NovelEnglishChapter 294
Audrey's POV
| sat at the dining table, eating quietly while the voices from the living room drifted toward me. Though | tried to
focus on my meal, | couldn't help but listen to the ongoing conversation between Blake, Rachel, and Adrian.
| hadn't expected their collaboration discussion would involve the Q-elegant jewelry brand. This jewelry brand...
was created entirely by my sister.
Blake had just met us yesterday at the airport, and today he was already pushing for a collaboration?
If Parker Group partners with Q-elegant, I'd have to work directly with Blake. The thought made my stomach
twist. Was he pursuing this deal because he genuinely valued the brand, or because of my face?
I glanced toward the living room where Blake sat leaning forward, hands clasped together, completely focused.
“Mr. Knox,” Rachel said, her voice carrying clearly into the dining area. “Blake and | noticed Q-elegant about
three months ago. Something about the design philosophy remindedof a friend | once knew.”
“We wouldn't have personally picked you up yesterday if we weren't serious,” she continued. “Q-elegant has
done well in Australia, but Parker Group can help you break into international markets.”
Rachel turned and spotted me. “Mrs. Knox, would you like to join us? As the creator of Q-elegant, your input
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtwould be valuable.”
It hurt hearing her speak toso formally. Five years of friendship, and now she looked atlike a stranger. |
swallowed the lump in my throat and forced a smile.
“I'll be right there,” | said, taking a final bite of bread.
| started eating faster, suddenly aware of all three of them watching me. The bread seemed to expand in my
mouth as | tried to swallow too quickly.
“Hic!” The hiccup caughtby surprise, makingcough as | tried to clear my throat.
Adrian cover with a glass of water, frowning slightly. “Slow down. Nobody's rushing you.”
| took the water with an apologetic smile, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment.
“Sorry about that,” | managed after a few sips.
| glanced at Blake and Rachel, instantly recognizing their surprised expressions. The daughter of Australia’s
financial elite should have impeccable table manners. I'd just blown that image to pieces.
“My mother spoiled me,” | said quickly, looking away. “Bad habits die hard.”
It was a weak excuse, but better than nothing.
Adrian placed his hand on my shoulder. “She was pampered by her parents, and | haven't helped matters.” He
shook his head with a fond smile. “We need to work on your company manners.”
The fake affection in his voice made my skin crawl, but | understood what he was doing. | played along, giving
him my best adoring-
wife smile.
“Blake and Rachel aren't outsiders anymore,” | said. “They're going to be our partners. They won't mind my little
quirks, right?”
Rachel’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Of course not! We're here for your designs, not your dining etiquette.”
She handeda folder. “These are our proposed terms. Take your treviewing them.”
Just as | reached for the documents, Rachel's phone rang. She stood close enough that | could clearly see the
caller ID: Astrid Wilson.
My heart skipped. The last tI'd seen that nwas in those hospital newspapers...
“Astrid, what's up?” Rachel answered.
Through the receiver cAstrid’s unmistakable voice, loud enough that | could hear every word despite
Rachel’s attempt to muffle it.
“Are you seriously at Clarke's party trying to work with that Knox woman's jewelry brand?” Astrid demanded.
“What the hell, Rachel? Audrey's designs belong to James now. He's the one developing her portfolio.”
Rachel turned away, but Astrid’s voice only got louder.
“That woman's work is a total ripoff of Audrey’s designs! Are you blind?”
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