Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

In recent years, men's jewelry has seen a surge in popularity. Some guys are even more into the design aspect than women are. So, the idea of men wearing jewelry isn't exactly groundbreaking anymore.

What surprised Sylvia, though, was that Hilbert reached out to her. With his wealth and social standing, you'd expect him to go to someone like Bridget instead. The thought made Sylvia's heart race with a mix of excitement and dread.

Hilbert took a sip of his coffee and said, "The Carmen Group is throwing a celebration party this week. I've got my hands on something special and thought about designing a piece to wear for the occasion."

Eloise leaned forward, intrigued. "And Mr. Carmen's special find is...?"

With a nod, Hilbert signaled toward the office door. A bodyguard entered, carrying

a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. After unlocking it, he opened the case to reveal a stunning 25-carat Kashmir sapphire. At current auction rates, it was easily worth around five million dollars.

It was indeed something spectacular, but Sylvia felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She was just an intern, and if anything went wrong, she couldn't possibly handle the consequences.

Even Eloise seemed taken aback for a moment, though she quickly regained her composure. "Mr. Carmen, this sapphire is uncut and designing something with it won't be straightforward," she cautioned, hoping Hilbert might reconsider.

Hilbert chuckled warmly. "I have faith in Sylvia. It's settled then. Sylvia, go ahead and design boldly."noveldrama

With a subtle gesture from Hilbert, the bodyguard closed the case and secured it back to his wrist.

Hilbert then stood up, and his assistant handed over an invitation. "I hope you both can make it to the celebration this weekend. I trust Ms. Eloise will oblige?"

Eloise glanced at the invitation. After a brief pause, she accepted it. "Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Carmen. We'll be there."

"Good, then I'll take my leave."

"Take care, Mr. Carmen," Eloise said as she stood to see him out.

As Hilbert's gaze lingered on Sylvia for a moment longer than comfortable, she felt a shiver run down her spine.

Once Hilbert was gone, Sylvia

hurried over to Eloise, eager to voice her concerns. "Ms. Eloise, I'm not experienced enough for this. What if Mr. Carmen isn't satisfied? I don't want to jeopardize the studio."

Eloise rubbed her temples, clearly stressed. Do you think I don't get that? But the Carmen Group is powerful right now, and no one's willing to cross them. What choice dot have?"

She looked Sylvia in the eye. "Sylvia, I finalized my divorce last week. Despite having plenty of evidence of his cheating, he still walked away

with a third of my assets. It's a brutal world out there."

"Right now, the studio is all I have, and I can't afford for anything to go wrong."

With those words, Sylvia realized that she didn't really have a choice. As an

employee, she had to accept the task.

"I understand, Ms. Eloise. I'll do my best."

"Don't worry, you're my employee, and I'll make sure nothing happens to you," Eloise assured her firmly.

That reassurance was enough for Sylvia to take a deep breath and relax, if only a little.

Back at her desk, she overheard Bridget's voice, full of admiration. "Ms. Simpson, that's absolutely gorgeous!"

Wow. Even after everything, Bridget was still at work?

A smug voice followed. "Of course, it's a one-of-a-kind watch from Mr. Rupert."

A watch?

Sylvia instinctively tightened her grip on her handbag.