Chapter 6
All eyes were fixed on Evelyn Roland.
Isabella Langley clenched her silver chopsticks until her knuckles turned white. Blood ties meant nothing. They were just a genetic combination of Edward and Sophia Roland.
She was the jewel the Roland family had meticulously polished for twenty years.
Dinner had just ended when the butler rushed into the dining room, flustered.
"Young Master Alexander, there's someone outside claiming to be a business partner from your design company—"
Before he could finish, a whirlwind of a figure barged in.
The woman carried a stack of documents, her brow furrowed with urgency.
"My apologies for interrupting."
"I need to speak with Mr. Alexander immediately."
Evelyn glanced up, studying the tall middle-aged woman. Something about her seemed familiar.
Alexander's expression darkened. "Ms. Macmillan, what is the meaning of this?"
As CEO of KL Design Group, he'd been dealing with headaches from Penelope Macmillan of Vanity Jewelry. She'd developed a batch of premium sapphires but rejected every design KL presented.
"The summer sales season is approaching," Penelope said, her voice tense. "If we don't finalize these designs soon, it'll be too late."
"KL took this project. You need to see it through!"
Penelope?
Evelyn's lashes fluttered slightly.
So it was her.
Years ago, when Penelope's business failed and she contemplated ending her life, Evelyn had casually sent her a design sketch, suggesting she pivot to gemstone sourcing.
Now she helmed Vanity Jewelry.
The city truly was a small world.
"Business matters belong at the office," Alexander said coldly.
"I couldn't find you there!" Penelope stamped her foot in frustration. "When will the designs be finalized?"
She'd rejected every top designer at KL. No one could decipher what she wanted.
Alexander was ready to terminate the contract.
"Brother." Isabella's sweet, confident voice cut through the tension. "I studied jewelry design in London. Let me try."
She was a top graduate from London Design Institute, with dual degrees to boot.
After a hesitant pause, Penelope nodded.
"No need to wait. I can sketch it now."
Isabella motioned for the butler to bring paper and pen. Her hand flew across the page, completing the design swiftly.
Penelope examined the drawing. While not breathtaking, it had more life than the previous attempts.
"We'll go with this," she decided.
Edward beamed. "Isabella, you've saved the day."
"I should've had you design it from the start," Alexander said with a relieved laugh.
"We're family, after all." Isabella emphasized the word "family," her gaze flicking pointedly toward Evelyn.
"Would you like to try, Evelyn? Perhaps Ms. Macmillan will prefer your work."
The air turned glacial.
Evelyn lifted her eyes slowly, her gaze sharp as a blade.
Isabella's back prickled with cold sweat, but she held her ground.
Sophia frowned. "Isabella, don't be ridiculous."
Everyone knew Evelyn hadn't even finished college. Asking her to design jewelry was pure mockery.
"Mother, I heard Evelyn worked with jewelry at the Lowells..." Isabella's eyes glistened with unshed tears.
She'd done her research. Evelyn had been nothing more than a janitor at the Lowells.
A country bumpkin with a high school diploma, daring to compete with her?
"If Ms. Macmillan is satisfied, let's leave it at that," Edward said diplomatically.
But Evelyn rose and walked to the desk.
Trying to put her in her place on her first day home?
She rarely bothered with such games, but she wasn't a pushover either.
"Evelyn..." Alexander started, worried she'd humiliate herself.
Isabella smirked, anticipating the spectacle.
Evelyn picked up the pen, glanced at the sapphire photos, and let her wrist move effortlessly.
In under ten minutes, the design was complete.
Isabella scoffed. Anyone could doodle. Talent was what mattered.
Penelope approached, prepared to offer polite praise.
Then she saw the sketch.
Her entire body stiffened as if struck by lightning. Her hands trembled uncontrollably.