Chapter 220 The Advancing Ex-Wife
Joyce's birthday was coming up. Evelyn spent her days working and her nights locked in her room, crafting a ring from 18K gold, natural aquamarine, and diamonds for Joyce.
For a top jewelry designer like her, the craftsmanship was easy. The real value was in the aquamarine—it was huge, pure, and a rare collectible, worth as much as any precious gem.
Evelyn never skimped on gifts for loved ones. She always put thought into them.
She'd done the same for Edward before, but he never appreciated it.
Just then, her phone showed a video call from Sliva, the head of her jewelry studio.
"Something is up, right?" Evelyn asked, still polishing the gemstone.
"Do you remember Desmond?" Sliva asked.
"Of course, he was my apprentice for three years before starting his own business. He's talented. What's up?"
"Someone asked him to replicate your jewelry. Can you believe it? If you don't come back soon, the market will be full of your knock-offs!"
Evelyn kept working, smiling. "Why be mad? I'm that good. If people can't get the real thing, they settle for fakes."
"Desmond couldn't reach you, so he came to me. He doesn't want to take the job. Forgery insults his integrity, and copying his mentor's work is even worse!"
"Who wanted the replica? Someone who knows he's my apprentice must have some clout, right?"
"He said she's from Mugden, Valoria, last name Clark," Sliva said.
Evelyn was puzzled.
"She's also a student of Christian," Sliva added.
Evelyn's eyes sparkled with mischief. 'So that's how it is. If they want trouble, I'll give it to them.'
"Tell Desmond to take Miss Clark's order," Evelyn said with a smirk.
"Why?" Sliva was confused.
"Not only take it, but do a great job. Make it look real. Don't ruin my reputation," Evelyn said.
Five days later, Edward, fresh from a meeting, got some news.
Ada had finally agreed!
"What happened?" Edward asked, his eyes darkening as he stood by the window.
Bart, nearby, said anxiously, "I heard Debra got a piece of jewelry designed by Alexa and gave it to Ada, sealing the deal!"
Edward shot him a cold glance and sneered, "A fake."
"I don't know. But Ada's a jewelry collector. If it were fake, wouldn't she know?"
Bart was frustrated. "If Debra signs the contract with Ada, the Wellington family's hotels will be in Tiffany and Debra's hands! Who knows how much they'll profit?"
"Evelyn must have heard by now," Edward muttered, his lashes fluttering.
With Debra securing Ada, Edward would face new family strife and power struggles, more trouble than Evelyn.
But he only cared about Evelyn's situation, not his own.
Bart sighed, "Mrs. Wellington has been very quiet lately. She must have given up."
"Give up? No way," Edward said, half-closing his eyes, feeling a surge of restless energy. "Others might, but Evelyn never gives up easily. She's probably just waiting for the right moment. She'll find a way to counter Debra."
That evening, the Wellington family gathered for their monthly dinner with Byron at Half Moon Bay. The atmosphere seemed harmonious, with even Debra pouring drinks for Molly, acting like loving sisters.
Molly sat next to Edward, eating quietly. Though introverted and shy, she had her pride and didn't touch the drink Debra poured for her.
"Byron, Tiffany and I have been discussing something important. We've almost decided and wanted your opinion," Patrick said, sitting upright with perfect table manners.
"You two have already decided, so why tell me?" Byron said, chewing on a piece of braised pork. "What can't your Tiffany handle? She's been advising you all these years, hasn't she?"
Tiffany forced a smile, a hint of resentment in her eyes. For her, the most painful part of each month was dining with Byron, enduring his sarcastic remarks.
Patrick frowned and coughed, squeezing Tiffany's hand under the table. "Byron, Debra is of marriageable age now. I think we should start planning her wedding."
Debra blushed, her cheeks turning red.
"A wedding?" Byron paused, his thick brows furrowing. "Debra is only twenty-five. She's young. I want my granddaughters to stay with me for a few more years before getting married! What's the rush?"
Patrick remained silent.
"Besides, the Wellington family's daughters don't have trouble finding husbands. Even at fifty-two, there'd be plenty of suitors!" Byron suddenly eyed Patrick suspiciously. "Is the company in trouble? Are you trying to solve a crisis through a business marriage?"
"Byron, you misunderstood. The company is doing well," Tiffany quickly said with a forced smile.
"Patrick, let me tell you, even if the Wellington Group's funds run out tomorrow and we're on the brink of bankruptcy, you are not to sell out your daughters for profit! The Wellington family's daughters must never be used for business marriages. Got it?" Byron added.
"Oh, Byron, you're overthinking it."
Debra quickly placed her hands on Byron's arm, shaking it playfully. "Patrick and Tiffany are just looking out for me. It has nothing to do with business. I want to get married."
"You want to get married, Debra?" Byron was taken aback.
Debra nodded shyly.
"Byron, you really misunderstood Patrick. We didn't force Debra. This is all her idea. She has someone she loves," Tiffany said, smiling at Debra.
Byron asked, "Oh? Who's the lucky guy?"
"Debra's sweetheart is someone you know very well," Patrick said with a smile. "It's Eric."
Edward continued to chew slowly, his eyes darkening but showing no emotion.
"Eric?" Byron asked, wide-eyed, seeking confirmation.
Tiffany said, "Yes, Byron, it's Eric."
At that moment, an out-of-place noise drew everyone's attention. Molly had been distracted, and her hand trembled, causing her knife and fork to fall to the ground.
In the well-mannered, etiquette-strict Wellington family, this was highly impolite.
"Sorry!"
Molly's face turned pale, and she nervously tried to pick up the utensils, but Edward bent down and retrieved them for her.
"It's okay, just get a new set," Edward said gently, smiling at Molly to ease her embarrassment.
"Thank you, Edward," Molly murmured, her head lowered.
Debra's eyes flickered as she glanced at Molly's pale face, a smug and disdainful smile curling her lips.
