Chapter 42

Emily didn't grow up with much money, but her house was always filled with laughter.

Brian would often bring her little snacks after work, and seeing her enjoy them made him smile.

Even though he didn't have much education, he had a special way of helping Emily with her homework, always cheering her on.

If it weren't for that one bad event, the family would have stayed happy together. Even in their tiny 600-square-foot house,Emily would have been content.

Later, her mom had to deal with neighbors gossiping, saying she was cursed and brought bad luck to her husband. Emily always stood up for her, often putting her hands on her hips and arguing with people in the yard.

These memories, both sweet and bitter, became part of her life,shaping her resilience and determination.

Melissa said, "Emily, I noticed you've been daydreaming. I juast asked about your plans. why aren't you saying anything?"

Melissa's voice snapped Emily back to reality.

Emily laughed,hugging Melissa's shoulders. "You genius bestie,thanks for the reminder. I almost forgot I had this skill."

Her eyes sparkled with confidence, like she saw a beacon of hope in

the darkness. If it weren't for Melissa's mention, she might have forgotten her old dream.

Melissa asked, "Huh? What skill?"

Emily's sudden enthusiasm left Melissa puzzled, not understanding how she had become a genius.

Emily jumped up, waving her arms excitedly. "You're right, I have a skill. Why worry about starving? Even if I don't work as Patrick's secretary, I can still make it in Pearl Peak City. Ican design jewelry!"She was full of energy, pacing around the room, already envisioning her future creations.

Melissa's eyes lit up. "Yes! You always had a talent for design in college!" She grabbed Emily's hand. "It's a shame you insisted on being Patrick's secretary back then. Well, after serving him for years,you've finally come to your senses. A woman needs her own career."She was thrilled, as if she was about to become a top designer, her face beaming with joy.

"How about this? I'll invest in a studio for you in Pearl Peak City. I'll be the silent partner, and you can be the boss," Melissa suggested.

Emily shook her finger. "Great idea, but not just yet. Starting a studio without any work to show for it would be a sure loss." She analyzed calmly, knowing that starting a business required more than just passion; it needed thorough preparation.

Melissa meant well, but Emily didn't want to drag her into a risky venture. Success would be great, but failure would leave Melissa

feeling guilty and heartbroken.

Melissa stood up. hands on her hips. not buying it. "Why not? I'm a customer, and I love all the jewelry you design. I'd buy everything."

Emily laughed, a bit exasperated. "You can't be both the boss and the customer. Why even open a studio? I could just design at home and make pieces for you. Wouldn't that still mean you're supporting me?"She appreciated Melissa's genuine help, but she wanted to make a name for herself in the jewelry design world on her own.

Melissa scratched her head. "Alright, so what do you want to do?"

Emily spun around, an idea forming. "I have a friend who used to be a client of The Rivera Group. The Hughes Family is in the jewelry business, and about a third of the mall counters are theirs. I want to intern at his company, start as a jewelry designer, and once I can design award-winning pieces and build a reputation, then we can open a studio. That way, we can have both fame and fortune without risking your investment." Her eyes gleamed with determination.Success required honing one's skills, and blind entrepreneurship was foolish.

Melissa clapped her hands. "You're a genius, using someone else's company to gain experience. Do I know this friend?"

Emily shook her head. "You probably don't. He's Patrick's arch-nemesis. I'll introduce you sometime; he's quite interesting. But don't fall for him easily; he's a notorious playboy in Pearl Peak City."

Melissa rubbed her chin, eyeing Emily suspiciously. "How do you

know he's a playboy? Did he hit on you?"

Emily coughed awkwardly. Marlon's image flashing in her mind.

She wasn't sure if his previous attentions counted as hitting on her.but she was certain he had feelings for her.

However, she had never considered him as a romantic option or accepted his feelings. After leaving Patrick, she hadn't thought about finding another man. Maybe that day would come, but not now.

Shaking her head, she pulled out her phone and dialed Marlon's number. His deep, pleasant voice came through in two seconds."Emily,calling so soon? Miss me already?"

Seeing Melissa's teasing expression, Emily quickly covered the receiver and spoke softly. "Talk properly, Marlon. We're just friends."

"Yes, we're just friends. So, my friend, what can I do for you?"Marlon asked.