Chapter 400

"Madam Nora, what a pleasant surprise." Evelyn's face lit up as she stepped forward to greet the elderly woman.

The chairwoman of Taylor Jewelry returned a warm smile. "When I heard your company's grand opening was today, I simply had to come show my support personally."

Evelyn gracefully knelt beside the wheelchair so Madam Nora wouldn't strain her neck. "With your endorsement, my competitors across Bassburgh will be green with envy. I might need extra security!"

Madam Nora chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Oh you flatterer, always knowing just what to say to an old woman."

As she wheeled her VIP guest to the private lounge, Evelyn prepared tea with practiced hands. "How have you been keeping, Madam? Your health treating you well?"

"Better than ever, dear." Madam Nora blew gently on her steaming cup. "Though I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me these past months."

Evelyn grinned mischievously. "Impossible. I'd forget my own name before forgetting you."

After taking a delicate sip, Madam Nora's expression turned serious. "You promised me you'd establish your brand internationally within a year. At this rate, you'll achieve it in half that time."

Evelyn's fingers paused mid-air. "We've only just begun this journey."

"Nonsense!" The older woman waved her hand. "Give credit where it's due. That's precisely why I'm here - to offer you an extraordinary opportunity."

An intrigued silence filled the room.

"The Stoslo Sheena Jewelry Exhibition opens next month," Madam Nora continued. "This is your moment."

Evelyn's breath caught. She remembered attending previously under the Luxe brand when her oriental designs first gained international acclaim.

Back then, the world knew "Zara" only as Luxe's designer. Now, Viana Jewelry would bear her own name.

"Well?" Madam Nora arched an eyebrow. "Shall I put your name forward?"

Evelyn set down her teacup with deliberate calm. "Absolutely."

Later that afternoon, Chloe Lawson approached with visible apprehension. "Evelyn, about what happened with Rosalind... I owe you an apology. I was too trusting."

Evelyn waved it off with a playful smirk. "Nathan warned you about being too gullible. But don't worry - a few more betrayals and you'll develop healthy skepticism."

Chloe flushed. "That's hardly comforting."

Internally, she shuddered at the thought of Nathan's reaction if anything worse had happened to Evelyn.

Changing the subject, Chloe added, "Speaking of Rosalind - she's officially a wanted fugitive now."

Evelyn's head snapped up. "But the elder Mr. Goldmann pardoned her?"

"Technically." Chloe nodded. "The elder let her go, but Mr. Goldmann Sr. issued a million-dor bounty. Unless she gets plastic surgery or leaves the continent, she's as good as caught."

A wry smile touched Chloe's lips. "The irony? Rosalind's probably celebrating her freedom right now, unaware that while the elder pardoned her, the senior Goldmann's warrant stands. Two separate decisions - no conflict at all."