Chapter 193
Chapter 193:
“Mrs. Knight, we understand your frustration, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make this right. How would you like us to proceed?” Juliet’s voice stayed steady, calm as stone.
Sadie pulled in her temper like it cost her breath, speaking low and cutting. “It’s simple. Either you fix this back to perfect condition right now p>
Her words froze midair. Then she dropped the hammer. “Or you cut me a check for fifty million dollars. Not a cent less p>
“Fifty million?!” Gasps tore through the room, sharp and stunned.
Everyone in design knew the truth. The emerald was fine, but its value capped around a hundred grand. This wasn’t business—it was blackmail, plain and raw.
Juliet’s face hardened, though she held her tone polite. “Mrs. Knight, we hear you. But any payout has to reflect the piece’s actual worth p>
“Actual worth?” Sadie’s laugh sliced through her words. “Its worth is being one-of-a-kind! A family heirloom, passed down through generations. You people don’t understand what it means to me p>
She clung to the heirloom story, daring anyone to challenge it. Questioning her would sound like disrespect. The air went heavy, no way forward.
Then, like she was throwing them a bone, Sadie spoke again. “But I’m not unreasonable. I’ll compromise p>
Juliet and Sophie both turned, waiting.
Sadie lifted her chin, finger stabbing toward Sophie. “The one who botched this? She pays. I want your company to deal with this so-called designer right now—or we’re done p>
𝗨р𝗱𝖺tе𝗌 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳y 𝗐е𝖾𝗄 𝗈n.с𝗈𝗺
“Well—” Juliet’s voice wavered under the heat. “If there was a slip in Sophie’s work, we’ll handle it internally. But the proper call takes time—there are channels p>
“Channels?” Sadie cut her off. “Too slow. Let her choose her fate right here p>
Her eyes locked on Sophie, cold and unblinking. “You’ve got two options. Quit on the spot, and I’ll drop the chase. I’ll take your compensation plan, and that’s the end of it p>
Her voice sharpened like steel. “Or you cover my damages yourself. Every cent. This whole disaster started with your hands, didn’t it p>
Juliet glanced at Sophie, her expression tangled with pressure and regret. “Sophie… what do you say p>
The room went dead quiet, all eyes locked on her. To everyone watching, Sadie’s deal almost looked merciful. Walking away beat drowning under millions in debt—and spared the company the hit.
Sadie leaned back, playing at sympathy. “Sophie, this isn’t on me. You slipped up, and I’m the client left to pay the price. You can’t blame me, can you p>
Every stare pinned Sophie in place. Most of them expected her to fold, pack up, and leave.
Her throat felt dry, but she lifted her chin, meeting Sadie’s glare before turning to Juliet. “Juliet, before any decision is made, I have one request p>
Juliet shot back quickly, “What is it p>
Sophie’s eyes narrowed, firm as stone. “I want a close look at that broken bracelet p>
Sadie’s brows snapped tight, impatience flashing hot. “It’s shattered beyond saving. What’s left to see? Or are you trying to tamper with the evidence p>