Chapter 7

Victoria cleared her throat and nodded, “The purpose of this meeting is mainly for our future jewelry show. Now, two designers have been shortlisted to participate in the show. One is Jasmine, and the other is Ruby. Congratulations." She clapped and looked at both of them with a smile. Jasmine gave Ruby a pointed look. If someone wins first prize at this jewelry show, the company will reward the designer with a lot of bonuses. And who wouldn't be interested in getting money? Victoria summarized the whole process of this competition. She had been in this field for years, so she had good experience in designing. Ruby had been listening quietly the whole time. Then she realized that someone was watching her. She looked up and saw that it was Michael Carter, who was staring at her continuously. "Oh my god! Many of the female colleagues in the company were jealous of me when Mr. Carter was looking at me during the meeting yesterday. Are you doing the same thing again today?” To be honest, Ruby didn't even want to see Michael Carter. Although he was a victim in his own way, seeing him would remind Ruby of her mother's death. Suddenly Victoria's voice came, "Ruby, let's talk about this first.” Ruby replied, standing up with an expressionless face. She had just been lost in her thoughts and hadn't paid attention to anything in the meeting. "Sister Victoria, what did you say to me?" she asked herself. Victoria's face instantly hardened. She had just said so much, and Ruby wasn't even paying attention! "Ruby, I know you're a designer from headquarters, but don't be so cocky. Won't you even listen to your boss? Isn't that too disrespectful?” Victoria said in a taunting tone so that Ruby would learn a lesson and not make the same mistake again. Everyone else was staring at her as if it was some joke. Ruby was still confused when suddenly Michael Carter reminded her, "Let's discuss the benefits of your work." Ruby calmed down a bit with what Michael said, but she still felt uncomfortable among the rest of the people. Coming to the main point, Ruby smiled confidently and said, "The design I created is mainly based on the inlaid platinum quality. Not only is it of moderate hardness, but it also has rare quality. It has a very high collection value. My customers are people who like to collect and buy luxury items.” Jasmine said with a light smile, "In short, it's expensive! I'm different from you. Most of my designs have fashion elements. Nowadays, young people like to follow trends and styles. My products are more adaptable." Ruby didn’t refute her statement and just said in a calm voice, “Yes, we all have our own specialties." Soon, the meeting ended. Michael Carter had been observing the meeting the entire time, but he didn't say much. As everyone was ready to leave, Michael said, “Everyone else can go, Ruby has to stay for a while." Everyone looked at Ruby suspiciously, especially Jasmine. She stared angrily at Ruby, as if trying to figure out what method she had used to entice Michael Carter. Ruby reluctantly stopped. She didn't want her colleagues to misunderstand her, and she was worried that she might not be seen as the boss of the Carter Group in the future. Ruby asked helplessly, "Mr. Michael, what can I do for you?” Michael Carter said coldly, "I sent someone to give you the key yesterday. Why didn't you take it?” "I don't need a villa. I appreciate your generosity, but I hope you won't give me any more gifts in the future," Ruby explained. Michael said seriously, “I chose this villa because it has excellent facilities. There is also a very good kindergarten in the same district. This place is safe and suitable for you and your son." Who in the world wouldn't want the best for their children? Ruby was tempted for a few moments as she heard Michael speak. But then she confidently said, "I can give my son the best things I can." Ruby was a capable woman, and she had her own self-respect. She was confident that with a few more years of hard work she could achieve all these things herself. Michael Carter noticed Ruby's stubborn nature and felt somewhat uneasy. Ruby said in a serious tone, "Mr. Carter, unless there is some urgent work in the future, I wish you would not come to meet me like this.” Michael gave a slight smile, understanding what she said, but deep inside he felt Ruby's determination. In the afternoon, Ruby's father called. He reminded her that tomorrow was the weekend and hoped she would come home and have dinner with him. Ruby nodded in agreement. Indeed, it had been a while since she had been home. It was time for her to visit her family. In the office on the top floor… Michael Carter ordered his assistant, "Check Ruby's husband's information as quickly as possible." Michael had no other option at the moment, so he could do something in this direction. The assistant nodded and said, "Yes, Sir.” As soon as the assistant left the room, his mobile phone started ringing. The name 'Nora' was flashing on the screen. Soon, he picked up the phone. "Hello?" Nora's voice came from the other end, "Michael, are you very busy? Can you go to dinner with me tonight?” Michael agreed without further ado, “Okay, I’ll ask my assistant to book a restaurant.” "Then I'll be waiting for you to come," said Nora cheerfully. After hanging up, Michael put the phone aside. But he could not feel Nora's happiness. He remembered that night five years ago very well. Although the woman was crying that night, there was something disturbed in her voice. Nora's voice was always shrill, and she often strained her voice to sound sweet, which made Michael uncomfortable. Now, five years later, her voice had changed slightly, but Michael couldn't understand why. In a five star hotel… Nora wore a beautiful pure white dress and wore light makeup. Under her expensive dress, her face looked better than usual, and she was enjoying her luxurious life to the fullest. Tonight, she saw her dreams come true. She became the most envious woman in the entire hotel, as she had Michael Carter with her at the candlelight dinner. Michael was the dream of many single women in the capital city. "Shall we have a drink together?" Nora raised her glass and looked at Michael Carter expectantly. Although Nora had been living in the luxurious villa for the past month, Michael Carter had never touched her until now. Nora was ambitious. If she became Mrs. Carter, no one would dare to harass her in the capital in the future. But her real worry was that the life she was enjoying was temporary. She was afraid that one day her lie would be exposed, and then she would go back to the same poor life where she had to worry about her livelihood. After enjoying a wonderful life, Nora became clearer about what she wanted. She thought, "Why don't I take advantage of this opportunity and do something substantial with Michael Carter using my fake identity? If I become the mother of his child, will Michael be able to abandon me so ruthlessly even if my lies are exposed later?” Nora was dreaming about her future life in her mind, while Michael was lost in deep thoughts about that night.