Chapter 219

Chapter 219

Four years had flown by.

At Harmony City Airport, Ava was anxiously going over the two babies' daily routines with the nanny.

"Aurora, Samuel and Sophia need warm milk before bed. Sophia likes to wear that strawberry-patterned pajamas, and her strawberry bear is in the suitcase. Samuel's dinosaur is packed in there too - remember to take them out at the hotel. The weather's dry in Emerald City, make sure they drink plenty of water."

Aurora Rivera was a professional childcare specialist hired by the Davis family. She had been taking care of the two children since birth, and over these four years, she had been devoted and the children were very attached to her. But this trip was far from home, and to Emerald City no less, leaving Ava was extremely worried.

Aurora: "Don't worry, Ms. Davis. I've got all this down. I'll take good care of the two little ones."

Ava glanced at Robert on the phone in the distance and let out a small sigh. Deep down, she didn't want the two kids going with Robert.

Robert finished his call and walked over, scooping up one child in each arm.

"Don't worry, nothing will happen. You two promise Mommy that when we get to Emerald City, you'll listen to me and not run around. After I finish my business, I'll take you to the aquarium."

Ava looked miserable.

"Robert, bring them back as soon as you're done."

Robert's business had been booming over the past few years. He'd expanded northward from Harmony City all the way to Emerald City. Buildings constructed by the Davis Group could be seen all over the country.

This trip was to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a major project. When the two children heard Robert was flying to Emerald City, they insisted on going along. Ava couldn't talk them out of it no matter what.

The kids were getting older and more stubborn. Emerald City was the capital - lots of their kindergarten classmates had already been there with their parents and talked about what they'd seen at the museums and science centers. Samuel and Sophia were incredibly envious.

The two little ones were clever beyond their years. Knowing their mom wouldn't agree to let them travel, they pestered Robert until he gave in.

Samuel: "Don't worry, Mommy. I'll definitely listen to Uncle Robert. If Uncle Robert tells me to play with Barbie dolls, I won't ask for dinosaurs."

Sophia: "Bye-bye, Mommy! I'll take pictures of big sharks at the Emerald City aquarium for you, and pretty mermaids too~"

Ava felt helpless. Since they were already at the airport, she couldn't take the kids back now and disappoint them. She'd already promised at home to let them go with Robert—you can't go back on promises to children.

"Listen to Robert when you get there. Don't run around. Keep your phone watches on and fully charged. Don't accept things from strangers, and don't go anywhere with strangers."

The children had heard these warnings so many times they practically had calluses on their ears.

"We know, Mommy."

Ava held out one finger.

"Pinky promise!"

Two little tender hands hooked hers. Ava's heart was tight with worry.

"Robert..."

There were many things she couldn't say in front of the children, but Robert understood with just a look.

"Don't worry. I won't let them come into contact with anyone they shouldn't. We'll visit those famous Emerald City attractions and head straight back home."

Just then, the airport announcement broadcast their flight information.

"Time to check in. You head back to work. We'll video call you when we get to the hotel. Samuel, Sophia, say bye to Mommy."

The two children waved their little hands goodbye. Ava followed them all the way to the check-in counter, watching until they disappeared before leaving.

Over four years, Ava's studio had grown tremendously, from a small workshop with just three people to now occupying an entire floor of an office building.

The business had diversified too. Clients ordering custom jewelry included many celebrities, wealthy wives, socialites, and engaged couples preparing for their weddings.

For Ava to spare a few hours to see them off at the airport was quite rare - she was usually run off her feet with work.

Sure enough, as soon as she got back in her car to return to the studio, her assistant called.

"Ms. Davis, a young lady is here to order custom jewelry. She specifically requested you to design it personally. When will you be back? She's been waiting in your office for half the day and says she won't leave until she sees you."

Ava put the phone on speaker and started the car, slowly pulling out of the parking lot.

"I'm leaving now. If there's no traffic, it'll take about forty minutes. You can chat with the lady about her requirements first."

Assistant Stella's voice sounded troubled.

"Ms. Davis, the lady doesn't want to talk to anyone else. She only wants you."

Ava's eyelid twitched. This seemed like a demanding customer who would be difficult to please.

It took her exactly forty minutes to drive back to the studio. After parking, she quickly headed upstairs. Assistant Stella was already waiting at the elevator.

"Ms. Davis, you're finally back! I've brought her two coffees, three fruit teas, and a plate of fruit. The lady hasn't even looked at me once - she just keeps asking when you'll be back."

Ava listened to her assistant's report as she walked inside.

Pushing open the office door, she saw the person sitting on the sofa with crossed legs drinking tea. A look of surprise crossed her face. Over the years, it was well known in the industry that SereneShine Studio didn't take orders from Emerald City.

After a few seconds of shock, she composed herself and said with a slight smile,

"What kind of jewelry does Ms. Jones want? I can recommend suitable brands for you."

Amelia frowned.

"Ms. Davis, you don't want to make money? But I only like your designs. You don't know how much attention my mom got at the ladies' circle when she wore that jewelry set you designed to her birthday party four years ago. Mrs. Isabella Morgan's face looked terrible."

Hearing "Mrs. Isabella Morgan," Ava felt an inexplicable surge of irritation. If she'd known that the order she took four years ago would be worn by Harper to a birthday party, she would have let SereneShine Studio go bankrupt rather than take that money.

"Ms. Jones, as you know, SereneShine Studio doesn't take orders from Emerald City."

Amelia was worldly-wise. She'd been turned down plenty of times over these four years, but each time it was by an assistant over the phone - she never even got a chance to speak with Ava before being rejected.

This time she was getting engaged and came in person. She wanted to order a unique jewelry set that wouldn't be duplicated anywhere in the world. But none of the brands on the market caught her eye. Even the luxury brands with limited production runs were hard to get.

By comparison, Ava's studio seemed easier. After all, she recognized Ava's design abilities.

Seeing Ava's cold response and how her expression soured at the mention of Emerald City, Amelia decided to play the family card.

"Ms. Davis, my brother says you used to be an international luxury brand designer, the kind that ordinary companies couldn't hire. I only trust you - what should I do? If you don't want to take orders from Emerald City, then I'll just move to Harmony City. My brother's already moved here anyway."

Lewis had spent these years pursuing his dream girl, practically relocating to Harmony City permanently. He'd nearly moved the entire headquarters of the Jones Media over.

How could Amelia not know her silly brother was here chasing after a woman? She'd secretly investigated and found that whenever he had free time, he'd run to SereneShine Studio. Even after being rejected every time, he'd persisted enthusiastically for four years.

She'd long ago decided this beautiful designer would eventually become her sister-in-law. It was just that her useless brother hadn't succeeded after four years, so she didn't dare get too familiar yet.

Ava fell silent. There was no way she could take this order. She knew Amelia's circle consisted of Emerald City socialites, which would inevitably attract certain people's attention.

"Ms. Jones, don't waste your time here."

Just as she was speaking, there was a knock on the office door. Both of them looked over, equally surprised.