Chapter 4

After the phone call with Natasha, Shelmaine didn't contact Samuel again. Instead, she threw herself into her work and finally completed her design draft. The client had initially tried to push for some concessions, but Shelmaine stood her ground more firmly than before. She told them that there was no way to make any more changes. The budget was fixed, and any further revisions would require additional payment. As soon as she mentioned more money, the client reluctantly dropped the issue and grudgingly paid the final balance. However, they couldn't resist adding, "You're not exactly a famous designer. Your rates are almost on par with those top-tier brands if you charge this much." Upon hearing this, Shelmaine didn't get angry. Instead, she patiently explained that custom jewelry design came with such costs. But no matter how she explained it, the client still felt that her rates were too high. They lingered at the studio for quite a while before grumbling and finally leaving. The studio wasn't solely Shelmaine's. She co-owned it with a friend. However, her friend had been staying home to care for her child after getting married, so Shelmaine had been managing things on her own lately. That evening, Shelmaine had a dinner appointment with Felicity Westwood, a former client. Normally, Shelmaine would avoid such engagements since she wasn't good at socializing, but Felicity had been so enthusiastic about it that she couldn't refuse. Little did she know, Natasha would be there too. When Natasha saw Shelmaine, a contemptuous smile appeared on her face. "Felicity, did you invite her?" Natasha asked. "Yes, I did. Let me introduce you—this is Mainey, a jewelry designer. She did the set I wore for my wedding," Felicity said. "So, it was that set. I knew it looked familiar." Natasha pointed at Shelmaine and said in front of everyone at the dinner, "Did you copy some big brand for my cousin's jewelry? The design looked awfully similar." Shelmaine had no intention of clashing with Natasha. If she'd known Natasha would be there, she wouldn't have come. Technically, this was their first meeting. They had never crossed paths before. "That seems unlikely," Felicity said, looking unsure. "Mainey has quite a good reputation. I don't think she'd do something like that." Despite her words, Felicity's eyes were already filled with doubt as she looked at Shelmaine. Shelmaine said, "Mrs. Westwood, I assure you, the jewelry I designed for you was not plagiarized. I would never do such a thing." Then, someone pulled out a photo, and the group started to discuss it. "No wonder it looked so familiar. Now that I see it, the design does seem very similar." "These days, anyone and everyone can claim to be a designer. Mrs. Westwood, you might have been scammed. This so-called designer seems pretty second-rate. You should have gone with a top-tier brand, someone with a reputation and guarantee." Sharp gazes turned toward Shelmaine. They only trusted Natasha and had no faith in Shelmaine. Shelmaine knew that Natasha was deliberately causing trouble, so staying any longer was pointless. She said, "If you believe I copied some brand, you can provide evidence, or we can have it assessed by a professional body. "Mrs. Westwood, I apologize for this unpleasant experience. If you feel that there was an issue, you can have it appraised or take legal action. If it's proven to be my fault, I will have no defense. But if it's not, I won't admit to something I didn't do. "Again, I apologize. I'll take my leave now." Shelmaine turned to leave, but Natasha followed her and caught up with her in the corridor, blocking her path. "Shelmaine, did I say you could leave?" Shelmaine stopped and stared at her coldly. "Is there something you need?" "Is this your attitude?" Natasha scoffed. "What kind of attitude did you expect?" "Shouldn't you first explain things to my cousin?" Shelmaine looked her over. Natasha's makeup was flawless, and her hair was perfectly styled. Her skin was smooth and unblemished, and her clothes and accessories exuded a sense of luxury. If judged by appearance alone, Natasha certainly had the allure to captivate any man. But... Shelmaine curved her lips into a sudden smile. "Are you jealous of me?" "Jealous of you? Why would I be jealous of you?" Natasha found the idea laughable.