Chapter Thirty One
Celeste’s POV
I shook my head despondently at Ryan’s question.
“Maximilian hasn’t responded to any of my emails and follow–up messages.” I said, sighing. “I was really hoping this would be my big break.”
He patted my shoulder. “The company is so large, your messages are probably just buried underneath other designers‘ proposals.”
“Even after three months?” I asked, unconvinced.
“Crown Luxe didn’t get where they are today by blowing off brilliant designers like you.” He said with an encouraging smile. “I’m sure they’ll respond soon.”
I laughed, swatting his shoulder. “You’re just trying to get on your boss’s good side.”
“Is it working?” Humor danced in his eyes.
I put a hand on my hip but couldn’t keep the smile from my lips.
“I think you’ll have better results doing actual work.”
“Touché.” He held up his hands. “What should I get started with today?”
I pointed towards the storeroom.
“Please fetch the materials we need for the next order. They’re on the top shelf.”
“I’m on it, boss.” He said with a wink.
The moment he turned to the storeroom, Grace sidled up to me with a devilish grin.
I gave her an exaggerated eye roll.
“This can’t be good.” I said.
“You’re all ears with my love life, but you haven’t mentioned how quickly things are progressing with you and Ryan.”
“Progressing?” I scoffed. “Grace, nothing’s going on between us.”
“Hello?” she exclaimed in a hushed tone. “The man not only gave you jewelry for your birthday, he specially made it for you. That’s not nothing.”
“He was probably just practicing his craft.”
She raised a questioning eyebrow.
I answered honestly. “We’re just friends. You know I’d tell you if something was going on.
“Well, I don’t know how you do it.” Her eyes were glued to the storeroom. “If a hottie with a body like that showed any interest in me, I’d jump him.”
I followed her gaze and swallowed hard.
Ryan was standing on a ladder, his shirt lifting as he reached for a box, revealing a glimpse of washboard abs. I looked away as heat flushed my face.
+25 BONUS
Chapter Thirty One
“It would be a waste not to enjoy such a powerful body in its prime. Imagine his stamina.”
“God, Grace, you’re such a pervert.” I laughed, nudging her as she ogled him. “Besides, you’re a taken woman now.”
She grinned. “That doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the view.”
“So, when will I get to meet your mystery guy?” I asked to change the topic.
Any more talk about Ryan’s body and I’d combust,
“Oh, you’ll love him. Let’s meet-”
Grace’s ringtone blared. She dug her phone from her pocket and her eyebrows shot up.
“It’s Celine Mars.” She breathed.
I whispered excitedly. “Put it on loudspeaker.”
She nodded, and I listened with wide eyes as she spoke to one of the wealthiest women in the country.
“Good morning, Celine.” She said in a warm, professional tone. “How have you been?”
“All good, dear. I’ve browsed the catalogue you dropped off last week and I must say, I’m impressed.”
I clamped a hand over my mouth to muffle a squeal.
“I knew you had excellent taste. Anything you liked in particular?” Grace asked.
She paused for a moment.
“I adored many of the pieces, but I want a custom design from Rosemary.”
A wide smile spread across my face.
This was a huge break.
Celine continued. “I’d like her to design and craft me a demi–parure: necklace, broach and a pair of earrings.”
Grace glanced at me, and I nodded enthusiastically.
“Rosemary would be thrilled to do that for you.” She told Celine.
“That’s excellent. I want her to use musgravite gemstones for all three pieces.”
My mouth fell open.
Musgravite was one of the rarest and most expensive gemstones in the world, and I would need a few pieces for this order. I saw the worry in Grace’s eyes–it reflected mine.
Her voice faltered. “Sourcing the musgravite may prove challenging.”
“It’s a nonnegotiable requirement.” Celine said firmly. “I find Rosemary’s work refreshing, but if your studio can’t-”
“We can source the musgravite, Mrs. Mars.” Grace said quickly. “It will just take some time.”
“Very well. But don’t take too long, dear.”
As soon as the call ended, I pounced on Grace.
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Chapter Thaty One
“Why did you tell her we could get the musgravite? There’s no way.”
“It’s Celine freaking Mars, Celeste. If we pull this off, every wealthy lady in her circle will want custom made jewelry from us. How could I let this opportunity pass us by?”
I sighed.
She was only doing what was best for the business.
“But how are we going to pull this off?” I asked.
“I don’t know. I’ve never even seen it before, and I’ve been in the business for years.” She shook her head. “It’s that rare.”
I chewed the inside of my lip
“We’re screwed.”
1 flinched when Ryan dropped a box on my workbench with a thud. He joined us by the window.
“Let me handle it.” He said with confidence. “I’ll source the musgravite for Celine Mars.”
My eyes met Grace’s.
She looked about as skeptical as I felt.
+25 BONUS
Chapter Thirty Two
