"It's getting late. I should be heading back." With their discussion concluded, Felix Preston prepared to leave.
"Hey, don't be in such a hurry." Renee Sinclair caught a glimpse of Sonia Quincy out of the corner of her eye. Seeing that she hadn't left yet, Renee found a way to stop Felix Preston. "My dad's company is looking to make some new investments lately. I think what you and Evan Yates are working on would be a great fit. Interested in hearing more?"
The moment he heard "investments," Felix Preston sat right back down. "What sector is your father primarily interested in? The project Evan Yates and I are working on is still in its early stages, but if your father is interested, I can put together a detailed proposal and send it over immediately."
A satisfied smile spread across Renee Sinclair's face. "My dad has long been aware of your capabilities. He'd be willing to invest on the strength of your name alone, Felix Preston."
"That's a bit of an exaggeration. If my name were really that powerful, the Preston Group wouldn't have ended up bankrupt." Felix Preston gave a self-deprecating laugh, a deep exhaustion etched in his features.
He hadn't slept all night, and it was hard to stay sharp while discussing a project now. He waved over a waiter and had them refill his coffee.
The coffee was freshly brewed, steam rising from the cup. Felix glanced sideways and thanked the waiter, but as he turned his gaze back, he unexpectedly caught sight of Sonia Quincy on the other side of the cafe.
"..." He raised a hand to adjust the glasses on his nose, staring at the figure for several seconds before confirming he wasn't mistaken.
It really was Sonia Quincy.
Sonia Quincy was turned sideways to him, her head bowed as she drew something on a tablet. Across from her sat a woman with sharp features. The woman sipped her coffee and watched Sonia, as if waiting for her to finish something.
"What are you looking at?" Renee Sinclair asked, feigning ignorance as she followed his gaze toward Sonia Quincy.
"Is-isn't that Sonia Quincy?" she said, pretending to be surprised. She then gave Felix a "helpful" reminder. "Sonia's here, Felix. Why don't you go ask her to join us?"
"No, don't." Felix Preston's refusal was decisive. He didn't know why Sonia Quincy was here, but seeing her focused and earnest expression, he guessed she must be in the middle of something important. It was better not to disturb her.
"Let's get back to our conversation," he said, turning his head back to Renee Sinclair with a slight smile.
Renee Sinclair gave him a playful wink. "Alright..."
Mina Jennings was a very patient person. For as long as Sonia Quincy drew, she sat opposite and watched, doing nothing else besides occasionally replying to a message or two.
All to ensure that what Sonia Quincy was drawing was completed right under her nose.
Sonia Quincy drew for a full three hours. By the time she looked up, the back of her neck was aching terribly.
"Please take a look, Ms. Jennings." She saved the draft and handed the tablet to Mina Jennings.
The smile remained on Mina Jennings's face, but its meaning had quietly shifted during the three hours Sonia Quincy had been busy.
She took the tablet and scrutinized the draft.
The theme she had given Sonia Quincy was "Summer." Sonia had drawn a complete jewelry set for her.
Earrings, a necklace, a bracelet, a ring. Every piece was exquisitely detailed, every design element complemented the others, and every stroke of color was perfectly placed.
Mina Jennings was a professional, and she could naturally see that Sonia Quincy was one, too.
Sonia Quincy took in her reaction, making no effort to hide the pride on her face.
"Because of the time constraint, I kept this design relatively simple. But it should be just about worth your initial offer, Ms. Jennings."
Mina Jennings returned the tablet to Sonia Quincy, fell silent for a moment, and then said two words: "You win."
Sonia Quincy raised an eyebrow. "Of course I won. I wouldn't have dared to come see you with my designs if I wasn't prepared to win."
"Ms. Jennings, do I now have the right to discuss design with you?"
Mina Jennings: "Of course."
The three-hour test was enough for Mina Jennings to gauge Sonia Quincy's true abilities. Sonia wasn't just the original creator of the designs; she also possessed a formidable foundation in design.
A designer like her was exactly what Mina Jennings's studio needed most.
But Mina Jennings didn't dare hire her, because her reputation in Aethelburg was absolutely toxic.
If she were to buy Sonia Quincy's designs and let Sonia's name appear in connection with her studio, she could forget about selling any of her studio's products ever again.
Starting a business is hard. She wasn't about to gamble with her life's work.
"Miss Quincy, I love your design style. But unfortunately, I'm afraid I'm not the best partner for you."
Mina Jennings's refusal was phrased very diplomatically, intended to let both herself and Sonia Quincy save face.
But Sonia Quincy ruthlessly pierced through that fragile pretense.
"You're afraid of me," Sonia Quincy stated directly. "I'm a liability. You're afraid that collaborating with me will bring unnecessary trouble to your studio."
Mina Jennings was taken aback for a second, not expecting Sonia Quincy to be so blunt. But she quickly admitted it openly. "Yes, I am afraid."
Now that it was out in the open, there was no need for her to hold back.
"Miss Quincy, your reputation in Aethelburg has hit rock bottom. I'm a businesswoman, and when choosing partners, reputation is a criterion I must consider. It's obvious that your reputation runs completely counter to my standards."
"Therefore, I don't dare to collaborate with Miss Quincy."
Sonia Quincy had anticipated this outcome ever since she decided to make money by drawing. Thanks to the story's villainess, the name "Sonia Quincy" had become something everyone in Aethelburg avoided like the plague.
Other than Felix Preston, no one dared to associate with her, let alone work with her.
So, she proactively proposed another type of collaboration.
"Ms. Jennings, this isn't the only way to collaborate. If you're really that concerned about my reputation, you could simply not disclose my real information publicly. My online handle is Bloom Preston. You can just treat me as a freelance artist, not a professional jewelry designer."
"A freelance artist?" Mina Jennings laughed. "Miss Quincy, the rates for a freelance artist and a professional designer are two very different things. If you're just acting as a freelance artist, I can't possibly offer you the price you want, not even for your best work."
"That's fine." Sonia Quincy was open-minded about it and had already prepared herself.
"As long as you don't lowball me, Ms. Jennings, I can accept it."
"Really?" Those words were exactly what Mina Jennings wanted to hear. The moment Sonia Quincy finished speaking, Mina eagerly confirmed, "You can really accept that?"
Sonia Quincy nodded. "I can. You see my situation, Ms. Jennings. Besides my skills, I don't have any capital to bargain with. And besides, I really do need the money right now. As long as you're willing to offer a fair price, I'll sell."
"Deal!" This was exactly what Mina Jennings had been waiting for.
"But I need to be upfront with you. When we sign the contract, you'll also have to sign a non-disclosure agreement. You understand what that entails, right?"
Sonia Quincy: "I do. Don't worry, Ms. Jennings. I don't have any extra money to pay for breach of contract fees anyway."
Mina Jennings blinked, satisfied. Only then did she pull out her phone to get Sonia Quincy's contact information. "Let's add each other on WeChat. I'll message you there about the details of our collaboration."
Sonia Quincy quietly breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay."
After spending nearly five hours in the cafe, Sonia Quincy had finally sold her designs. Mina Jennings was a straightforward person; with a wave of her hand, she commissioned three sets of designs, including the one Sonia had just drawn on the spot.
She checked the time, gathered her things, and stood up to leave. But as she turned, her gaze suddenly collided with Felix Preston's.