Chapter 192

Chapter 192:

Sophie rushed back with the fastest crew she could gather from design, dragging Juliet and every free hand straight into the conference room.

People looked a little puzzled at first, but the moment they learned it had been Sadie’s idea, curiosity sparked, and they filed in with that sharp professional air.

The room filled in no time, more than a dozen faces turning her way.

Sophie steadied her breath and glanced at Sadie, lounging at the head like she owned the room. “Mrs. Knight, the design team’s here, and the director as well. We’re ready p>

Sadie set her glass aside, a smile breaking across her face. “Perfect. Why don’t you do the honors? Show us the collection yourself p>

Her voice carried a strange thrill, like she was enjoying every second of this.

Sophie stepped forward, hands firm as she unlocked the case. She started with the first box, lifting out the necklace with care and holding it high for all to see. The lotus pendant caught the light, the emerald pod glowing deep and rich. A few whistles broke the hush as eyes widened in awe.

𝖩𝘰𝘪𝘯 t𝗁е 𝗰оm𝗺𝘶ո𝘪𝗍𝘺 𝘢t

Next, she revealed a pair of delicate lotus earrings. Every curve was sharp and striking, a flawless match to the necklace. Juliet dipped her chin with a small nod, giving Sophie silent approval.

At last, only one piece remained. Inside lay the emerald bracelet. With this, the set would be complete, and the hard work finally done.

Sophie reached for the box.

But the moment she lifted the lid, something felt wrong. The box sat upside down.

Before she could react, a green flash slipped from the edge, tumbling fast. It hit the table hard. The emerald bracelet split in two, the sound sharp as glass.

Silence swallowed the room. Every eye locked on the broken halves, disbelief freezing them in place.

The stillness didn’t last.

Sadie shot upright, fury twisting her face. She stabbed a finger at the wreckage. “Sophie! This is what you call professional? You can’t even hold a box? My bracelet! My matching bracelet—gone p>

Her rage cut sharper with every word. “It was carved from the same stone! Now it’s worthless! How do I wear a broken set? What’s the use anymore p>

Sophie’s heart dropped. She hadn’t seen this coming. She had checked every piece before delivery, packed them with care—nothing should have gone wrong.

Forcing herself to think, she tried to trace the cause. The bracelet box had been flipped on purpose. She was sure of it. And it hadn’t been in her sight while she gathered people. Someone must have tampered with it.

Could Sadie herself be behind this? But Tyler had been left to keep watch. Had he stepped away?

“Sophie, explain this! Right now!” Sadie’s voice tore through her thoughts, dragging her back to the moment.

Juliet’s face was dark with disappointment. She had seen Sophie fumble, watched the bracelet crash. This wasn’t just a mistake—it was a disaster. A blow to the company’s name and its trust with clients.

Juliet stepped in, her tone heavy but calm. “Mrs. Knight, we deeply regret this. Let us replace the stone with one just as fine—better even—and recreate the set at no cost to you. Every expense is on us p>

It was an offer few clients could fault.

But Sadie barked a bitter laugh. “Replace it? With what, Juliet? That emerald was unique—a family heirloom. Priceless! Do you think another stone can carry its history? Its weight? Will a substitute feel the same? Tell me, can you repay that p>

Her voice rose, raw and broken, like she had lost more than just jewelry.