Chapter 68

Chapter 68

I hung up the phone with the receptionist and stared at the Brown Legacy Jewels partnership materials on my computer screen.

Matthew's attitude changed way too fast. One second he was asking me to give him a reason; the next second he'd switched the person in charge. I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on that. With the Brighton Corporation project falling through, everyone at the company was watching the Brown Legacy Jewels partnership closely. If I messed this up too, I really wouldn't be able to stay at Urban Muse.

Ember leaned over and patted my shoulder. "Don't overthink it. Getting a new person in charge is a good thing. Just focus on preparing the proposal and try to nail it in one shot."

I nodded and opened my design software.

Brown Legacy Jewels focused on high-end minimalist style. Looking at their product line before, most pieces had smooth lines and a warm texture.

I thought back to the luxury design experience I'd gained from the Brighton Corporation project. Combined with Brown Legacy Jewels' brand identity, an idea gradually took shape in my mind as I adjusted the details on screen.

The bracelet links needed tweaking, the pendant's curve had to fit the neck better, and the gem setting needed to highlight the quality.

After finishing the design, I finally headed home.

Early the next morning, I brought the printed sketches to Brown Legacy Jewels.

Brown Legacy Jewels' new manager, Eddy Bowers, was a man in his thirties wearing a sharp suit. He looked pretty reliable.

I handed over the sketches. He flipped through a couple pages, then looked up. "Ms. Scott, these sketches are great! We've worked with several teams before, but they were all too conservative. Your design fits our brand identity while adding some clever touches. Especially this detachable pendant design—very innovative."

I smiled and explained, "I considered that today's consumers like multi-functional accessories. This pendant works with the bracelet but can also be a brooch, suitable for both casual and formal occasions."

Eddy nodded and immediately called the project team together for discussion.

Several people gathered around the sketches for a while, sharing their thoughts one after another. Most were positive.

A female designer said, "The gemstone color scheme is perfect—soft but not flashy, really suits our main commuter line this year."

A marketing colleague added, "Young consumers love this kind of thing. Simple yet stylish, easy to promote too."

After half an hour of discussion, Eddy made the call. "Ms. Scott, we'll go with your proposal. We'll get the contract ready as soon as possible and hopefully launch the project next week."

I was thrilled. As I followed Eddy to his office to get the contract, just as we reached the door, I saw a familiar figure storm in angrily—it was William.

What was he doing here?

William's eyes locked directly on me as he rushed over and snatched the contract from Eddy's hands.

"Mr. Brown? What are you doing?" Eddy froze, trying to grab it back.

William ignored him completely. In front of everyone, he gripped the contract with both hands and ripped it in half. The freshly printed contract was torn apart, paper scraps scattering on the floor.

"This partnership is off!" he said through gritted teeth, eyes boring into me. "Layla, you think switching managers will make this work? Without my approval, you can forget about partnering with Brown Legacy Jewels!"

Eddy protested urgently, "Mr. Brown, this proposal was unanimously approved by our team. Ms. Scott's design is excellent. You can't ruin the company's partnership over a personal grudge!"

William turned to Eddy and the other colleagues and shouted, "My company, I'll do what I want. All of you, get out. This is none of your business."

Everyone was intimidated by his aggression. They looked at each other, then could only pick up the paper scraps and leave reluctantly. The office was suddenly left with just William and me, the air growing oppressive.

"What exactly do you want?" I asked, barely containing my anger.

William stepped closer, his eyes menacing. "What do I want? Layla, you're that desperate to get away from me? You want a divorce, then turn around and ask Matthew for help, and try to partner with the Brown Group. You think I'd let you have your way?"

"I earned this partnership on my own merit. It has nothing to do with you!" I stepped back, watching him warily.

William sneered and reached for my wrist. "Your merit? Isn't it just seducing people? You used to seduce me, now you're going after Matthew. Layla, you are really something!"

I jerked my hand away and backed up. "William, don't go too far. We have nothing to do with each other anymore. Stop harassing me."

He wouldn't let up. He lunged forward again, grabbed my waist, and pinned me against the desk. "As long as I don't sign the divorce papers, you'll always be my wife. Layla, I suggest you come back with me nicely. Don't make me get rough."

His grip was strong. I struggled, but my waist was locked tight and I couldn't move. I raised my hand to push his face away, cursing, "William, let go of me, you lunatic."

He leaned down, his breath hitting my face. "You drove me to this. You think I want this? Just come back, and we can be like before. I won't see Olivia anymore, okay?"

I spat in his face. "Dream on! I'd rather die than be with you again!"

William was enraged. His eyes grew more vicious as he reached to tear at my clothes. Just then, the office door was gently pushed open and a soft voice spoke. "William, I brought you lunch. How are you..."

It was Olivia.

She stood in the doorway holding a thermos, and seeing us tangled on the desk, her face instantly turned pale. The thermos fell from her hands with a clang, food spilling everywhere.

Olivia's eyes immediately reddened. She covered her belly and said pitifully, "Layla, how... how could you do this to William? I'm carrying William's child, and you're messing with him right in front of me? Aren't you worried about affecting the baby?"

William, interrupted, frowned, and let me go.

I took the chance to push him away, quickly straightened my clothes, and backed up to a safe distance.

I looked at her coldly. "Olivia, stop playing the victim! William was the one harassing me. Are you blind?"

"Layla, you can't say that." Olivia wiped her tears and looked at William, her voice extremely gentle. "William, I know you still have feelings for Layla, but I'm already carrying your child. We're about to have our own family. Please don't do this with Layla anymore, okay? It hurts me."

"Not my problem." I didn't want to waste words on her and turned to leave.