Chapter 6
Wendy’s grip tightened around her chopsticks as she watched everyone’s attention shift to Nora.
‘So what if she’s their biological daughter?‘ Wendy seethed, jealousy coursing through her. ‘I’ve lived with this family for the past twenty years!‘
‘I am the real eldest daughter!‘ Wendy screamed silently, her frustration building.
After dinner, the family butler hurried into the living room and approached Julian. Bowing slightly, he announced, “Mr. Harper, someone outside claims to be your business partner and is insisting on seeing you…”
Before the butler could finish, a woman barged into the room, clutching a pile of documents. Her face was a mixture of urgency and tension.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she began, her voice strained, “but I need to speak with Mr. Julian Harper immediately. It’s a matter of great importance.”
Nora eyed the tall, slender, middle–aged woman standing before her. There was something vaguely familiar about her, but Nora couldn’t quite place where they had met before,
Julian’s brow furrowed as he addressed her. “Ms. Cooper, what are you doing at my home?”
As the president of Kayson Designs, a renowned global brand across multiple industries, Julian recently found working with this particular client challenging.
Delilah Cooper, head of Cooper Jewelry, had come to Julian with a business proposition after acquiring a batch of rare, valuable sapphires. She intended to craft the stones into luxury necklaces and sought Kayson Designs to create the perfect pieces. Despite providing dozens of designs over the past month, none had met Delilah’s standards.
Delilah was desperate to move forward before missing out on the opportunity, as the jewelry market’s peak sales season was fast approaching. The pressure had mounted, and she wasn’t willing to let things slide any longer.
“Mr. Harper, I’m sure you understand how time–sensitive this is,” Delilah said, her voice sharp and urgent. “If those sapphires don’t hit the market soon, their value will plummet.”
She straightened her posture, her gaze unwavering. “I chose Kayson Designs for a reason, and I expect the company to honor its contract with us. We can’t afford any further delays.”
‘Delilah Cooper?‘ Nora blinked as the name triggered a memory. ‘Oh, it’s her!‘
Years ago, Delilah had hit rock bottom after her startup collapsed, leaving her in such despair that she attempted to take her own life. The incident quickly became viral news, spreading across the internet like wildfire.
At the time, Nora had come across the story by chance and sent Delilah a private message on social media on a whim. She had even advised Delilah to explore jewelry development abroad. Little did she expect that Delilah would go on to create the now–famous Cooper Jewelry.
Nora couldn’t help thinking, ‘What a small world!‘
Frustrated over the intrusion, Julian’s voice hardened. “Ms. Cooper, we should discuss this while I work in my office, not at home.”
“I couldn’t find you at your office, so I had no choice but to come here,” Delilah replied, her persistence evident. “When can I get my design?”
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Chapter 6
Dozens of designers in Kayson Designs had submitted designs, all of which Delilah rejected. At this point, Julian didn’t know what she was looking for.
Frustration was written on his face as he frowned deeply, and it seemed like he was on the verge of tearing up the contract and refusing to continue working with her.
“Wait, Wendy suddenly interjected, her voice calm yet laced with pride. “Julian, have you forgotten where I graduated from? I studied jewelry design. Why not let me take a shot at it?”
Wendy graduated from the renowned Lioden University with dual degrees in business and design. Her intelligence and accomplishments were often celebrated, making her the pride of the Harper family.
At the mention of Lioden University, Delilah hesitated but ultimately agreed. “Very well, Ms. Wendy Harper. You may give it a try. I’ll expect to see your design in two days”
Wendy smiled confidently. “There’s no need to wait two days. I can do it right now. She motioned to the butler, who quickly fetched paper and a pencil.
Taking her seat at the table with poise, Wendy began sketching. Her strokes were fluid and decisive, and the design soon took shape. In no time, the sketch was complete.
Delilah examined the design closely. The necklace was complex but maintained an air of elegance. Although it didn’t fully meet her ideal vision, it was a noticeable improvement over the previous drafts she’d seen.
