Chapter 9
Pearl spent the morning inspecting the various departments. She had a career now and Marc was in the past.
The Woolery Group began as a luxury jewelry brand. Ken was the founder and later expanded the business into various sectors. The group dominated Nanston once. Woolery Jewelry was also the designated retail partner for Diamonto, the world's largest diamond trading company, and the exclusive diamond merchant for Ridge International Mining, an international mining company. Only the Males Group in Machodean was on par with the Woolery Group. Both steered clear of each other.
Employees pretended to work diligently while occasionally peeking at Pearl. "Wow! Ms. Woolery has a great figure," one of them remarked.
Pearl wore a navy blue suit-style jumpsuit, which highlighted her graceful figure. She appeared both mature and beautiful.
One of the employees couldn't help but discreetly photographed Pearl from behind and posted it online. She remarked, "Even her back makes us want to bow to her." The employee was an internet celebrity on Instagram with over 200,000 followers and loved to show off. Her post immediately garnered much attention.
Comments overflowed with praises. "Wow. Is this real? She looks like a celebrity."
Another remarked, "I'm gonna send my job application to them now. Can't wait to meet her."
Pearl entered her office in her high heels. Samuel followed, closing the door.
Pearl collapsed on the couch, checking her aching feet.
Samuel laughed. "You walked plenty today. They must hurt."
Pearl sighed. "Everything is in chaos. I have to press on."
Samuel took out a medical kit and approached her. "No need before me. Let me help you." He knelt on the carpet, removed her high heels, and gently treated her blisters.
Pearl was surprised. It had been long since anyone cared for her. When she shook herself from her thoughts, Samuel was done. He also found her a pair of flats.
Pearl chuckled. "You're good. Thanks. You must have courted many girls."
Samuel smiled, not replying. He blew on her feet, making Pearl's toes curl. Pearl frowned, pulling her feet back. "That tickles. Let them dry themselves."
Pearl's feet were small and slender, but her toes were plump, which made them look cute. Samuel smiled warmly. "It's great that you're back."
Sitting cross-legged, Pearl avoided his gaze and changed the topic. "It's not good that I've to clean up the mess."
"You can do it." Samuel's eyes shone with unwavering determination and faith. He looked like he would brave through anything with her.
Pearl put away her childish ways and spoke seriously, "There're two things to note."
"Yes?" Samuel answered.
"Firstly, my uncle's land in the northern suburbs will not be developed into a golf course. I have other plans for it," Pearl said. "Sure." Samuel nodded.
Pearl went on, "Secondly, the launch of the new jewelry series is ready. The theme is 'Rose.' Tell the operations department to initiate a topic discussion online to collect love stories. The top ten stories with the highest engagement will receive a free Woolery Jewelry diamond ring. Company employees can also participate. Tell the design department to use the stories as product concepts. The design drafts will be posted online for selection, and the top ten drafts will receive a two-fold increase in monthly performance bonuses." "Okay." Samuel remarked, "That's a big move."
Pearl smiled. "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Get it done. The old timers' era is over."
The phone rang after Samuel left. It was Hubert. Pearl answered reluctantly because it probably wasn't good news. "What's up?"
"How impatient you are. It's no biggie, but it might infuriate you. Check online. That vixen has brainwashed your ex. They're claiming you came between their relationship!" Hubert informed her.
Pearl frowned and checked. There was a trending topic on the upcoming wedding. She clicked on it and found a lengthy post.
The post, published by Males Group's official account, announced the wedding and detailed the couple's romantic history. It hinted Clarissa was the one Marc always loved, making Pearl out to be a common peasant girl who became the third party because of her ignorance. The post included Clarissa's tolerance and understanding of Marc's past and wished Pearl could find a socially compatible love.
Pearl was so furious she snorted.
"Aren't you furious?" Hubert asked, sounding angrier than Pearl. "How dare they? I'm going to teach him a lesson."NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.
"No need," Pearl replied calmly. "Clarissa probably did it. Marc wouldn't do this."
"You're still speaking for that bastard." Hubert was indignant.
"I'm not. I just want to move on." Pearl sounded exasperated, so Hubert didn't continue.
Pearl glanced at the Males Group account and the time of publication. She smiled coldly. "Don't do anything. She'll pay the price. Marc is the one who has a headache now."
Pearl hung up. The post was a joke to her. When she married Marc, she wanted him, not the title of Mrs. Males. Pearl Shepard was dead. When she signed the divorce agreement, she decided to give him up.