five pieces for the collection: a musical staff, a treble clef, an eighth note, piano keys, and the pièce de résistance–a grand piano.
Of all these, the “Grand Piano” was the most extravagant. It boasted three hundred flawless Botswana diamonds, set side by side with seven hundred rare black diamonds from Central Africa. The unique design shimmered with every movement. The moment it launched, it caused a sensation in both the jewelry world and high society.
“Wow… is this the legendary Piano Queen pendant?” Lily stood before its private display case, her eyes practically glued to the glass.
“That’s the one,” Marina replied, beaming with pride, as if she’d designed it herself.
“It’s so gorgeous, I think I’m going blind from the sparkle,” Olive said, sh…ding her eyes, just as dazzled.
“I mean, I work as a jewelry designer at The Thomas Group, and they’re FY’s biggest competitor–but only for the gold collection. When it comes to high–end diamond
pieces, nobody’s beating FY these days,” Marina admitted.
Lily and Olive exchanged a look, both awed. “FY’s really that good?”
Marina nodded. “It used to be neck and neck between FY and KDY, but ever since. the Grand Piano Collection launched, FY’s sales and reputation have skyrocketed past KDY.”
“So your mentor really pulled off something big,” Olive teased, nudging Marina in the ribs. Marina grinned even wider, pride written all over her face.
“If someone gave me a necklace like this, I’d marry them on the spot,” Lily sighed dreamily.
But Marina shook her head. “The Piano Queen isn’t like the other pieces in the Grand Piano Collection. You have to be an FY Black Diamond VIP to even qualify for purchase. Money alone won’t get you one.”
“In other words, keep dreaming. Out of the three of us, only Marina stands a chance,” Olive joked.
“Hey Marina, you’ve always wanted this pendant, right? Why not ask Mr. Thomas to buy it for you? It’s not like he can’t afford it.”
Marina hesitated, stealing a glance out of the corner of her eye–Niamh was approaching.
Niamh had also come to see the Piano Queen in person. No matter how detailed the sketches, nothing compared to the real thing sparkling beneath the lights.
She hadn’t expected to bump into Marina and her friends here–fate had a knack for throwing them together. What surprised her even more was how much they all admired her design.
“Niamh? What are you doing here?” Marina called out, her tone sharp, as if
questioning Niamh’s right to browse the jewelry displays.
Niamh strode over, unruffled, and smiled at Marina. “I’m here to buy some jewelry.”
21.09)
