Chapter 135: Regret

Annie raised her eyebrows at Joseph. "But I heard you and Maggie aren't on good terms," she said.

Joseph, a little taken aback by her candor, burst out laughing. "How could that be? We're family. Blood is thicker than water. 'Agree to disagree' best describes Maggie and me. We're happy she shares your interest in jewelry."

Annie looked at him. "So Maggie has a definite say in Honor Wide?"

The question left him flustered. Maggie had always been a special presence for them; Ronald Cameron had been wary of her, so she held no position or shares in Honor Wide. She had no say. She worked for the Camerons, but was never given a chance to be involved in the company's operations. Even allowing her involvement might have made signing Annie easier.

"She does have a say, but Honor Wide operates on a shareholding cooperative system. Nobody has a definitive say," Joseph said, attempting to sugarcoat the situation. He turned to Maggie. "Isn't that right, Maggie?"

Maggie looked at him, then at Annie. "Honor Wide is a suitable platform for you. It's a new company, but has a resourceful team. It would be great to have you join us. We can work together…"

Annie said nothing, considering the offer. Maggie remained silent, knowing Annie wouldn't agree easily. The shareholding cooperative system and the resourceful team meant Annie wouldn't have independent decision-making power. Annie was smart enough to sense the internal tension.

"So, are you interested in joining Mr. Cameron and Ms. Brown to build Honor Wide?" Maggie asked.

Annie was a passionate designer, but lacked ambition. Otherwise, she wouldn't be running a small studio. Even so, she worked with numerous famous brands annually. But signing with Honor Wide would eliminate those opportunities.

Maggie turned to Joseph. "Do you have the contract ready? Let's discuss the terms with Ms.…"

Joseph nodded, producing a drafted contract. Annie quickly reviewed it; Maggie, sitting beside her, also glanced over it. The Camerons offered only money and a position. The contract stated she'd have input among the designers, but not in marketing or management. If her designs weren't popular or management disliked them, she'd have no recourse.

"An even more renowned brand," Maggie added.

The Camerons proposed two options: an exclusive contract, or the ability to work with other brands while meeting sales targets. While sincerely drafted, the contract wasn't alluring to a passionate designer.

"I'm sorry, Maggie and Mr. Cameron. This isn't for me. The terms are lucrative, but I don't work in this kind of environment. We don't share the same vision," Annie said, rising to leave, showing no interest in further discussion.

"Oh, Maggie, I love your ideas! You've inspired me so much—you're my muse. I prepared a gift to show my thanks. Don't refuse." Annie smiled at Maggie, sparing Joseph time only because of Maggie.

She had Emily bring the gift. Emily presented a blue velvet jewelry box. Annie opened it and handed it to Maggie: a pigeon blood ruby necklace with a double-layered diamond setting and a dazzling ruby pendant.

"I know you don't like exaggerated designs. This is simple and classy, perfect for you. I hope you like it," Annie said cheerfully.

Maggie was speechless. Apparently, their definitions of "exaggerated" differed, but rubies are always eye-catching. Annie was right; the necklace was remarkably understated. The bracelet was gold with a ruby and diamonds; the earrings and ring followed the same design. Despite its simplicity, Maggie estimated the jewelry's value at around seven hundred thousand dollars based on the rubies used.

"Thank you, I love it," Maggie said, planning to reciprocate with a set of her own designs.

Vanessa, witnessing the scene, was filled with jealousy. Such expensive jewelry, given away so casually, to Maggie Adam!

Annie hugged Maggie before leaving. "We'll talk soon. I have an event to attend."

Joseph and Vanessa were visibly unhappy after Annie's departure.

Vanessa looked at Maggie. "Maggie, you knew those display pieces were defective, right?"

Maggie chuckled. "How would I know?"

Vanessa was speechless; they lacked proof.

Joseph said, "Maggie, you're close to Annie. Convince her." He hadn't expected the rejection and was clearly disappointed.

Maggie smirked. "How should I convince her? By buying all the defective displays? I tried to speak up before, but none of you listened. Now I'm to blame?"

Joseph wanted to argue, but remembered Maggie's previous warnings about the jewelry. He glanced at Vanessa, filled with regret and bitterness. It was his mistake; he shouldn't have listened to Vanessa. What did she know compared to Maggie?