Chapter 107 Jealousy
"Ms. Johnson, this is a gift from the event organizers." A server entered carrying a velvet box, handed it to Emily, then quietly withdrew.
The moment Emily's fingertips touched the velvet box, her eyes grew slightly misty.
The pattern on the lid was her mother Scarlett's favorite design from her youth, and only Scarlett's closest friend from years past knew about this pattern.
Fighting back the emotions welling up inside, she opened the box. When she saw the moonstone necklace gleaming with cool blue light, her fingers gently traced the "L" engraved on the back of the pendant, warmth flooding her heart.
"It's beautiful."
She looked up, her face radiant with genuine surprise.
Charles's gaze had been fixed on her face, and seeing the glimmer of joy in her eyes made his chest tighten with an inexplicable sorrow.
He clenched his fingers, unable to hide the grievance in his voice. "You like this gift that much? I didn't see your eyes light up like this when you saw the dress I gave you just now."
He could even see how tenderly her fingertips caressed the necklace, as if she were caressing a precious treasure. She'd never touched his gown with such reverence.
Emily avoided his gaze, lowering her head to fiddle with the necklace clasp, her voice light, "They're different styles. I prefer this one."
She didn't mention that the necklace had special significance, not wanting to provoke more of his questions."Perfer it?"Charles leaned closer, his brow furrowing deeply. "This kind of cool blue light with a fine silver chain—there are no public examples of this design. How did they know you'd like it? And the sizing is perfect!"
He reached out to touch the necklace, but Emily quickly dodged away.
Her movement was too swift, clearly defensive. After reacting this way, even Emily herself froze for a moment.
Charles's hand hung suspended in mid-air, his heart sinking further. "You really don't want me to touch it? Does this necklace mean that much to you?"
"No, I just don't want to damage it." Emily fumbled for a weak excuse, quickly changing the subject as she smoothed down her gown's skirt. "Look how well the necklace matches this dress. What a pleasant surprise."
She deliberately brought up the gown, trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground, but the distance in her eyes remained unmistakable. She was aware that this person's identity absolutely couldn't be revealed to Charles—it was her protection.
Charles stared at her tense profile, easily seeing through her evasion.
But he'd promised Emily he wouldn't interfere too much with her affairs, so he could only voice his hurt, "The gown I gave you never got this kind of careful treatment."
She took his hand and placed it on the gown's fabric, though her fingertips carefully avoided any contact with his. "I remember the thought you put into it."
Charles's fingers touched the soft material but felt no warmth whatsoever.
Looking into Emily's overly lucid eyes, he suddenly felt powerless. "But when you saw that necklace, your eyes lit up like they held stars. Emily, are there still many things you haven't told me? About your mother, about your time abroad?"
"Just ordinary days, nothing worth mentioning."
Emily stepped back, creating distance between them, her tone returning to its usual coolness. "It's getting late. Let's go out and mingle. We shouldn't waste tonight's High Society Salon. Maybe I can even land some major clients."
Watching her suddenly cold demeanor, Charles felt something heavy settle in his chest.
He knew Emily was unwilling to share.
She'd endured too much suffering, harbored too many secrets, and still hadn't opened her heart for him to reach. Yet he couldn't bring himself to pressure her—he could only watch as she pulled further away.
He said nothing more, simply picking up her coat and offering it to her.
Emily took the coat, quickly putting it on, then turned toward the door.
Charles followed behind her, watching her straight-backed silhouette, his heart full of helplessness.
He knew Emily was resisting, concealing things, but all he could do was wait. Wait for the day she'd be willing to drop her guard and tell him all her secrets.
The moment Emily stepped out of the suite, her tense shoulders finally relaxed slightly.
Charles's presence was too overwhelming—she'd almost succumbed just now and revealed everything. Thank goodness her rational mind had kept her silent. That person was her secret weapon in her path of revenge; how could she casually expose that to an outsider?
Yes, an outsider. Charles was just an outsider.
In Elora's private suite, the crystal chandelier light was dimmed low, the air thick with expensive cigar smoke.
She reclined on the sofa, a slim lady's cigarette between her fingers, her eyes cold as ice. "Clara, let's be frank. Emily is blocking both our paths. You definitely want to see her suffer too, don't you?"
Clara sat across from her. Of course, she wanted to destroy Emily, but she understood Elora's intentions all too well.
Elora wanted to use her to go after Emily, then reap the benefits herself.
Clara suppressed her resentment, forcing a placating smile, "Ms. King, you're right, but Emily has Charles backing her now. I'm afraid..."
Elora cut her off, exhaling a smoke ring. "Afraid of what? You know Luminance Jewels' resources in the fashion industry. As long as you're willing to act, I'll provide personnel. If things go wrong, I'll cover for you."
She paused, her tone carrying an obvious threat. "But if you're too scared, forget it. After all, whether Mirage Fashion can survive still depends on whether I'm willing to give you collaboration opportunities."
Clara's heart clenched—she knew Elora was cornering her.
Although she'd gained some fame recently using that online designer's work, the earnings weren't enough to fill her previous losses.
Mirage Fashion was just a facade of success. Only with Luminance Jewels' financial backing could it truly improve. So this collaboration was a lifeline for Mirage Fashion; she had no right to refuse.
"Ms. King, rest assured, I'll handle it properly. I just need you to provide more personnel. I'm worried about any unexpected issues."
Elora tossed her a black communication device and said, "No problem. My people will coordinate with you. Once it's done, I'll have legal draft the collaboration contract immediately."
Clara took the device, her heart burning with resentment.
Why should Elora just move her lips when she had to do all the dirty work? But she didn't dare show the slightest displeasure, only respectfully rising to take her leave.
Walking out of the suite, Clara's smile instantly vanished, her eyes filled with malice.
She pulled out her phone and dialed Lucy's number, her tone commanding. "Come to the second-floor lounge right now. I have something for you to handle."