Delilah felt pressure to sell the sapphires, so she decided immediately to proceed with Wendy’s design.
Caleb nodded approvingly. “Wendy, you really helped your brother out this time.”
“Who would’ve thought you’d solve this so quickly? I should’ve given you the task earlier,” Julian added with a relieved laugh.
Wendy smiled, her tone sweet but pointed. She responded, “It’s nothing. We’re family, after all. I’m happy to help.” She slightly emphasized the word “family,” her eyes subtly shifting toward Nora, filled with veiled contempt.
Then, with a thin smile and a hint of mockery, Wendy turned to Nora. “Nora, why don’t you give it a try too? Who knows? Ms. Cooper might like your design even more.”
For a moment, the room fell into an uncomfortable silence.
Nora glanced up, her expression relaxed, yet her eyes held a calm indifference that unsettled Wendy. A sudden chill ran down Wendy’s spine.
Wendy felt uneasy for a fleeting second, but she quickly dismissed it.
‘Where does this country bumpkin get her confidence?‘ Wendy thought, regaining her composure. She straightened herself, refusing to be intimidated.
Zoe’s gaze hardened, her voice low and stern as she spoke to her daughter. “Wendy, that’s enough.”
Everyone knew how Nora had been chased out of the Martin family, and it was common knowledge that she hadn’t received the same opportunities or education. To suggest that Nora, of all people, could compete in something as specialized as jewelry design felt like setting her up for failure and humiliation.
Feigning innocence, Wendy quickly apologized. “Mom, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just thought that since the Martin Group also dabbled in jewelry businesses, maybe she had some experience with jewelry design. But I’m sorry if it came across wrong”
In truth, Wendy knew that Nora had been nothing more than a cleaner at the Martin Group, a dropout who barely managed
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Chapter 6
to land that job. Wendy’s apology might have seemed genuine, but she was internally arrogant and eager to remind Nora of her place.
Wendy smirked inwardly, satisfied with her subtle jab, hoping to convey the message that Nora didn’t belong here and that she should leave.
Sensing the growing tension, Caleb decided to step in. “Alright, Ms. Cooper has the design she needs. Let’s not drag this out any longer. His tone was light, but his intention to smooth over the awkward moment was clear.
Nora stood up suddenly, surprising everyone. She calmly picked up a sheet of sketching paper and a pencil, then returned
to her seat.
‘So, my dear sister thought she could embarrass me on my first day back? What a rookie mistake, Nora thought with a faint
smirk.
Nora wasn’t the type to engage in petty squabbles, but that didn’t mean she’d let anyone walk all over her. They were sorely mistaken if they expected her to sit quietly and be humiliated.
‘Humiliate me? Not in this lifetime, Nora thought.
“Nora, you… Julian began, his voice filled with concern.
Julian hesitated, concern etching itself across his face. He was worried that Wendy’s provocation had pushed Nora into making a hasty decision. He didn’t care whether Nora had any design skills, but his priority was protecting her pride. The last thing he wanted was for her to humiliate herself in front of Delilah, which could cut deeper than any critique.
Meanwhile, Wendy’s confidence grew, and her smirk widened. Watching Nora overestimate herself was more entertaining than she had expected.
With quiet focus, Nora took the pencil and glanced at the photos of the sapphire Delilah had provided. Then, without hesitation, she began sketching. Her movements were fluid and swift, and her design began to take shape before long.
Wendy didn’t bother glancing at what Nora was drawing. In her mind, anyone could scribble on paper, but creating a design rivaling hers would be impossible.
Delilah approached the table, not expecting much. She wasn’t familiar with Nora, and judging from the family’s reactions, it seemed that Nora didn’t have a formal design background. She prepared herself to give a polite compliment.
“Ms. Nora Harper’s design is also…” Delilah began, her voice steady, ready to offer some mild praise. But the moment her eyes fell on the sketch, she froze.
Delilah stiffened as her gaze locked onto the design. Slowly, her hands began to tremble, and her breath caught in her throat. Her lips quivered as she tried to form words, but excitement overwhelmed her.
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