Chapter 96

Patrick really didn't want totalk about his feelings for Emily with Jennifer.

Sometimes, he felt like he didn't even understand himself.

Seeing Patrick go quiet. Jennifer jumped in, "The Evans Group has a bunch of development sites right now. When we lost to them at the last auction, they acquired this site. My research shows it could be worth around $9.23 billion. The Rivera Group can't handle this alone. and it's likely that the Evans Group can't either. I need you and Patricia to establish a closer relationship, secure cooperation rights. and convince them to co-develop."

Jennifer continued, "You know the Rivera Group hasn't been doing great in real estate lately. Even if you don't do it for yourself, think about the responsibility you have towards the 30,000-plus employees of the Rivera Group." Hearing Jennifer's words, Patrick said. "I get it, I'll be back soon."

Jennifer was right; he shouldn't be only thinking about romance. Even though he missed her like crazy, he kept telling himself that not seeing her wouldn't be the end of the world. He figured he would wait a few days until he sorted things out with Patricia.

Patrick suddenly wanted to get Emily a gift. She'd been wearing that old bracelet for years and couldn't bear to part with it. Patrick had been to so many auctions but hadn't given her anything valuable. He felt a bit guilty about that.

While Patrick was away, Emily's life seemed to get back to normal. Marlon noticed Emily's health improving and handed her an invitation.

Marlon, dressed in a stylish casual outfit with slightly messy hair, looked charming. His face was lit up with a smile, and his eyes were full of

concern for Emily."Emily, didn't you want to go to this year's Jewelry Design Grand Exhibition in Sunshine Bay City? I heard you submitted a design to the crafts department, but it got rejected?" Marlon teased her.

Emily, in a simple white shirt and blue jeans, with her long hair casually tied back, looked fresh. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes as she said."Yeah, I designed a traditional-style bracelet, the kind that celestial maidens would wear gracefully on their arms."

Marlon asked, "What kind of bracelet was it?"

Emily explained, "This bracelet required a lot of intricate decorations and a blend of modern and traditional craftsmanship. Unfortunately, I was missing a crucial technique, and my colleagues in the crafts department said that the skill had been lost over time, so we couldn't create a sample.I was worried."

Marlon shook the invitation in his hand with a mysterious smile. "Well, I'm here to save you. Check this out."

"What's this?" Emily asked, curious.

Emily opened it and saw the words "Traditional Craftsmanship Fair and Auction" written on it.

"Wow, I've been dying to get an invite to one of Mr. Phillips' events,but it's always been impossible! You actually got one! How did you know Mr.Phillips had the key technique I needed?" Emily's eyes sparkled with surprise.

Seeing Emily's excitement, Marlon ran a hand through his hair and said proudly, "Of course, I'm the heir to the Hughes Group. Getting this invite was a piece of cake for me. So, what's there to worry about? Didn't I just

do you a huge favor?" Marlon leaned on the table with both hands. clearly fishing for some appreciation.

Emily pushed the cookies on the table towards him, smiling. "Yes. Mr.Hughes, you've really helped me out. Consider these cookies my thank-you gift. Take them and go. I need to study the invitation and improve my design quickly. If I meet Mr. Phillips later, I want to showcase my design concept properly."

Marlon looked at the cookies and said in a slightly hurt tone, "Oh my god.is this all I get for helping you?"

Emily stood up with a smile, pretending to take the cookies back. Marlon quickly hugged them to his chest, saying, "Hey, once given, you can't take them back."

Tying her hair back, Emily said, "Mr. Hughes, please don't bother me now.I'm busy."

Marlon shook his head, admiring how dedicated Emily was to her work.No wonder everyone at the Rivera Group used to call her a "workaholic."Marlon thought to himself, 'Patrick, it's your loss for not appreciating Emily. If you didn't, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet her. It's a shame, but if Emily had feelings for me, you wouldn't stand a chance.'

Meanwhile,looking at the invitation in front of him, Patrick asked Jennifer,"When did the Rivera Group get involved in the jewelry industry?"

Jennifer replied, "It's Patricia; she likes to collect intricately designed and elegant jewelry. The second half of this exhibition is an auction, so you and Patricia should go together. Consider it a weekend break. You can't work in the office every day. Besides, when are you going to settle down and start a family? It all depends on how things progress between you two.

Hearing Jennifer's words, Patricia blushed, a rare moment of shyness. She glanced at Patrick and said, "Patrick, if you don't want to go with me.it's okay. I can go by myself. Don't worry, I won't be bored."

Just as Patrick was about to agree with Patricia and refuse to go to the auction. Jennifer cut him off. "Patricia, don't overthink it. Patrick has been to many auctions before, so let him accompany you. You might find a piece of jewelry you like and ask Patrick to buy it for you."