Chapter 181

"It might work!" Debra exclaimed, her eyes wide.

Stacey nodded thoughtfully. "But Gifford's story...we need to investigate."

Debra agreed, relief washing over her face. "Absolutely. We have to find out what's going on." Stacey's focus sharpened.

"Talk to Dad when he gets home," Debra suggested. "See how we can look into this."

"Okay," Stacey replied, then texted Adrian and Bryce. They'd know more than she did.

Both men were instantly worried. Jenny could be dangerous; they couldn't afford to be complacent. Becky had been right—a lapse in vigilance could be fatal. They needed to know the truth about Jeffrey's child's death. If Jenny was innocent, Gifford was a liar. If not…

Adrian texted back: I have lawyer friends in Menterra; I'll get them on it. Don't worry.

Stacey was stunned. She'd been ready to handle this alone, but Adrian's offer was invaluable.

She replied: Okay, thank you.

Adrian: Drop the formalities.

Stacey chuckled. Okay.

She quickly filled Bryce in, reassuring him. His relief was palpable. He trusted Adrian implicitly.

Bryce texted: Let Adrian handle it. Protect Lily and Kev. Don't worry about anything else.

Stacey: Okay. Thank you.

Bryce sent a smiley face.

Stacey couldn't believe how easily it was all falling into place. The wave of relief washed over her, dissolving into giggles. It feels good to be loved, she thought, a surge of determination coursing through her. She wanted to be strong, to share the burden. Adrian, Bryce, and Charlie each had their passions; running the company wasn't high on their lists. Even Patrick dreamed of retirement and travel with Debra.

Stacey saw her path, her responsibility: to run the company so her family could pursue their dreams. To protect them, so they could live freely and happily.

That afternoon, back at the company, Stacey sifted through files, settling into her work. She was still learning the ropes, her tasks primarily focused on jewelry design. The Carter family business was stable, but that stability hung in the balance. Thomas, their top designer, was leaving for Eklonna after his contract ended.

Stacey had overheard employees gossiping. She’d researched Eklonna—a high-end brand in Daprein, a direct competitor to the Hoggard Group. They catered to global elites, designing for Epean royalty.

Realistically, keeping Thomas was impossible. She'd spoken with Patrick, who'd simply shrugged and said, "Let it be." People moved on; skills ascended. Thomas, along with other top designers Linda and Bernard, would seek better opportunities when their contracts expired.

The solution? Nurture future talent within Carter's Jewel, and recruit new top designers.

Stacey had been observing the other designers, noticing a substantial skill gap. It wasn't a lack of talent, but a lack of experience.

An idea struck her: she needed to see Eklonna's work firsthand. She spent the afternoon searching for information, but found almost nothing. Eklonna’s online presence was as minimal as the Hoggard Group's—only occasional news snippets about their designs worn by Epean princesses.