Chapter 98

Nora took a sip of her coffee, set the cup down, and strolled out of the coffee room with an air of confidence. She wasn't thrilled about the gossip behind her back, but she knew that jealousy and competition were just part of the game at work.

When she got to Emily's office, she gave a light knock. Emily looked up.saw Nora-the Chief Designer of the Hughes Group-and quickly said,"Ms. Adams, what can I do for you?" Emily's eyes showed a mix of doubt and nerves as she wondered why Nora was there.

Nora walked in and took a look around. She was surprised to see that Emily's office was almost as big as hers. Not bad for a newbie designer at Hughes Group. No wonder Emily's colleagues were all jealous of her.

Nora sighed to herself, realizing that in the workplace, talented folks naturally got more opportunities and perks, but also more envy and challenges.

Sitting on the sofa, Nora looked at Emily and said, "You're going to the handicraft exhibition for me this time."

Emily was shocked. She thought Marlon had recommended her without asking Nora.

She quickly stood up, put the invitation on Nora's coffee table,and said,"I m sorry, Ms. Adams, if you're going, then I won't. And I wasn't informed by Mr.Hughes."

Nora raised her hand to stop Emily from explaining. She smiled and said."

I focus on modern art, and I'm not really into Aetheria's craftsmanship. Mr.

Hughes sending you means he thinks highly of you. Go and learn well.and we can talk about it later. Nowadays, people appreciate both modern and traditional styles. Don't worry. I'm not here to scold you. I never liked going to this event anyway, so it's good you're going instead. I just wanted to clear things up. If anyone talks badly about you, know it's not from me."With that, Nora calmly left Emily's office.

Watching Nora leave, Emily felt grateful. She didn't expect Nora to be so understanding. Emily had never met someone as cool and straightforward as Nora before. It reminded her of her time at the Rivera Group,where most people saw her as a rival, making her cautious every day.

Now at Hughes Group. despite some jealousy and gossip, there were still people who appreciated and helped her.

Emily picked up the invitation, holding it tightly. She thought to herself that since she was trusted so much, she had to make the most of this opportunity at the event. She knew this exhibition was not just a learning opportunity but also a chance to prove herself. She wanted those who envied her to see her skills and achievements in this field.

As the exhibition approached, Emily started preparing. She did a ton of research on handicrafts, learning about their history, craftsmanship,and current trends. She also got advice from senior designers, soaking up their experiences and insights.

Emily knew that only with thorough prep could she make the most of the exhibition and not let Marlon and Nora down.

In a tucked-away corner of the bustling city, something mysterious was about to go down. Unlike the usual exhibitions or auctions held in stuffy auction houses, Henry's final handicraft exhibition was set in a Victorian-style private estate for the event.

The winding tree-lined paths, exquisite gazebos and greenhouses.along with the well-arranged fountains and gardens, collectively created a serene and mysterious atmosphere, as if one were transported into a dreamlike world.

Emily had planned to bring Melissa along to the event. Melissa loved tradlitional craftsmanship too. But since Melissa went back to the Clark Manor, she had been swamped with dates arranged by her elders and couldn't make it. So, Emily had to go solo.

Maybe because of the Hughes Group's status, from the moment Emily stepped into the estate. she felt like she was being treated like royalty. She got a seat in the circle closest to the exhibition hall, a spot seemingly reserved for VIPs. giving her a front-row view of the exquisite works on display.

Across from her was the Watson Group's area. separated by a specially designed screen. Emily didn't know these screens had a unique feature.allowing one-way viewing. She could see the items on the exhibition table through the screens, but people outside couldn't peek in. This unique setup added a touch of mystery to the whole event.

Arriving early. Emily sat quietly in her seat, soaking in the calm. The coffee and snacks brought by the waiters smelled amazing. Since getting pregnant. Emily's appetite had picked up. The doctor had said she was too thin, which wasn't good for the baby, so she had started eating more.She nibbled on the pastries while flipping through the catalog of artworks in her hand.

The catalog was like a gateway to the art world, each page showcasing Henry's masterpieces over the years. As Emily looked at those stunning pictures, she was filled with admiration. Each of Henry's works was like a

national treasure. The intricate craftsmanship, unique designs, and deep cultural heritage in them captivated her.

Meanwhile, the organizers got a surprise. The CEO of the Rivera Group.Patrick, showed up unexpectedly with Patricia, the heiress of the Evans Group. Since the innermost circle was reserved for the big players in the jewelry business, the organizers had to quickly arrange two seats in the front row for Patrick and Patricia. Coincidentally, these seats were right within Emily's view.