C9 A Common Creative Concept

"Miron, I'm impressed by your extensive knowledge of jewelry," Julietta said softly, her tone conveying newfound respect.

Miron offered a modest smile and remained silent.

"I've had this design concept that I'm quite proud of for a while now, but unfortunately, I've never had the chance to bring it to life," Julietta confessed earnestly.

"The piece requires exceptionally valuable diamonds, and I've never had the means to acquire such materials, nor has the company ever approved the idea..." Julietta's voice trailed off, her expression tinged with regret.

She pulled an elegant mahogany box from her drawer and carefully extracted a thick roll of drafts.

"This is my most cherished design, though I've yet to settle on the perfect name for it," Julietta remarked as she passed the documents to Miron.

Miron took the draft and began to scrutinize it with great interest.

The design captivated him more with each detail he observed.

It was evident that Julietta possessed a remarkable gift for jewelry design, a talent that had been underutilized by the company and constrained by her personal circumstances.

The draft detailed a pendant of such refined beauty and unique craftsmanship that, if released, it would undoubtedly create a stir in the jewelry industry.

"Honestly, I think incorporating some curved elements and delicate pattern engravings could enhance the design. As for the materials, only the finest colored diamonds will do, and they must be substantial in size," Miron offered his insight.

"But wouldn't that make it extravagantly expensive? The cost could make production nearly impossible," Julietta countered with a hint of hesitation.

"Not at all," Miron assured her. "You need to believe in yourself and envision it as a piece of the world's most exquisite jewelry."

"For the pendant's details, we could employ the hand-setting techniques of a master craftsman. That would lend it a dignified, classical air without sacrificing its modern appeal," Miron continued, thoughtfully addressing the finer points.

Julietta listened, her eyes shining brighter with each word, her gaze fixed on Miron with admiration.

After a half-hour of enthusiastic conversation...

They finally settled on the definitive jewelry design.

Julietta's face lit up with satisfaction as she gazed at the design draft.

"This is amazing, Miron! You have an exceptional talent for jewelry design," Julietta exclaimed with admiration.

"I'm merely building on your insights," Miron replied with a smile. "The original concept was yours; I just refined a few details."

"No, this is a collaborative effort," Julietta insisted earnestly.

"Alright, let's go with your decision," Miron nodded in agreement.

"I've made up my mind. I'm going to use this design as my entry point and pitch it to Chairman Jefferson," Julietta declared with determination.

"But what should we call it?" Julietta mused, her lips pursed in thought.

After a moment, Miron suggested, "King of the World."

"King of the World?" Julietta echoed, intrigued.

"Yes, King of the World," Miron affirmed with a smile. "Remember the movie Titanic? The classic scene where Leonardo stands at the ship's bow, embracing the ocean, and declares, 'I am the king of the world.'"

"I've always loved that line."

"Of course, I've seen Titanic. That scene and line are really quite memorable!" Julietta's eyes sparkled with excitement, the iconic image flooding her mind and filling her with inspiration.

Miron's idea was a stroke of genius!

"King of the World!" Julietta said with a surge of excitement. "That's it. King of the World!"

With that, Julietta had named the pendant.

She quickly organized the design draft and emailed her proposal to Chairman Jefferson.

Later that day, after dinner with her family, she received a response.

Chairman Jefferson's reply read, "This is a very creative concept. Come to the office tomorrow and see me in my office."

Julietta was thrilled by the recognition of her work.

...

The following morning.

At Julietta's request, Miron joined her on the trip to the company.

They hailed a taxi and made a beeline for the Boyden Building.

Julietta was filled with excitement; it was the first time her jewelry design had received such acknowledgment, especially from the chairman of a major corporation.

"I'm so nervous. It's my first time ever having a conversation with someone as important as the chairman," Julietta murmured anxiously from the back seat of the car. "I'm not sure what he'll ask, and I'm worried about misspeaking and having my designs rejected..."

"Don't be too nervous. Just share your thoughts and creativity with him—that should do the trick," Miron encouraged her.

"Imagine if my jewelry designs were officially released and praised by everyone at an exhibition. That would be a dream come true!" Julietta said, her eyes brimming with hope. It was the achievement she had longed for.

