The secretary guided Isabella into William’s office.
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the spacious room.
William turned as she entered, a warm smile on his face.
“Miss Scott, please have a seat,” he offered, motioning toward a comfortable chair.
Isabella sat gracefully.
William poured her a cup of coffee.
“My wife adores the jewelry collection you designed previously,” he shared. “She can’t stop talking about its uniqueness.”
“Thank you,” Isabella replied, her smile gentle. “Hearing such praise from Mrs. Sterling means a great deal.”
William’s expression turned serious.
“I’ve heard about the recent difficulties your studio has encountered. I’m truly sorry.”
He paused, then retrieved a gold-embossed invitation from his desk drawer.
“We’re hosting a small gathering for our tenth wedding anniversary in ten days. It would be an honor if you could attend.”
Isabella accepted the invitation, feeling a surge of hope.
This was more than an invitation; it was a crucial opportunity.
Her studio desperately needed to restore its reputation, and William’s event offered the perfect platform.
She met his gaze confidently, her voice steady.
“Mr. Sterling, I’m deeply honored by your invitation. I will ensure the ‘Decade’s Vow’ collection is crafted to the highest standard. I sincerely hope it meets Mrs. Sterling’s expectations.”
A flicker of respect appeared in William’s eyes.
Isabella knew she couldn’t let this chance slip away.
After leaving Sterling Industries, she stepped onto the bustling street, her mind racing with plans.
She quickly called her assistant, Oliver.
“Oliver, it’s me,” she said as soon as he answered.
“Isabella! How did it go? What did Mr. Sterling say?” Oliver’s voice was eager.
“He invited me to his tenth wedding anniversary party,” she replied, a note of triumph in her tone.
“That’s fantastic! I knew you could do it!” Oliver’s enthusiasm was contagious.
Isabella allowed a brief smile, but her focus quickly returned.
“We can’t celebrate yet. The ‘Decade’s Vow’ collection requires specific gemstones. The centerpiece is a Rosalia Pink Diamond. They’re extremely rare. We need to source one immediately.”
“These diamonds are scarce domestically. We must arrange an international air shipment,” Isabella continued, visualizing the radiant pink diamond in her sketches.
“Understood. I’ll contact our overseas suppliers right away,” Oliver assured her.
“Ensure the gemstones meet our quality standards. Price is somewhat flexible, but we must stay within budget,” Isabella instructed firmly.
“Consider it done!” Oliver replied.
Ending the call, Isabella hailed a taxi and headed to the hospital.
Thirty minutes later, she sat beside Liam’s bed.
He lay quietly, holding the picture book she brought. His small face looked pale and fragile under the soft light.
Isabella’s heart ached with worry.
Suddenly, an urgent voice called from behind. “Isabella!”
Turning, she saw Dr. Brooks hurrying toward her, his expression a mix of urgency and excitement.
Confusion washed over her.
“Dr. Brooks, what’s happened?” Isabella asked.