Chapter 96

The sleek black car came to a smooth halt in front of Taylor Jewelry’s grand entrance. Evelyn Vanderbilt and Gregory Fannon stepped out together, their polished shoes clicking against the marble steps as they approached the towering glass doors.

Taylor Jewelry was the undisputed titan of the industry in Zlokova, its subsidiaries dominating the top ten rankings nationwide. Any brand aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the jewelry world had no choice but to seek a partnership with them.

Their materials were legendary—exclusive rough diamonds and opals sourced from mines no one else could access. But supplying to Taylor wasn’t just about having the stones; it was about meeting their exacting standards in both quality and price.

Gregory approached the reception desk, confirming their appointment. After a brief verification, they were ushered into the VIP lounge.

Inside, two other individuals—clearly representatives from rival companies—were already waiting.

"Please have a seat. Someone will be with you shortly," the receptionist said before exiting.

Evelyn and Gregory settled onto the plush couch across the room.

A woman sitting opposite them was meticulously reapplying her lipstick, her gaze flicking toward them for a brief, assessing moment. With a self-satisfied smirk, she snapped her compact shut and leaned forward.

"Here to pitch to Taylor as well? Which company are you from?"

Gregory offered a polite nod. "Soul Jewelry Studio."

"Soul Jewelry Studio?"

The woman exchanged an amused glance with the man beside her before letting out a derisive laugh. "Never heard of it."

Evelyn lifted her teacup, her lashes lowering slightly as she took a sip.

The woman stood, sauntering over with an air of superiority. "Taylor is the crown jewel of Zlokova’s industry. How could a no-name studio like yours even dream of working with them?"

"La Pe Group certainly hasn’t heard of you," the man added with a smirk. "Are you sure you didn’t sneak in?"

La Pe?

Evelyn’s fingers tightened imperceptibly around her cup. La Pe—meaning "pearl"—was a powerhouse in the jewelry world, rivaling even Hailey & Co. She hadn’t expected them to be vying for Taylor’s favor.

"Just because you’re unaware of us doesn’t mean we don’t exist," Evelyn replied coolly. "But tell me—are you truly representing La Pe?"

The woman crossed her arms. "You don’t recognize me? I’m Penelope Santiago. La Pe belongs to my family."

Gregory’s brow furrowed. "You’re Alexander Santiago’s daughter?"

Penelope’s eyes sharpened. "You know my father?"

"No." Even if he had, he wouldn’t admit it now.

She scoffed. "Of course not. My father is a legend in this industry. Someone like you wouldn’t have the privilege."

Before the tension could escalate further, a poised woman in a tailored suit entered, reviewing a clipboard. "Ms. Santiago, please follow me."

Penelope shot them a triumphant smirk. "Pity. La Pe’s reputation speaks for itself. Good luck competing with that."

With a flick of her hair, she strutted out.

Evelyn turned to Gregory, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Uncle Gregory, I have a feeling that woman isn’t her father’s favorite."

Though Evelyn wasn’t deeply entrenched in Zlokova’s jewelry scene, she knew enough.

Alexander Santiago, chairman of La Pe, was renowned for his humility and charm—a man who commanded respect effortlessly. His daughter’s arrogance? That was entirely her own.