“So I decided to sell these pieces. They’ve been sitting in storage for months anyway. I’ll sell them at a lower price just so I can get some money flowing and keep Centurion Hall running.”
Sophia looked at her with concern.
“You’re going to sell them below the market price?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.
Emma gave a small nod, a concerned expression settling on her features.
“I don’t really have a choice.”
She adjusted the boxes slightly in her hands and let out a quiet breath.
“I’m even considering selling some of my luxury bags. That should give me a stronger financial backup until I can get new deals.”
She let out a tired breath.
“Because of the Empire Group, several other clients also canceled their contracts with me. They don’t want to risk offending them. So I guess I’ll just have to hold on for a while until things settle down.”
Sophia looked at Emma with guilt and concern in her eyes.
“I’m really sorry you’re going through all this because of me,” she said quietly.
Emma immediately shook her head.
“Don’t worry. It’s not because of you,” she said firmly. “I was the one who bad-mouthed him at the auction. Who knew his ego would be this fragile?”
She shrugged lightly, trying to sound casual.
“It will be fine. I’ll figure something out.”
She lifted her gaze and added with determination,
“And if things get worse… I’ll just shut down Centurion Hall and start another business. It’ll be a massive loss, but there’s no point trying to save something that’s no longer in my control.”
Sophia placed a comforting hand on Emma’s shoulder and gave it a gentle pat, disappointment still lingering in her eyes.
Just as they were talking, another figure entered the store.
Isabel stepped inside the large jewelry shop, the sharp sound of her heels echoing against the marble floor. She carried herself with obvious pride as she walked in, her gaze sweeping around the store.
She moved toward a counter and began casually looking at the jewelry displayed beneath the glass.
But as she glanced sideways, her eyes landed on Sophia and Emma standing together nearby.
A wicked smile slowly spread across her face.
She recognized Emma immediately. Over the past few days, she had often seen the woman accompanying Sylvia, always hovering close by like a protective friend.
Isabel quietly pulled out her phone and moved a little closer to them.
Then she started speaking loudly into the phone, making sure her voice carried clearly across the room.
“Yes, I didn’t even have to do anything,” she said smugly. “It really wasn’t even necessary. I just told Magnus I wanted those projects, and he gave them to me immediately.”
Sophia and Emma’s attention snapped toward the voice.
They turned their heads and saw Isabel standing near the glass counter, pretending to browse the jewelry while speaking on the phone.
The two women exchanged a surprised glance before looking back at her.
