Chapter 69 Expanding Connections

Chapter 69 Expanding Connections

Starlight Bar.

Lily and Olivia sat in a booth by the window, with several colorful non-alcoholic cocktails in front of them. Olivia raised her glass, "Come on, cheers! Let's celebrate Lily's big win!"

Lily smiled and clinked glasses with her: "And thank you for always supporting me."

"What are you talking about! We're good friends; your business is my business. By the way, did you see Haven's face today? She looked absolutely terrible!"

Lily recalled that scene and couldn't help but laugh: "It was quite a sight."

"As for Eric, I saw that the way he looked at Haven had completely changed. I bet they're going to break up for good."

"She brought it on herself. If she hadn't copied my design in the first place, today wouldn't have happened."

Olivia nodded, "Exactly! But speaking of which, Mr. Jones was so cool today! The way he showed up was just like a movie hero!"

At the mention of David, Lily's face felt a bit warm.

David really helped her out today, and the evidence was clearly prepared in advance...

Olivia suddenly leaned closer, her eyes sparkling, "Do you think Mr. Jones likes you? Why else would he help you so much?"

"Don't talk nonsense. Have you forgotten how we were at each other's throats when I was still at Horizon Innovations Group?"

"True, back then, you caused him quite a bit of trouble for the sake of Horizon Innovations Group's development. So why would he help you?"

Lily pouted, "Maybe he saw how down and out I was and felt sorry for me."

Olivia rolled her eyes, "I don't believe that. Whatever, let's not talk about him. I prepared a surprise for you today."

"What surprise?" Lily asked curiously.

Olivia smiled mysteriously and sent a few messages on her phone. In less than ten minutes, several young people arrived at their booth one after another.

Olivia stood up, pulling Lily along, "Lily, let me introduce you. This is Armando Gomez, heir to Celestial Treasures, this is Lyanna Patel, heir to Radiant Gemstones, and this is Glenn Cole, founder of Stellar Design Studio..."

She introduced seven or eight people in a row, all from the younger generation in jewelry design or related industries.

"Hello everyone, I'm Lily." Lily was somewhat flattered, not expecting Olivia to prepare such a surprise for her.

"Ms. Martin, you're too kind. We all saw your performance at the design competition today, it was absolutely amazing!" Armando was the first to raise his glass.

Lyanna also said excitedly, "Yes, yes! Especially when you exposed Haven's plagiarism, it was so satisfying! I've been fed up with her high and mighty attitude for a long time."

Glenn pushed up his glasses and said seriously, "Ms. Martin, would you be interested in collaborating? Our studio has been looking for talented designers."

Lily was a bit overwhelmed and quickly said, "You're all too kind. I still have many shortcomings. But if there's an opportunity, I'd be very happy to exchange ideas and learn from everyone."

Armando smiled and said, "Ms. Martin is too modest. Winning first place in a global design competition isn't something just anyone can do."

Everyone raised their glasses, and the atmosphere became lively at once.

Olivia watched Lily chatting happily with everyone and felt especially satisfied. She knew that Lily needed connections and resources most right now.

Although she had Samuel's support, she still needed to build her own network within the jewelry design circle.

"Come on, everyone, drink up! Today we're going to drink to our hearts' content!"

Lily quickly held down Olivia's hand: "Olivia, drink less, you still need to get home later."

"It's fine, I'm happy today! Besides, if I drink too much, I'll just have Lloyd come pick me up!" Olivia waved her hand and downed her cocktail in one gulp.

But Lily's expression darkened.

How should she tell Olivia about Lloyd without hurting her?

Over the next while, everyone chatted more and more enthusiastically. Armando expressed his hope to collaborate with Lily on designing a new collection, Lyanna said their company was preparing an international jewelry exhibition and invited Lily to participate, and Glenn even directly said he'd reserve a position for Lily at their studio...

Lily was overwhelmed but felt warm inside.

All of this was Olivia's arrangement. This silly girl always thought of her.

Before they knew it, two hours had passed. Olivia had drunk quite a bit, her cheeks flushed.

"I'm going to the restroom." She stood up, her steps a bit unsteady.

"Let me go with you," Lily said worriedly.

"No need, I can go myself." Olivia waved her hand and wobbled toward the restroom.

Lily watched her back, feeling uneasy, but Armando was discussing design concepts with her, so she had to deal with that first.

A few minutes later, Olivia came back, looking somewhat off.

"Olivia? What's wrong?" Lily immediately sensed something was wrong.

Olivia pulled Lily close and whispered in her ear: "Lily, you'll never guess who I saw!"

"Who?"

"Zane! He was all over some woman, in a private room at the end of the hallway!"

Lily was stunned: "Are you sure it was Zane?"

"Absolutely sure! I just came out of the restroom and happened to see them going into the room. You know that woman, too."

"I know her, too? Who?"

"It's Elodie! Haven's friend!"

Lily was too shocked to speak.

Zane and Elodie? This... how was this possible?

"I thought I was seeing things, so I deliberately walked closer to look. They were kissing passionately, and Zane's hand was... it was disgusting!"

Lily's feelings were complicated.

Zane hadn't had any scandals all these years. Who would have thought that this seemingly righteous man would be involved with Elodie?

"Lily, should we tell Haven? Let her taste what it's like to be betrayed!" Olivia was excited.

Lily shook her head: "No need, their business has nothing to do with me."

Olivia thought about it, "You're right, anyway, your stepmother, Celeste, isn't simple either. She'll definitely find out about Zane's dirty business. Let's stay out of it."

Meanwhile, at the Martin Villa.

The family doctor had just finished treating Haven and Celeste's wounds. Both were lying on the sofa, covered in bruises.

"It hurts so much..." Haven covered her face.

Celeste was also bruised all over: "It's all that little bitch Lily's fault! If it weren't for her, how would we have ended up like this!"

"Mom, where's Dad?" Haven suddenly asked.