C8 Julietta's Wish

The following day at East Mountain Quarter, Julietta's home was bustling with activity as movers redecorated the place, allowing the family to settle back in.

Miron had whipped up a sumptuous meal, and as they gathered around the dining table, each bite was relished with gusto.

"Seems like divine intervention was on our side this time. It's heartwarming to see Mason Evans and his son take such a fall. With so many waiting for a chance to strike back at them, they're too weakened to bother us now," Gianna beamed with joy. "I wish I knew who toppled their empire; I'd thank them personally!"

Alexander Evans couldn't help but smile as he added, "Our third brother's family has been too cutthroat, making enemies left and right. They didn't realize there's always a bigger fish. Crossing paths with someone more powerful was their undoing. They've made their bed."

"They got what was coming to them," Gianna remarked with a hint of triumph. "And now, with Chairman Jefferson incorporating our jewelry factory into the group's industrial chain, we're not only out of the woods but looking forward to stock dividends. It's like finding a rainbow after a storm."

The shake-up at Evans Jewelry Group had sent shockwaves through York City, especially the scandalous boardroom incident involving Mason Evans and his son, which became the talk of the town among the elite and the subject of gossip on every street corner.

Even York City's daily newspaper couldn't resist the story, splashing across their front page: "Shocking! Young Master of Evans Jewelry Group, Mason Evans, forced by his father to eat his own words in front of the entire board!"

Julietta's family was overjoyed upon hearing the news. They had braced themselves for a life on the streets, courtesy of Mason Evans, only to be met with an astonishing reversal of fortune.

"Big brother and third brother have certainly mismanaged the group over the years. The Alvarez Group's takeover might not be entirely negative for the company's future, given their wealth and power. Yet, it's bittersweet to see our father's legacy, the family business, transition from a private to a public entity," Alexander Evans mused, his expression a mix of emotions.

He held the latest issue of the York City Daily, its headline detailing the dramatic overhaul at Evans Jewelry Group and Chairman Jefferson's announcement of a new strategic direction for the Evans Group.

"Heh, you're really borrowing trouble. You're so concerned about the Evans Group, but has your dad ever truly acknowledged you? Has he ever considered handing over the reins of the company to you?" Gianna said, her tone devoid of warmth. "From now on, you'd do well to simply align yourself with the newly appointed Chairman Jefferson. He treats even the smallest factories under the company's umbrella with fairness, and as a nominal shareholder, you're finally able to return to the Boyden Building for meetings after all these years."

"Haha, you've got a point," Alexander Evans conceded with a resigned smile. "In any case, our family's fortunes are slowly improving."

Julietta's face lit up with a relieved smile, the weariness and fatigue that once marred her expression now swept away. At last, there was a sense of peace and harmony among them.

"Speaking of which, Julietta, I caught a piece in the news about Chairman Jefferson's push to infuse new talent into the group, with a major recruitment drive for jewelry designers. You're an expert in that field; you might want to consider submitting one of your own jewelry designs," Miron mentioned offhandedly, glancing at the newspaper in his hand.

"What do you know about jewelry, spending your days grilling skewers?" Gianna scoffed dismissively. "Julietta's the expert here; she doesn't need your advice."

Miron offered an awkward smile, choosing not to engage further.

He was well aware that his wife, Julietta, had studied jewelry and gemstone design in college and, given her family heritage, had a deep love and passion for the craft.

He had witnessed countless times how Julietta would pour over her jewelry designs in their room, only to crumple them up into balls of wasted effort.

Her dream, it seemed, was to become a renowned jewelry designer, crafting pieces that the world would admire.

Yet, within the Evans Jewelry Group, Julietta was just another employee, her talents stifled by Carter Evans who wielded control over the Board of Directors. Her design drafts had never been given a chance by the management.

That's why Miron had asked Jefferson to give Julietta a gift that would help fulfill her dreams.

"Hmm..." Julietta murmured, interest piqued by Miron's words. She took the newspaper from him and began to read intently, her expression one of someone seriously considering the opportunity.

"Miron's suggestion is pretty good. I'll definitely give it a shot," Julietta remarked.

"Of course, our daughter is a natural at jewelry design. If it weren't for the years of being sidelined at the company, she'd already be a renowned jewelry designer," Gianna boasted, strategizing for her daughter. "Keep pushing, Julietta. There's a shake-up happening at the company. The old guard, those loyal to the former top dogs, are losing their grip. This is your chance to shine."

"I got it," Julietta replied, clearly eager to dive in.

As Miron took a bite of his rice, he casually mentioned, "Julietta, have you thought of any designs yet? Actually, I've got a jewelry concept of my own."

"You're into jewelry and gem design too?" Julietta asked, visibly surprised.

Miron chuckled. "It was a childhood hobby of mine, but unfortunately, I never pursued it professionally."

He had learned a great deal about antiques, gems, and jewelry from his master when he was younger, becoming quite the connoisseur. With countless genuine, valuable pieces passing through his hands, he had certainly picked up a thing or two.

"Really?" Julietta's interest was piqued. "You'll have to share your ideas with me later."

Their shared passion for jewelry sparked a lively conversation between them.

After dinner, Julietta retreated to her room and rummaged through her drawers, pulling out several rolls of design drafts.

"Miron, could you come to my room for a moment?"

Gianna and Alexander Evans exchanged puzzled glances. Miron had been part of the family for two years but had never once stepped foot into Julietta's room.

Miron rose and entered Julietta's room, shaking his head with a smile as he realized this was indeed his first time in his wife's private space.

The room was delicately appointed, with a pink mattress on the queen-sized bed and a matching wardrobe. A cartoon bear plushie sat on the nightstand, and a pleasant, fresh scent filled the air.

"These are some drafts I've worked on previously. I'm curious to see what you think—take a look and share your insights," Julietta said as she settled into her chair, placing the documents on the desk and fixing Miron with her lively gaze.

"Let's have a look."

Miron lifted the documents from the desk, examining them with keen attention.

"Hmm, this pendant design—it's inspired by the Symbolist movement, isn't it? An homage to the 'Heart of the Sea,' I presume?" Miron commented with a knowing smile.

"This jade pendant, with its depiction of a pine tree bathed in the morning sun, has a landscape realism style, yet it also conveys a deeper narrative. Quite impressive."

"And this gold necklace draft—it's a fusion of classical elegance and craftsmanship. It demands a jeweler's precise inlay work. It's stately and opulent, truly a creative departure."

Miron leisurely perused each document, articulating the details of Julietta's designs as if recounting treasures of his own.

Julietta's eyes widened in amazement, her lips parting slightly as she watched Miron.

She had not anticipated Miron's extensive knowledge of jewelry, nor his ability to grasp the essence of her designs.