Chapter 92
Nora rolled up her sleeves, "This is too much! I'm going to confront Michael right now. So what if he's the client? He can't bully us like this."
Diana pulled her back, "Alright, alright, calm down. He's not worth getting angry over. Think about tonight's charity gala instead. Our studio can show some love and raise our profile."
The charity gala would bring together elites from all walks of life.
And there would be countless gossip reporters.
Just by donating something at the charity gala, they could make the news and boost the studio's reputation.
Nora nodded in agreement, "Okay, let's go together and relax a bit."
Night fell, and all was quiet.
Luxury cars gathered at the entrance of the five-star hotel. Men and women in custom-made gowns appeared at the door.
At this kind of social scene, everyone clinked glasses and smiled brightly, though their eyes showed shrewdness.
Diana and Nora attended in formal attire, wearing jewelry they had designed themselves.
As soon as they appeared, they instantly attracted many people's attention.
Reporters swarmed over.
They originally wanted to surround them and ask gossip questions, but were quickly stopped by the organizers.
A charity gala wasn't for gossip. People could take photos, but couldn't surround and question the guests.
Diana and Nora smoothly entered the gala, and the jewelry they wore quickly caught many people's eyes.
Wealthy young ladies and high-society wives came over to greet them.
Diana and Nora put on professional smiles and handled each person gracefully.
Half an hour passed.
Diana's mouth was dry from talking and she felt tired, so she turned to a corner to rest.
But just as she sat down, a large shadow appeared above her head.
"Long time no see. I never thought that Diana, who used to cry all the time, has grown up and can handle things on her own now. You were really excellent just now. I'm impressed."
Looking up at Jake acting all familiar, Diana rolled her eyes impatiently.
As if not sensing Diana's irritation, Jake sat down beside her on his own. His slender fingers held a wine glass, gently swirling it, "Actually, I've been thinking a lot lately. The engagement back then was between our families, not specifically between Veda and me. We could actually switch partners."
Diana laughed out loud and put her hand on his shoulder, leaning forward, "You've realized Veda isn't right for you, so now you want to come to me?"
"Why not? We're the most compatible ones, aren't we? I need to fight for the family inheritance, and so do you. Don't you want to take over the company?"
Jake spoke bluntly and leaned forward again as he spoke.
The distance between them suddenly closed, bringing them face to face.
From a distance, they looked like they were kissing.
Michael walked into the gala just in time to see this scene.
Having learned that Diana was attending the gala, he had rushed over after finishing work. He didn't expect to spot Diana being intimate with another man in the crowd at first glance.
A flash of coldness crossed his eyes as he strode in that direction.
In the corner.
Diana felt a chill down her back and was about to turn around when Jake's voice rang out again.
"We're the same type of people. I know about your relationship with Michael. Help me secure the contract for Johnson Jewelry City, and I can get you a position at the Garcia Group. How about it?"
Jake laid out his terms directly.
Diana raised an eyebrow, "Getting Michael's company contract is impossible for you, but as for joining the Garcia Group, do you think I can't manage that myself?"
"But wouldn't a strong alliance be better? Besides, I don't believe you have no feelings for me at all. When we were little, you always followed behind me. Have you forgotten?"
"Actually, I've been secretly watching you all these years. The engagement with Veda was arranged by the family—I had no choice. I was weak as a child, but now it's different. I'm gradually taking control of the company and have autonomy. I want to be like you..."
Jake spoke tenderly, the affection in his eyes almost intoxicating.
Diana looked into Jake's pupils and smiled charmingly, her fingers gently tapping his shoulder, "So you're telling me you regret it now? You want to fulfill the engagement with me instead of Veda?"
"But didn't you always like Veda? When we were kids, you two always played together and left me behind. Have you forgotten? I was so sad back then, always crying in secret."
Diana took out her phone and pressed the record button while speaking, using the visual blind spot.
Jake was completely unaware and hastily pledged his loyalty.
"I was forced to back then! My parents made me play with Veda. I had no choice. From now on, let's join forces. I promise to make you the sole heir of your family. Those half-siblings are just illegitimate children—they don't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as us."
Diana pretended to be moved, tears glistening in her eyes, "So during all this time you've been with them, have you found any dirt on them? Will you really help me destroy them and drive them away?"
"Of course! We grew up together. Our bond is special. In short, if we team up, we'll definitely have a wonderful life."
Jake's rambling voice continued.
To seal the deal and deceive her, he even revealed some of Veda's secrets.
Like how Veda got into fights and skipped classes in school, and had others take exams for her.
And how she faked her credentials.
Most importantly, her jewelry designs were ghostwritten by others.
In short, Veda was useless and had no real talent.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have been eliminated in the first round of the jewelry competition.
Diana wasn't surprised, "So you love me?"
"Of course! From beginning to end, you're the only one I've ever liked. How could the child of a mistress be worthy of being my fiancée? Don't worry, you won't be alone anymore. I'll always support you from behind."
Jake spoke more and more passionately, his fake act even fooling himself, his eyes reddening with emotion.
Diana's stomach churned, but her face showed more emotion as she rested her head on his shoulder, "Jake, this is wonderful. All these years, I've been waiting for this day. I just never thought it would actually come. I'm so happy, so excited."
"Really? Then let's talk about our next plan. First, help me sign the cooperation deal with the Johnson Group. Once we sign that contract, we can discuss engagement and marriage. As soon as we're engaged, I'll help you get into the Garcia Group."
Jake spoke with complete confidence when suddenly a cold voice came.
"You two seem to be having quite the pleasant chat."