Mystery Bride's Revenge (Selina)

Selina returned to her room and pulled out her work phone-a device strictly reserved for business. Another message from that mysterious figure, Angel. And yet another unknown phone cumber. Why had so many gotten hold of her contact information lately? Having Trevon on her tail was one thing-the guy had connections everywhere, and for him, unearthing someone's number was a piece of cake. But Angel being such an enigma, with hardly anyone knowing their true identity, meant having their contact was like a state secret for a jewelry company. Selina couldn't help but massage her temples, exasperated. "These companies really need to clean house. So many information moles, it's infuriating.

Since Selina had already decided to partner with Brilliance, there was no need to entertain calls from anyone else. She was about to block this new nuisance when a text popped up.

[Timothy Clark, Vice President of the Clark Group, would like to propose a collaboration project between our subsidiary, the Clark Jewelry, and you. It would be an honor to work with you.]

Timothy? Selina burst into laughter. The fool was practically asking to be put in her place. After a brief pause, Selina texted back: [Busy. Not interested.]

But Timothy wasn't taking no for an answer and kept pressing. Give me one chance. I'm sure we can strike a beneficial deal.]

[The Clark Group's jewelry subsidiary isn't well-known. You're not at the level to discuss a partnership with me. Go back and. gain some more experience.] [With the at the helm, it's bound to gain fame and meet your expectations.] Timothy replied with unchecked confidence.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Hs brazen response actually made Selina laugh out loud. So young and yet so full of bravado, clearly ignorant of the phrase, biting off more than you can chew.

Deciding to play a bit of a psychological game, Selina waited a while before replying. By now, Timothy must be sweating bullets on the other side of the phone, desperate for her answer but too afraid to call-fearing it might just rub her the wrong way.

After milking the suspense, Selina finally sent her message. [If you're so determined to work with me, line, prove it. The next Jewelry Design Contest in Sokovisis is a week away. Since you're so confident, the Clark Jewelry is definitely participating to make a name for itself, right? Score first place during this local contest and show off the strength of your company, then I'll consider partnering up.]

Timothy heaved a sigh of relief when he finally received a message from Angel-a sign he hadn't been blacklisted just yet. His concern, though, was that Angel might do so on a whim. After reading Angel's message, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. There was a city-level Jewelry Design Contest on the horizon, and none of the century-old brands were in Sokovisis to participate. Neither were the big international names. The real trouble was Brilliance-the subsidiary company fueled by the investments from Trevon's Insight Group. Trevon's presence had propelled Brilliance to skyrocket in newfound success over the past few years. It was Timothy's biggest competitor, and it was a given they'd sign up for the contest. Winning first place, and thus securing the chance to collaborate with Angel, meant Timothy had to outdo Trevon

After taking a deep breath, Timothy had his game face on. His reply was prompt and decisive (Of course, we can.] This was his one shot in collaboration with Angel. Securing Angel's limited-edition design would catapult the Clark Jewelry into the spotlight. As for competing with Brilliance, Timothy already had a plan.

Angel texted back, [By the way, Brilliance has approached me as well, and Trevon is heading the negotiation. The outcome of this competition will determine which of you I'll partner with

Timothy thought, Damn that, Trevon! He had made the first move. Thankfully, with Quinton's swift help, Timothy had managed to get Angel's contact information before Trevon could seal an exclusive deal. If Trevon got ahead, adding Angel's collaboration to Brilliance's arsenal would make them an unstoppable force-one that Clark Jewelry couldn't easily chase.

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This contest wasn't just a race for the top spot in Sokovisis' jewelry scene. When Timothy returned home to take care of the Clark Group's affairs, choosing the jewelry industry was specifically to jostle with Trevon-to see who was the most capable.

Going head-to-head with the colossal Insight Group was out of the question. Brilliance, only a few years under Trevon's direction, was the real battleground. If Timothy could win, it would prove he outmatched Trevon, convincing the Clark Group's board members to rally behind him, paving his way to becoming the ultimate leader of the empire. Trevon, Angel... they were just stepping stones on Timothy's path to a commercial dynasty.

After finishing his chat with Angel, an eager Timothy immediately called Manuel.

On the other side, Manuel's realization hit hard as soon as he was released on bail by Quinton and Timothy-he had lost the lawsuit. They had lost to Selina, utterly and completely. Not wanting to add to his family's worry, Manuel excused himself to his room after dinner, claiming he needed rest. But there, he just sat alone, staring into space, his inner turmoil not subsiding in the slightest.

Manuel, one of the five elite scions of the Harvey family, had lived a charmed life since birth. He had never known failure; whatever he set his mind to, he achieved, backed solidly by his family's support. His family relationships were unusually harmonious compared to other top-tier dynasties, with no backstabbing or intrigue to speak of. His life was the envy of many, something they could only dream of but never attain. Manuel had always thought his life would continue on this bright and shiny path. But then came this stain on his record-the detention, a spot that refused to be wiped clean.

In frustration, Manuel hammered his fist onto the desk. The trophy from the Jewelry Design Contest on the desk almost toppled from the vibration. "Dammit... Selina, this humiliation you've dealt me-I'll never forgive you! Never!" he swore through clenched teeth. Those days and nights in the detention center had been torturous, leaving him sleepless. The stale air, the lackluster facilities, the tasteless food... it all induced a visceral repulsion in Manuel. Even though his family would crase this blight from his record, the experience was etched permanently into Manuel's DNA. He couldn't forget it even if he wanted to. All thanks to his most despised sister, that traitor, Selina!

Just then, his phone rang, snapping Manuel out of his thoughts. Noticing it was a call from Timothy, Manuel's lips tightened, He hit the answer button and said, "Timothy, I'm sorry, I'm not in a good mood today. Can we talk about this tomorrow?"

"I have something really important to tell you, Manuel, Timothy's voice came through, earnest. "I mentioned before-the Clark Jewelry is entering the Jewelry Design Contest in Sokovisis. Could you represent our group and be our contestant?"