Chapter 16 Custom Jewelry
Rumor had it that Jennifer was strapped for cash lately. That morning, Aria clung to Eugene's arm, swinging it playfully. "Hey, how about we ask her to design the jewelry for our engagement party?"
Eugene chuckled. "She's Declan's friend. That might not be the best idea."
Aria pouted, her voice sweet and cajoling. "That's exactly why I want to help her out. I can pay her more than the market rate. Who says you can't be friends just because you're paying them?"
Eugene dotingly tapped her nose. "You're too kind-hearted. Whatever you want." Aria giggled and nestled against his chest.
At work, Jennifer's colleague informed her that a Ms. Clark was waiting for her at the front desk. Layla perked up, her eyes wide with curiosity. She remembered Eugene's new girlfriend had the last name Clark.
Jennifer, puzzled, stepped out to see Aria. Aria's face lit up with a bright smile as she approached, taking Jennifer's hand. "Jennifer, I'd like you to design the jewelry for my engagement party."
Jennifer's hand trembled. "I can't." Aria didn't know Jennifer was Eugene's ex, so Jennifer didn't blame her. But she found it difficult to like Aria and preferred to minimize their interactions.
Aria's face was innocent, her lower lip jutting out slightly. "Why not? Don't you like me?" She was used to being adored by her friends.
Jennifer replied, "It's not that. I'm just really busy lately. Maybe you could check out the other designers in our studio. They're very talented too."
Layla, who had been eavesdropping, hurried over. "Yes, Ms. Clark, why not let me design for you? I promise you'll be satisfied."
Aria wrinkled her nose in disdain. "Who are you? I want Jennifer, not some random person." If it weren't for the friend connection, Aria would only consider famous designers for her jewelry.
Layla's assistant badge was still visible on her chest, and Aria dismissed her. Layla, feeling humiliated, stomped away. She had hoped to see Jennifer embarrassed, but instead, she became the joke.
Aria was persistent and spoiled; she wasn't one to give up easily. She insisted on knowing why Jennifer refused. Jennifer felt awkward, not wanting to expose her complicated feelings for Eugene and Aria in front of her colleagues.
Just then, Aria's phone rang. It was Eugene, inviting her to a new restaurant. Aria smiled sweetly and left in a hurry, temporarily sparing Jennifer.
Soon after, Jennifer's boss called her in and scolded her for missing Aria's order. "You're just a junior designer. Who gave you the authority to refuse a client?"
Aria had visited while the boss was out, so Jennifer suspected it was Layla, who had always held a grudge against her.
Jennifer didn't explain, simply apologizing. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
That afternoon, Jennifer slipped out of the office for a side gig, designing a necklace for a female executive.
"Ms. Belle, here's the initial sketch for your necklace." Jennifer handed over the design. The client was in a hurry, so Jennifer had worked on it overnight.
Magnolia Belle, dressed in professional attire, had arranged to meet at a coffee shop in the building. She was clearly a busy woman.
Jennifer had designed the necklace to be simple yet elegant, incorporating Magnolia's initials in an artistic font for a personal touch.
Magnolia sipped her black coffee and nodded appreciatively. "It's good. Let's go with this design. But I'd like the main stone to be a sapphire. Blue suits me better."
Jennifer noted the change. "Sure, I'll adjust the overall color scheme accordingly. I'll send you the revised design tomorrow. If there are no issues, I'll start production."
They discussed the impact of gemstone origins on quality, with Jennifer noting Magnolia's preference for a rich royal blue. Magnolia's phone rang, and she smiled apologetically. "I've enjoyed our conversation, Ms. Brown, but I have another appointment."
Jennifer smiled gently. "No problem. I'm finished here. Have a good day." She sketched a few modifications on her notepad.
Magnolia spoke briefly on the phone, informing the caller she was at the coffee shop and inviting him to join her.
Shortly after, Jennifer packed up to leave. The doorbell jingled, and a tall, striking man walked in. Many women glanced his way. It was Francis. He greeted Magnolia and headed straight for her table. Jennifer froze, unsure how to react. Magnolia stood and invited Francis to sit. Jennifer realized he was Magnolia's next appointment.
"Sorry, Mr. Carter. I have to travel tonight, so I appreciate you coming here."
Francis smiled. "No problem." He glanced at Jennifer, seemingly puzzled by her presence.
Magnolia introduced them. "This is Ms. Brown, my jewelry designer. Ms. Brown, do you have any other business here?"
Jennifer quickly shook her head. "No, I'm leaving now. I won't interrupt."
Francis extended his hand, blocking her way. "Ms. Brown, you seem to have a wide range of services. Leave me your card. I might need a gift designer in the future."
Jennifer knew he was mocking her for taking on various side jobs. She took his card, thanked him, and hurried out.
Watching her retreat, Magnolia asked, "You know her, Mr. Carter?"
Francis waved dismissively. "We've met. But we should focus on discussing the equipment." Magnolia was a distributor for medical equipment, and Francis was looking to upgrade his.
Meanwhile, Jennifer held Francis's card, feeling conflicted. He had refused to give her his contact information before, and now he was offering his card. She couldn't understand his intentions.
That night, Jennifer worked her usual part-time job and stayed up late revising the design. She sent the new draft to Magnolia first thing in the morning.
Unexpectedly, Magnolia replied: [Sorry, Ms. Brown, I've decided your design doesn't suit me. I don't need the necklace anymore. Keep the deposit as a fee for your effort.]
Jennifer's lips turned pale. Was it because of yesterday? Had Francis said something to Magnolia? She didn't dare ask, only accepting the outcome.
At that moment, Francis was video-calling his sister studying abroad in Valdoria. Tina Carter complained, "Francis, when are you going to find a girlfriend? Mom's worried sick and even wants to set me up on blind dates! I have school; I don't have time for a relationship!"
Francis scoffed. "You're lecturing me now? My job is way busier than your studies."
Tina insisted, "I don't care! If Mom and Dad can't pressure you, they come after me. It's not fair! I'm going to keep bugging you. Francis, are you still hung up on that person?"