Chapter 158

In a cozy little tea house just a short walk from the exhibition hall, Celeste poured flower tea into two cups - one for herself, one for Simon, calm and at ease. "So, you've been following me from the start, haven't you? I knew I wasn't mistaken." Simon flipped through the design portfolio in his hands, his expression dimming with displeasure. The moment Celeste had revealed her identity at the exhibition, she wasted no time in being upfront about her purpose and the collaboration she had in mind. "If I say no, I doubt you'd believe me anyway, would you?" "Hard to believe, yeah." "Well, setting that aside, what do you think of the partnership proposal?" "Your work is impressive, no doubt. But I've already reported back to HQ. Shaw Jewelry's not on our radar anymore. Just one designer doesn't change that impression." "Ah, I must've not explained clearly - I'm not here on behalf of Shaw. I'm speaking for IM. The portfolio you're holding? Every piece in there belongs to IM. It has absolu