"Rest assured, your designs will make it out into the world," Miron assured her.

"Really? That would be amazing!" Julietta's face lit up with excitement and anticipation.

"Once this deal goes through, you'll be a bona fide jewelry designer. You've got this," Miron said, offering his support.

"Yeah, I'll give it my all!" Julietta nodded firmly, her heart set on becoming a renowned jewelry designer.

Before long, the taxi pulled up to the Boyden Building.

Exiting the car, they rode the elevator up and soon stepped into the company's interior.

The 28th floor...

This was where Chairman Jefferson's office was situated. The expansive space was lined with orderly glass doors and neatly arranged desks and chairs.

At that moment, employees in sharp suits bustled about, already immersed in their work.

Entering the office building, Julietta and Miron were met with a flurry of curious glances.

"Julietta? Aren't you from the marketing department? Who gave you permission to come here? This is where the company's executives work. Don't you know your place?" a female executive remarked disdainfully upon recognizing Julietta.

"Oh? Julietta? And the man beside you—could that be the infamous failure of a son-in-law who brought shame to the Evans family? Your husband, Miron?" a senior member of the Evans family sneered from his office chair, his tone mocking.

"I clearly recall Ms. Rhyd warning him to never show his face around her again, and yet you have the audacity to bring him to the company?"

"Humph! What business is it of yours?" Julietta retorted with a cold snort, clearly uninterested in engaging with the gossips.

She strode confidently toward Chairman Jefferson's office, clutching a folder full of drafts.

"Wait."

Just then, a commanding female voice echoed through the office.

A woman clad in an opulent light purple dress, adorned with an array of fine jewelry, approached with measured steps.

Julietta's eyes narrowed at the sight of the woman, a wave of nervousness washing over her.

The woman was none other than Rhyd, the esteemed daughter of the Evans family.

Rhyd held the prestigious roles of deputy director of the design department and chief jewelry designer at Evans Jewelry Group, not to mention her status as Henry Evans' daughter, which granted her significant clout within the company.

"Ms. Rhyd..." Julietta managed, her voice tinged with unease.

"Shut up!" Rhyd interjected sharply, her icy gaze landing on Miron. "You have the nerve to show up in front of me?"

"Ms. Rhyd, I apologize. Miron and I are just here on business. We'll be out of your way shortly," Julietta stammered, her longstanding intimidation by Rhyd's family making her feel inherently fearful and inferior.

"Julietta, you don't need to apologize to her. You owe her nothing," Miron interjected.

"And who are you to speak to me?" Rhyd scoffed, tilting her head haughtily as she regarded Miron with scorn. "I haven't even begun to deal with you for last time. And yet you have the gall to strut around in front of me?"

"I already apologized for that incident at your wedding. Besides, the fault wasn't mine," Miron replied with a calm demeanor.

"Haha, such nerve! Miron, have you forgotten what I've told you?" At that moment, a deep voice cut through the tension.

Leon approached, his gaze icy as he looked down at Miron and Julietta. He sneered from his lofty perch, "Do you think an apology is enough to fix things? Have you forgotten your place after a few good meals? Do you really think I wouldn't shut down your pathetic jewelry factory again?"

Leon had poured a significant investment into the Evans Jewelry Group, securing a substantial share and a dual role as a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Vice President.

Moreover, as the eldest son of the prestigious Simons family in York City, he wielded the power to effortlessly plunge Julietta's family into destitution with a mere flick of his wrist.

Julietta nervously bit her lip, unsure of how to proceed.

"Oh?" Rhyd's attention was drawn to the portfolio in Julietta's hands, and she scoffed, "You're not here in response to Chairman Jefferson's job posting, are you? To pitch your jewelry design concepts?"

"It's laughable, really. You, with your meager talents, dreaming of becoming a jewelry designer? I've reviewed every single design you've submitted over the years. They're all trash. With your level of skill, you might as well kiss any hopes of a career in this industry goodbye!" Rhyd's voice was laced with scorn, sparing no feelings.

"Julietta, let me make myself clear—as the Deputy Director of our design department and the lead jewelry designer, I'm telling you to get out of here now!" Rhyd declared haughtily. "Your design concept has been outright rejected!"