Chapter 435 Say It Again
Adeline didn't even think about inviting Luna, let alone letting her bring Jasper along.
She was about to snap back when Jasper slapped a document right in front of her.
"Check this out," Jasper said.
Adeline glanced down and got hooked by the title. "International Jewelry Competition?"
"Yup." Jasper leaned back, giving her a cool look. "This year's gig is in Radiance Springs. I want you in."
Adeline frowned, flipping through the pages. "Honestly, I'm not that into it."
Moon was already a big shot in the jewelry world with top-tier skills that didn't need some competition to prove her worth.
"I get it," Jasper said, crossing his arms. "But right now, you're not Moon. You're Adeline. I need you to represent the Foster Group. Plus, don't you wanna make that million bucks and get outta here? This competition's a great way to get noticed."
Adeline paused, holding the document. Jasper had a point. An international competition was the quickest way to get exposure for her and the Foster Group. More exposure meant more money, and she could pay off Jasper faster and be done with their deal.
Taking a deep breath, Adeline put the document down. "Alright, I'm in."
Jasper let out a small sigh of relief and handed her more papers about the competition.
Adeline glanced at the basic info he gave her, feeling a bit exasperated but still thanked him.
After sorting the documents, she stood up. "Mr. Foster, anything else?"
She was hoping he'd ask about Blake.
Blake had been out of the hospital for over a week. Jasper didn't seem to care much while Blake was in there, only visiting once before Luna dragged him away. Now that Blake was out, didn't he care?
Jasper was quiet for a moment, then looked at her. "You should eat more."
Adeline was taken aback.
After a moment, she smiled. "Is that all, Mr. Foster? I'll get ready for the competition."
With that, she turned and left.
Jasper watched her go, squinting slightly.
Ryan, standing nearby, couldn't help but speak up. "Mr. Foster, why don't you tell her you got the competition moved to Radiance Springs just for her?"
"You've done so much for her, but if you don't tell her, she won't know," Ryan added.
"I don't need her to know," Jasper said, closing his eyes and leaning back. "Any news from Blue Bay today?"
"Yeah," Ryan sighed. "The doc said Blake's doing well, and Lauren's in better spirits than yesterday."
Jasper nodded. "I was planning to attend the dinner Adeline set up tonight."
Ryan hesitated. "Mr. Foster, I don't think you should go. As the president, attending a small department dinner is beneath you. Plus, you had plans tonight."
"Cancel them," Jasper cut him off coldly.
"But Mr. Foster," Ryan protested.
Jasper rubbed his temples.
"The design department is the only one throwing a party for my son Blake's recovery. Got a problem with me showing up?"
Ryan hesitated. "No problem."
He quickly ducked his head, organizing the documents, and continued his report to Jasper.
Half an hour later, after wrapping up the work arrangements, Ryan sighed and couldn't help but speak up before leaving. "Honestly, I think neither you nor Ms. Jones should go tonight."
Adeline's dinner with the department was supposed to be a fun event.
If Jasper and Luna showed up, the employees would be too tense to enjoy themselves. And Adeline would definitely feel awkward.
Plus, if Luna and Adeline both got tipsy and started arguing, it could get ugly.
Ryan's words made Jasper narrow his eyes.
He turned, his gaze icy. "Are you saying I shouldn't attend a dinner celebrating my son's successful surgery?"
Ryan took a deep breath. "I spoke out of turn."
With that, Ryan quickly left with the documents.
Watching Ryan leave, Jasper squinted slightly and got back to work.
He knew what Ryan was worried about.
But even though it was a department dinner, Adeline was still a woman.
He'd seen her drinking and how she acted.
If he wasn't there, he wouldn't feel comfortable with her drinking with those people.
Even if they were her employees, he still wouldn't feel at ease.
Jasper touched the invitation to the international jewelry competition on the table, a bitter smile forming on his lips.
After this competition, Adeline and the Foster Group's jewelry would gain international fame, letting her earn money faster and leave Radiance Springs sooner. The time he had with her was running out.
At five o'clock, it was time to clock out.
Lucia and the design department handed in their 500-word reflections to Adeline, eagerly anticipating the dinner she was treating them to.
Despite the financial strain, Adeline took them to the swanky Aurora Grand Hotel, owned by Mia's White Group.
Mia had given the hotel manager a heads-up, so when Adeline and the crew arrived, the manager was already at the door to greet them.
They got the most luxurious and expensive private room at Aurora Grand Hotel.
Lucia and Timothy cheered as soon as they walked in.
Some people ate, some sang, some chatted.
Adeline sat in a corner, texting Mia to thank her.
Adeline: [Thanks.]
Mia: [No prob. Wanted to give you the whole hotel before. Now just a discount for bringing guests. No thanks.]
Mia also sent a photo of herself at a banquet in a nearby city.
Mia: [How's my jewelry pairing? Any advice?]
Adeline smiled helplessly and started to reply seriously.
Next to her, Lucia and a few female employees were drinking and gossiping.
"Good thing Luna didn't come today. She would've killed the vibe."
"I thought Stella around Mr. Foster was annoying, but Luna's even worse."
"Her act of taking medicine this morning was so fake; she probably pretended to be sick."
"Yeah, I think she's faking it too. Her acting is so bad. How can Mr. Foster not see through it?"
Just as the female employee finished speaking, the door to the private room swung open.
Standing there were Jasper and Luna.
Luna was clinging to Jasper's arm, looking pale.
Jasper's expression was cold as he stared at the female employee who had just spoken. "Care to repeat what you just said?"
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