Chapter 98

They didn't make any fuss or cause trouble. If Taylor Jewelry threw them out simply because Soul was newly established, people would say Madam Nora discriminated against startups.

"Let them wait if that's what they want."

Another hour passed when the staff returned to report, but Madam Nora paid no attention. By afternoon, the same employee came back looking defeated. "They're still here. They even ordered food delivery. I think they intend to stay overnight."

Madam Nora couldn't ignore this any longer. She turned her wheelchair. "Take me to them."

She had underestimated the persistence of this small company's employees. Perhaps that was why she felt intrigued. She wanted to see just how much confidence this fledgling jewelry business possessed.

"How shameless. Refusing to leave when Madam clearly doesn't want to see them."

"I'd be too embarrassed to stay."

"Ordering takeout like this is their home?"

Several employees snickered as they passed the VIP room.

Evelyn didn't mind the gossip. She slipped on plastic gloves and began cracking into a lobster. The rich aroma filled the entire space. She popped open a can of cola.

Lobster and soda - perfection!

When staff wheeled Madam Nora to the door, the scent of seafood greeted them. They peeked inside.

A young woman was thoroughly enjoying her meal.

Gregory looked up, pausing mid-bite before slowly standing without removing his gloves.

Evelyn turned calmly and peeled off her gloves. "Good afternoon, Madam."

Madam Nora opened her mouth but remained silent, studying Gregory instead. "Soul is your new venture?"

Gregory smiled. "No."

"It's mine," Evelyn stated plainly.

Madam Nora's eyebrows lifted. "Yours?"

Evelyn nodded.

The older woman eyed Gregory skeptically. "You're working for this young woman at a jewelry startup?"

"Madam, in all my years in this industry, I've rarely encountered such raw talent. I joined willingly," Gregory replied with conviction.

Madam Nora glanced at the feast before them. "Making yourselves comfortable in my offices, I see. Would you have slept here if I never came?"

Evelyn smiled. "We planned to leave after finishing lunch, but you arrived first."

A little pride never hurt.

"My position was clear. What exactly are you after?" Madam Nora looked exasperated.

"Honestly? We're desperate for this opportunity." Evelyn met her gaze. "I understand your concerns about our unproven company, but we genuinely need this tanzanite partnership. It's the missing element in several key designs."

Madam Nora frowned. "Sapphires would suffice. Why insist on tanzanite?"

Evelyn's smile turned knowing. "For international markets, sapphires hold value, but tanzanite's unique color saturation and brilliance surpass them entirely."