Chapter 113

"...Not yet."

Miranda wasn't surprised by this answer. She simply nodded. "He must still be handling that matter. Until then, I doubt he'll seek you out. But Miss Valentine, please give him time. He's mentioned your story to me. To my eyes, you two are a match made in heaven."

Stella's eyes widened slightly. "He told you about us?"

"...Just a few words, nothing detailed." Miranda brushed it off and changed the subject. "By the way, I'm here today with Katrina to customize jewelry. She has exacting standards and a sharp temper. Brace yourself."

Stella nodded calmly. "Unique Jewelry always prioritizes client needs. Whatever she requests, I'll design accordingly."

"And your boss..." Miranda lowered her voice. "Victor Valence's tongue is even sharper than Katrina's. When those two clash, it'll be like flint against steel. Try not to get caught in the crossfire."

Stella shrugged, signaling she was prepared.

"...Miranda, where's the model?" A tall blonde woman strode in, her gaze sweeping over Stella with disdain. "How tall are you?"

This must be the infamous Katrina Orlando.

Before Stella could explain she wasn't the model, Miranda smoothly recited: "Height 165 cm, weight 45 kg, measurements 95-60-80, leg-to-body ratio 0.62."

"Too short!" Katrina frowned. "But the proportions are decent. Since there's no one else, you'll do. Go change quickly."

Stella stared at Miranda in disbelief.

Miranda clasped her hands pleadingly, mouthing "Please."

Stella sighed. Clearly, Miranda's model had bailed last minute, and she was the stand-in. Considering Miranda's past help, she couldn't refuse.

Following Katrina into the dressing room, Stella was handed a dress. "Wear this. Apply light makeup and hurry up!"

Ten minutes later, Stella entered the conference room with the other models.

Katrina, Miranda, and Victor were already there, while Manager Quentin rushed to pour Katrina coffee.

"These are my ten autumn collection outfits. Each requires complementary jewelry." Katrina crossed her arms. "Money isn't an issue, but the pieces must capture the soul of the garments."

The demand was absurd.

They were jewelers, not fashion designers. How could they decipher the "soul" of clothing?

And Katrina was notoriously difficult. This wouldn't be easy money.

Victor smirked coldly. "Any other requirements?"

"No, it's that simple."

"The simpler the condition, the harder to fulfill."

Katrina lifted her chin arrogantly. "That's why I chose Unique Jewelry. Madeline Valdemar highly recommended a designer here named Valentine. Where is she?"

Victor frowned. "Quentin, find out why Miss Valentine isn't here."

"Right away."

"No need." A clear voice came from the lineup. "Mr. Valence, I arrived long ago."

Victor turned, his pupils contracting sharply.

Quentin gaped. "M-Miss Valentine?"

Stella nodded. "The model was missing, so I filled in."

True to her reputation, Katrina had chosen the most conservative outfit for Stella. A camel-colored cashmere skirt accentuated her curves, paired with a British-style shirt and sweater vest. Her high ponytail made her look youthful and vibrant—a stark contrast to her usual plain appearance with black-framed glasses.

"...Where are your glasses?" Victor finally found his voice.

Stella pointed to the dressing room. "Took them off to change."

"Can you see without them?"

"Mr. Valence, I'm not nearsighted."

Victor was taken aback. "Then why wear glasses?"

"You said you disliked beautiful women. To get hired, I had to adapt."

Victor fell silent.

Quentin stifled a laugh until Victor shot him a glare. "Miss Orlando, this is the designer you mentioned."

Katrina scrutinized Stella like an X-ray. "A designer?"

"Yes."

"Pity. With this figure, she could've been a top model if she were taller."

Another intense gaze burned into her. Stella turned to meet Victor's eyes, but the usually arrogant man looked away guiltily, coughing to cover his embarrassment.

"Ahem." Victor tapped the table with his pen. "Katrina, discuss your needs directly with Miss Valentine."

Katrina noticed his discomfort and teased, "Mr. Valence, are you blushing? How rare."

"Who's blushing? It's hot in here!"

"But the thermostat says 20 degrees..."

Victor snapped, "This is a professional meeting!"

"Fine, fine, I'll stop." Katrina covered her mouth, amused. "Today's been worthwhile—custom jewelry and seeing Mr. Valence flustered..."

Victor stood and left.

Quentin hurried to apologize. "Miss Orlando, Mr. Valence must have urgent business..."

Katrina waved it off. "I understand. At twenty-nine and never been in love, it's about time he bloomed!"

"What about your requirements..."

"Don't worry. Miss Valentine and I will have a thorough discussion."

Once alone, Katrina said with interest, "Miss Valentine, to secure this job, I'll test you first."

"How?"

"Design jewelry for the outfit you're wearing. Include a hair accessory. I'll review it tomorrow. Any issues?"

A full set usually took three to seven days. This was clearly a challenge.

Yet Stella replied calmly, "If you're free this afternoon, I can present a draft in two hours."