A bet with diamonds

**Ivery Clark POV** 

My whole body tensed. What was I going to do now?

The original designer huffed, folding her arms. 
“I am the best designer anyone could hire. I’ve won national awards, built a reputation. And yet, you expect me to believe that some intern—some girl—can fix this matter by today?” She let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “Impossible.”

The weight of reality crashed down on me like a falling chandelier. I had thought I would have time—at least a few days to prove myself.

The room held its breath and I couldn't say anything to that.

But then Madam Morelli’s expression twisted into disappointment, like a queen surveying an unworthy subject. 

“How disappointing, I was having fun earlier.” she sighed, adjusting the diamond ring on her finger. “I thought I’d witness something extraordinary from you. A spark of brilliance, perhaps. But I suppose I expected too much.” 

She turned slightly, already signaling her assistant. “The deal ends here. Let's go.”

No.

A cold rush of panic surged through me. I couldn’t let this slip through my fingers. Not after coming this far.

“Fifteen minutes!” The words tore from my lips before I could second-guess myself. “Give me fifteen minutes, and I’ll show you.”

The air shifted.

Madam Morelli froze mid-step.

Alrigo stilled.

The designers, the secretary, the entire room—every single pair of eyes snapped to me in shock.

“Fifteen minutes?” Madam Morelli echoed, turning back to face me, her gaze sharp with amusement. “Little girl, do you even know what you’re saying?”

I straightened my back, refusing to waver. “I do.”

Madam Morelli blinked, then let out a sharp laugh, amused yet intrigued. “Little miss, are you saying you can sketch an entire jewelry set in fifteen minutes?”

Disbelief flickered across her face, and then something else—curiosity.

The head designer scoffed loudly. “Ridiculous! Do you even understand what you’re saying? A full set? Do you think you’re some kind of prodigy? She is just trying to get attention.”

I turned to face her, unwavering. “Ma'am, If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have said it,” My gaze shifted back to Madam Morelli. “Please trust me. If I fail, I’ll be nothing but a joke, and you will suffer no losses. But if I succeed, it will be a gain for the company. Either way, it won’t take much of your time.”

Madam Morelli studied me, silent. Then, she smirked. “You’re an arrogant little thing, aren’t you? You will pay for your arrogance and ignorance.”
” 

I didn’t flinch, instead a slow smile appeared on my lips. “Then please give me a chance to ‘pay the price,’ Madam Morelli.”

The room was suffocating, every gaze locked on me. I could feel Alrigo’s eyes boring into me—and I didn’t dare look at him.

Madam Morelli chuckled, though there was a glint in her gaze, assessing, weighing my worth. “ You seem confident. All right, then. I’ll give you a chance.” She leaned back, crossing her arms. “Surprise me.”

I pressed the tip of the pencil against the paper, hesitating for only a heartbeat before my hand moved with purpose. 

The first strokes were delicate but decisive, carving the foundation of the piece. 

As I shaped the necklace’s central structure, Madam Morelli, who had been leaning back in her chair with amusement, suddenly straightened. "Starting with the core piece first, hm?" she mused. "Most designers hesitate, sketching rough ideas before committing. But you—you're not afraid to dive straight in.”

I didn't respond. My focus was absolute.  

The lines flowed effortlessly now, guided by an instinct deeper than thought. The centerpiece of the necklace emerged—graceful yet commanding. I adjusted the metalwork, ensuring the gemstones wouldn't just sit atop the surface but would be embraced by it, merging strength and elegance.  

Morelli leaned closer, interest flickering in her sharp eyes. "That placement… an open setting with reinforced prongs. Smart. Most would cage the stone too tightly, but this allows light to enter from all angles, enhancing its brilliance. You understand how to make a jewel come alive."  

A slow smirk tugged at my lips. "Jewelry isn't just about luxury," I murmured, shading in the details. "It's about presence. A piece should feel like a part of the wearer, not a burden they carry."  

Her gaze lingered on me for a second longer before she chuckled. "Interesting philosophy. But philosophy alone doesn’t sell. Let's see if your design speaks the same language."  

I moved to the earrings, my strokes quick but precise. Unlike the original design, which was overly ornate, I opted for something refined—delicate curves that mirrored the necklace’s grace without overwhelming it.  

A soft hum left Madam Morelli’s lips. "You’re simplifying it."  

"Not simplifying," I corrected, lifting my gaze briefly. "Refining. Too much embellishment, and the beauty of the diamonds is lost beneath excess."  

A spark of approval flickered in her expression.  

"She’s fast," one of the designers muttered, almost grudgingly.  

"Not just fast," Madam Morelli corrected. "She’s precise. Every stroke has purpose. No hesitation, no wasted motion. This isn’t guesswork—this is someone who already sees the final product before the first line is drawn."  

I exhaled, adding the final touches as the last seconds ticked away.  

Then I set the pencil down.  

Silence wrapped around the room.  

Madam Morelli picked up the sketch, eyes scanning it with an unreadable expression.  

Then, ever so slowly, a smirk pulled at her lips.  

"Impressive," she murmured. "You might not be just a little designer recruited by a useless CEO after all.” 

Madam Morelli’s gaze swept over the others before landing on Alrigo. “You’ve spent months trying to impress me, and yet, all it took was fifteen minutes from her.” 

She turned her sharp gaze on me. “You have talent. Unlike some people, you don’t just throw money and influence around—you actually understand the work. The beauty and worth of designing. You should learn from her, Alrigo.” 

Heat rose in my chest, but I kept my posture straight.

“Fine, I'll sign the deal. But I expect you to come up with more designs, little girl. Meet me after a week, will that do good..?” 

A collective gasp filled the room. Oh my god.

“Yes, ma'am! I'll definitely do it. Thank you very much.” I chirped out, unable to contain my excitement.

“Tsk, the company is not going to doom after all. Keep up the good work, child. We'll meet next week. Remember, no errors next time.” She waved and walked away. 

As the doors shut behind Madam Morelli, the room buzzed with murmurs of admiration.  

"You were incredible, Miss Ivery!"  
"I can't believe you did it in fifteen minutes! Such a high quality talent."  

Pride swelled in my chest—until I noticed the one person who hadn’t spoken.  

Alrigo.  

He stood motionless, his gaze heavy and unreadable. Then, in a voice that sliced through the chatter like a blade—  

"Everyone. Get out."  

Silence fell. 

“I expect everyone to get out, except Ivery.”