Chapter 4 Charlotte?!
1052 Words
"Ma'am..." A voice emerged from behind, startling her slightly.
Charlie turned to see Brown, Matthew's assistant. She raised an eyebrow, curious. "Quite the busy day, isn't it? Everyone seems to be looking for me."
"Hello, I'm Brown, the assistant to Mr. Matthew Williams, Chairman of Williams Jewellery. Mr. Williams would like to meet with you. Do you have a moment?"
Charlie glanced at Elijah, who was sitting across from her, and replied with a haughty tone, "As you can see, I'm already with someone. It's not a good time."
Brown squirmed uncomfortably, realizing Charlie's refusal was quite direct.
"Mr. Williams has come all the way here, eager to discuss a partnership with you. Considering Williams Jewellery's standing in the industry, does he need to invite you in person before you could consider a meeting?"
Charlie leaned back on the sofa, her voice smooth. "Not at all. It's just that Williams Jewellery's situation is quite dire. It's unfortunate for Matthew that, at his age, he still needs to personally placate the shareholders."
Elijah watched the exchange with a slight smirk, enjoying the show. Brown forced a smile, his tone slightly strained. "In that case, I'll make sure to relay your message to Mr. Williams exactly as you've said."
"My father, with all his responsibilities, couldn't come himself. But he made it a point to send me to meet with you to help facilitate our cooperation."
Charlie's expression shifted subtly. She wasn't the only one who reacted this way. Elijah's brow also furrowed slightly.
The voice belonged to Sofia.
When Sofia saw Elijah, a flicker of disdain crossed her face.
"A visit from Mrs. Garcia? How unusual! Williams Jewellery, once a titan in the jewelry industry, is now personally seeking a collaboration?" Charlie's tone was laced with sarcasm.
Sofia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "You must realize that teaming up with Williams Jewellery is the optimal choice. As a burgeoning brand, you need the clout that Williams Jewellery can provide."
Charlie took a glass of red wine from a passing tray, swirling it gently. "I beg to differ. In recent years, Williams Jewellery's designs have become stale, and their products are dull. Their reputation has sharply declined, maintaining only a superficial appearance of success. Internally, they're a shadow of their former selves, desperately in need of a groundbreaking new product to recover their dominance."
She took a sip. Her lips stained a vivid crimson. "It seems to me that Williams Jewellery needs me much more than I need them."
Sofia's face paled, and her fists clenched tightly, causing her manicured nails to snap.
How could Charlie know so much about Williams Jewellery?
Before Sofia could respond, a male voice cut through the tension.
"Busy, babe? A real estate firm wants to talk about a potential spot in their new mall."
Elijah looked over sharply. It was Thomas.
The two men locked eyes briefly, Thomas' gaze cautious, before he turned back to Charlie, his voice soft and affectionate. "Ready to go, babe?"
"Please excuse us." Charlie stood, taking Thomas' arm with a smile, and they walked away together.
Watching her graceful departure, Elijah felt an unusual stirring inside himself.. His brow furrowed unconsciously.
*****
Back in the private box, Matthew, head honcho at Williams Jewellery and Sofia's father, angrily smashed his glass on the table, swearing furiously.
"That wet-behind- the-ears woman refused my invite!" he thundered.
Sofia handed him a fresh glass of champagne, confused. "Dad, why are we even trying to pursue her? I don't see what's so special about her."
"You have no idea! It's rumored that every piece from Glimmer Gems is her own design. That woman is a once-in-a-century talent in jewelry design!"
Chastened, Sofia quickly shifted the conversation. "Dad, the raw gem auction is starting soon. Which one should we go for?"
Matthew took a sip of his champagne and flipped open the raw gem catalog, pointing to a stone he had circled earlier. "Money is no object! We must secure lot number five for the highest bid!"
The auction for the gemstones began shortly after.
The first four lots sold quickly, and the bidding for the much-anticipated fifth lot skyrocketed.
As the price climbed, Sofia shouted, "Sixty million!"
Her eyes lit up with excitement, and the envious and admiring glances from around the room buoyed her spirits, making her feel on top of the world.
Finally, lot number five sold for sixty-eight million.
Under the intense gaze of the crowd, the gem was cut on the spot by a professional.
Everyone held their breath as the blade sliced along the marked line, each cut seemingly slicing through Sofia's heart.
Finally, the stone split in two.
And with that, Sofia's high hopes shattered. She gasped. "How... how can this be...???
Despite its high quality, the stone was marred by a tail-shaped c***k, rendering it worthless!
Sofia stood up suddenly, her face pale as a sheet. "This can't be happening!"
From a distance, Charlie, in a striking red gown, watched Sofia's distressed but helpless demeanor and allowed herself a slight smirk before turning to walk onto the deck.
Meanwhile, Sofia, fueled by anger, quickly followed in her high heels.
*****
The night was deep, and the wind was strong. As Charlie stepped onto the deck, her red dress billowed out, revealing her long, elegant legs.
"Stop!"
Hearing the call, Charlie stopped in her tracks and turned around to see an enraged Sofia approaching.
"What do you want?"
"That stone is not acceptable, so you won't get a dime from me!" Sofia's face was stern, her eyes filled with anger.
Charlie crossed her arms and looked at Sofia nonchalantly.
Sofia sneered, "What's so great about you? You're nothing without Thomas Robinson's backing. Just so you know, young lady. Crossing the Garcia family will make sure you can't even walk a block in New York!"
"Oh, the Garcia family?" Charlie suddenly laughed, her voice returning to its natural tone. "Funny, cuz I don't recall them being on my list of concerns."
She lifted her hand, slowly removing her mask. The corners of her lips curled in a mocking smile.
A gust of sea breeze whipped her hair wildly. The silky moonlight cast her delicate face in an ethereal yet defiant beauty.
"Charlotte?" Sofia's face turned deathly pale as she staggered back. "Is that you?!"
- Writer
