Chapter 247

Zoey's words left the design department in a heavy silence.

"Let's talk outside." Zoey didn't wait for their response, gently guiding Gloria by the shoulder and leading her out.

Gloria hesitated, "Zoey, I need to get back to work."

Zoey didn't slow down, "If Emily asks, tell her to come to me."

Then, as if realizing something, Zoey asked, "Where is Emily, anyway?"

Gloria replied, "She pulled an all-nighter last night. She's probably catching up on sleep."

Zoey nodded, "I see. Let's talk first."

They found a coffee shop near the Miller Group building and took a seat by the window.

As the coffee arrived, Zoey kept studying Gloria's expression.

Feeling uneasy under Zoey's gaze, Gloria finally asked, "Zoey, what's going on?"

Zoey's concern was evident, "I was out of the country for a few days, just got back today. I saw the news online. Are you okay?"

Gloria had expected something serious and breathed a sigh of relief, smiling, "I'm fine. Sorry to make you worry."

Zoey frowned, "Of course I was worried. I felt so bad that I couldn't help you from abroad."

After chatting for a bit, Zoey shifted to business. "On to business. The promotional videos you helped me with, I tested them overseas, and they did great. I'm planning to release them domestically now. Any thoughts?"

Zoey had been holding onto those promotional videos, waiting for the right moment. With the positive overseas response, it was time to test the waters at home.

Gloria had no objections. Zoey had already paid her for the videos, and the rights belonged to Zoey.

After a moment, Gloria looked up at Zoey, "Did you cover my face in the videos?"

Zoey nodded, "Yeah, I promised you I would."

It was a bit of a shame, as Gloria's face was a strong selling point. But given her current situation, Zoey understood her need for anonymity.

"Covering your face actually adds a bit of mystery to your dance. The feedback has been great," Zoey reassured her.

Hearing this, Gloria felt relieved. "Earlier, you mentioned designing some jewelry with the design team?"

Zoey took a sip of her coffee and set the cup down, "The overseas sales are good. I want to design a jewelry set to go with wedding dresses for the domestic market, covering the bride's entire look. I was going to ask Emily, but it seems she's busy. Do you have time?"

Gloria remembered what Gavin had told her, "I might have a jewelry project of my own to work on."

"Then maybe I'll have to ask Emily to recommend someone else," Zoey said, her plan falling through. "Finish your project first, and we'll see if there would be an opportunity for collaboration. If possible, I'd like you to help with more promotional videos."

Gloria agreed, "Sure."

With no immediate collaboration, Zoey didn't keep her long. They chatted briefly before Zoey walked her back to the design department.

They ran into Emily, who had just woken up.

Zoey explained the situation to Emily, who then let Gloria off the hook.

Near the end of the workday, Gloria received a message from Gavin saying the client wanted a face-to-face meeting.

Gloria agreed, set a time, and was about to leave when Emily stopped her.

Gloria was puzzled, "What's up, Emily?"

Emily said, "Come with me to see Nicole. She's been worried sick about you. Since you're back, let her know you're okay."

Gloria had been avoiding Nicole, afraid she'd notice something was off. Emily had been the go-between, bearing the brunt of Nicole's worry.

Emily had managed to keep Nicole from seeking Gloria out herself.

Gloria had planned to see Nicole, just not so suddenly.

After a moment's hesitation, she agreed, "Alright, let's go."

Emily called Nicole, and they arrived at her house before dinner.

Seeing the open gate from a distance, Gloria felt a pang of anxiety.

Last time, only the housekeeper had been waiting outside.

This time, Nicole herself was at the door, looking their way with concern.

Seeing the worry on Nicole's face, Gloria felt a wave of guilt.

As soon as Emily parked, Nicole and the housekeeper came up to them.

Gloria quickly got out of the car and took a few steps toward them. "Nicole."

Nicole held her arm, looking her over, "How did you get sick? Was it serious? Why didn't you call me?"

Gloria looked down, feeling guilty, "I caught a cold and had a fever. I was in the hospital for a week, but I'm fine now."

Nicole was displeased, "I wanted to visit, but Emily stopped me."

She shot Emily a reproachful look.

Emily smiled, giving Gloria a look that said, "Help me out here."

Gloria quickly said, "I didn't want you to come. The hospital is full of sick people. I didn't want you to catch anything."

Nicole knew they were in cahoots, "You two think you can get away with anything because I'm getting old."

They exchanged guilty smiles.

The housekeeper intervened, "As long as Gloria's okay. Dinner's getting cold. Let's go inside."

Nicole let it go and led them in.

At dinner, Gloria wanted to sit with Emily, but Nicole insisted she sit next to her.

As soon as Gloria sat down, Nicole's eyes fell on her neck. "Don't you like the gift I gave you?"

Emily and the housekeeper also looked over.

Gloria's expression froze, "It's very precious. I was afraid of damaging it, so I put it away."

She glanced at Emily, shaking her head slightly, not wanting Nicole to know the necklace was broken.

Nicole didn't think much of it, "It's not that valuable, just a token. If you like it, wear it. I think it suits you."

Nicole's words touched Gloria. She had indeed designed the necklace with herself in mind.

"I will. I'll wear it next time." She promised, feeling guilty.

Nicole didn't press the issue.

Gloria was about to relax when Nicole asked about Sebastian. "Tell me the truth. Did Sebastian cause the trouble in the news? Did he have anything to do with you getting sick?"