Chapter 99
The words were no sooner spoken than two faces blanched. Saxa and Ashley looked pale, Ashley especially. Even knowing Trevon's declaration was purely to protect her reputation, and had nothing to do with Selina, the painful reality of hearing it aloud was overwhelming. How could Selina be worthy of such merit? Charley, leaning casually on Edwin's shoulder, gleefully watched the unfolding drama, whispering, "Honestly, Edwin, if Trevon had said that back in the day, I'd have bet on the sun rising in the west tomorrow!" "Now," Edwin replied, "I feel like I'm dreaming."
Both Edwin and Charley knew of Trevon's dislike for women. They had often speculated whether he was asexual or gay, a stark contrast to his current actions. It seemed as if Trevon had been possessed.
Unaware of the commotion, Selina trusted her husband to handle Sara and Ashley's antics. She knew they were up to something, but believed in Trevon's ability to manage them. Derrick approached, whispering, "Nervous?"
Derrick, usually unkempt, was sharply dressed in a shirt, trousers, and leather shoes. The transformation was striking.
Selina responded coolly, "It's no big deal. I'll take them down swiftly."
"If only it were that simple," Derrick replied. "Of course, I'll give it my all."
Derrick, with his own designs recognized, no longer underestimated Selina. He'd never seen a jewelry designer so seamlessly integrate the Angel style. Even he couldn't manage it. He understood that when Selina joined Brilliance and declared she would become number one, it wasn't a joke. If the Summer Starlight Limited Edition—just handed off to Cartier—was only the tip of the iceberg, then Selina's abilities far surpassed his own. She was astonishingly close to the legendary Angel.
Madge felt similarly. Compared to collaborating with the enigmatic Angel, promoting Selina—already part of Brilliance—seemed a far better business strategy. That's why Madge facilitated Selina's work all the way to the final review.
The event organizers introduced representatives from the competing companies. Aside from Brilliance and Clark Jewelry, the others were lesser-known workshops. Sokovis lacked renowned jewelry companies, none with a century-old legacy. This was why Trevon and Timothy sought this lucrative market. Becoming its pinnacle would yield unlimited support and resources—a highly profitable venture.
Once introductions concluded, the organizers revealed the competition theme: "Today, participants are asked to create a special Valentine's Day limited edition piece of jewelry. The subject is open to your imagination."
While a common challenge, it was exactly what everyone expected. Jewelry sales peak on Valentine's Day. Design competition themes often gravitated towards seasonal specials, and the designers already had a good idea of what they wanted to create. They had one hour to complete their designs, free to choose between traditional drafting and digital design methods, or even a hand-drawn sketch.
Following Angel Mati's example, he favored pencil and paper, avoiding computers whenever possible. He glanced at the Harvey family; Selina sat with her back to Manuel, her expression unreadable. Derrick, however, could see her. Selina sat with her eyes closed, hands crossed, seemingly unperturbed by the tense atmosphere.
Nick couldn't decipher Selina's strategy. With formidable opponents, the allotted hour wasn't overly short or long. Knowing Selina's capabilities, he returned to his own design.
The spectators, including Ashley, observed Selina's unusual behavior and contemplated her motives. It was the perfect moment for mischief—just as Timothy arrived, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Harvey, Ashley, for my lateness. An urgent matter arose at Clark Jewelry."
"The timing is perfect," Ashley replied. "The competition just started. But look at Selina! Something's wrong. What if something is wrong with her?" She feigned concern, loud enough for Trevon to hear. Timothy smirked, replying in a hushed tone, "Knowing that country bumpkin Selina would enter, I made arrangements beforehand."
"Timothy, what have you done?" Ashley exclaimed, her feigned surprise masking glee. She knew Timothy's cunning. He wouldn't miss this chance to bring down Selina and Trevon. She longed to see Selina fail and for Manuel to turn his attention to her.
"Just wait and see," Timothy replied mysteriously. "When the competition ends, the results will speak for themselves." He added silently, that if even Manuel couldn't withstand Derrick, Trevon wouldn't fare better. That was Trevon's folly—showing vulnerability for a woman.
"But…" Ashley began.
"Ashley, your heart is pure, but Selina, repeatedly bullying and mocking you—I cannot forgive her for that," Timothy declared, his determination clear. "This isn't just for you. It's for Manuel, for the Harvey family."
Ashley bowed her head, pretending discouragement. Sara listened, nodding with satisfaction. If Selina chose her own downfall, Sara couldn't intervene. Selina would only learn once she angered Trevon and found herself destitute.
Finally, Manuel broke the silence, addressing Trevon with concern, "What is your wife doing? It's been twenty minutes, and she hasn't moved yet?"