Chapter 409
"This is a porcelain piece. He wants you to see if it can be restored," Alexander said.
"Let's go check it out," Skylar replied, setting down her work.
They went to Alexander's office, where Skylar was surprised to find Annabelle. This explained Annabelle's presence at the mall across the street—she'd been there to get the porcelain repaired.
Skylar briefly glanced at the bracelet on Annabelle's wrist. A faint, unfamiliar scent hung in the air.
Annabelle didn't recognize Skylar. However, upon their meeting, a wave of comparisons flooded Annabelle's mind. She couldn't help but compare herself to Skylar, whose beauty rivaled her own within the company. Annabelle had always prided herself on her attractiveness, but now, doubt gnawed at her.
Annabelle frowned. Was Alexander serious about sending his newest team member to evaluate her precious item? It felt like a deliberate dismissal. Even if he wasn't interested in the repair or found her offer insufficient, surely he shouldn't have sent someone so inexperienced to appease her. Anger simmered beneath her composure.
Alexander held immense power in Jipsburg. Every family treated him with cautious respect. Openly displaying displeasure would be tantamount to declaring him an enemy.
Annabelle wouldn't have come to Alexander if other options existed. Furthermore, a generous gift from Jeremy had been depleted, leaving her unable to afford the exorbitant repair costs.
The porcelain, accidentally dropped and shattered that morning, had consumed her thoughts since Jeremy's departure. The severity of the damage had resulted in numerous rejections from repair specialists. This porcelain held immense value, and a swift repair was crucial to her marriage plans with Jeremy.
"Skylar, take a look," Alexander said, gesturing toward the scattered fragments. Skylar discreetly glanced at Annabelle before focusing on the heavily damaged pieces. The porcelain was severely damaged; some fragments might even be missing.
Picking up a piece, she examined it closely. Noticing the patterns and a faint lingering scent, her eyes narrowed. She immediately set the piece down and used a tissue to clean her fingers.
Alexander observed Skylar's actions with surprise. Caleb noticed Skylar's clear aversion to the fragment; a sliver of unease prickled him. Were these broken pieces beyond even her exceptional skills?
Annabelle, noticing Skylar wiping her hand, said with displeasure, "I clean the porcelain daily. It's not dirty. Besides, it broke at home. There's no dirt on it. There's no need for such disdain."
Skylar's response was cold and direct: "I can't fix this." She looked at Annabelle, then at Alexander.
Alexander's surprise was evident. Skylar had readily accepted far more damaged porcelain for repair, yet she refused this one. There had to be a reason.
"You'll need to find someone else," he told Annabelle.
Annabelle had anticipated Skylar's inability to repair it. How could such a young team member handle such extensive damage?
Seeing Alexander usher her out, Annabelle's anxiety flared. "I understand repairing it would cost significantly more than my offer, but Mr. Gardner Senior, could you please reconsider? This porcelain is very important to me."
"I can't repair it. Please find someone else," Alexander refused.
Clearly, her usual charm tactics were ineffective.
Caleb crossed his arms and assessed Annabelle. "Miss, are you targeting the wrong person with your charms? Mr. Gardner Senior is getting on in years. You'd be better off saving your effort."
Her limited funds and attempts at emotional appeals wouldn't secure the repair, especially considering their apparent reluctance. Annabelle flushed with embarrassment.
Alexander shot Caleb a stern glance. "You'd better watch what you say."
Alexander wouldn't change his mind. Annabelle knew there was no point in persisting. The vast city of Jipsburg surely held someone with the expertise to mend her porcelain. She just had to find them.
A confused Caleb turned to Skylar after Annabelle's departure.