Chapter 262
Chapter 262:
Was this deliberate?
A ghost of a smile played across Janice’s lips as she traced her chin thoughtfully. Human nature, with all its complexities, never ceased to intrigue her.
At this moment, the message alert pulled her from her reverie.
Turning her attention to the computer screen, Janice replied, “Someone just brought me coffee.”
“Turning heads wherever you go, aren’t you?” Leah’s response sparkled with mischief. Janice’s eyes rolled skyward. “Shut up.”
A crying emoji popped up instantly from Leah.
“Enough dramatics. Lunch today?” Janice asked.
“Absolutely!” Leah replied.
“Same place as always.”
“Got it.”
And with that, the chat ended.
“Janice, come in for a minute.” Stella’s voice pierced the office air.
Framed in Stella’s doorway, Janice observed the telling contrast—her own steely composure against Stella’s barely concealed agitation.
“Janice, have you contacted Freak Design?” Stella’s fingers betrayed her anxiety, tapping an uneven rhythm on the table.
“This exhibition is pivotal; our international expansion hinges on its success.” Stella pressed her fingertips to her temples, anxiety threading through her voice. “This is a make-or-break moment for Delgado Jewelry’s expansion into international markets.”
“Take a deep breath, Stella.” Janice’s voice carried quiet wisdom. “Sometimes overthinking is our worst enemy.”
Feel the magic at gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․cο𝓶
Stella smiled bitterly. “That’s easy for you to say. This isn’t just another exhibition—it’s Mr. Delgado’s debut project and our gateway to…”
International markets. The board’s watching like hawks, ready to make me their sacrificial lamb if anything falters.” Stella’s concern wasn’t without reason.
Kenneth had inherited the company under a microscope of expectations. Delgado Jewelry was his trial by fire, his one chance to prove himself worthy of the family legacy. The weight of it all pressed heavily on Stella’s shoulders, caught between ambitious plans and merciless scrutiny.
“Walk me through exactly how you handled the communication,” Stella pressed. Her tone cut like glass, worry seeping through the cracks. “Give me the details.”
Janice hesitated, an uncertain look flickering across her face. “We just talked normally.”
The hope drained from Stella’s expression. “What exactly do you mean? Janice, don’t tell me you’ve messed this up!”
A serene smile played on Janice’s lips as she dismissed Stella’s concerns. “Relax, Stella. When I’m handling things, there’s no need to worry.”
“Then what precisely did you do?”
“We chatted casually and arranged to meet for lunch later.”
“That’s it?” Stella stared at her, utterly stunned. Anger blazed in her eyes. “Are you serious? You’re wasting time on chitchat and lunch dates instead of finalizing the actual collaboration? What about the exhibition layout? The schedule coordination?”
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