Never

12

Previously, Linda released a short film showcasing jewelry exclusively from Radiant Jewelry. Many wealthy ladies fell in love with her designs, leading to a surge in orders.

The pieces featured in the film weren’t custom–made, so they only needed to set the loose gemstones into the existing designs.

However, due to the large order volume, Chloe’s stock of raw gems was insufficient.

To meet the deadline, she bought a batch of loose gemstones at a higher price and, worried about running out, purchased another batch using Samson’s connections.

She had already used up her supply and still needed many more loose gemstones. Now that all her orders. had been nabbed away, her deadline was fast approaching.

Failing to meet the deadline or fulfill the orders would severely damage Chloe’s reputation and Radiant Jewelry’s future prospects.

Evidently, someone knew this was a significant business opportunity and intentionally disrupted it to harm both Chloe and Radiant Jewelry at the same time.

Linda was determined not to let them succeed. “What did the supplier say?”

“They said they paid the compensation, and the contract is terminated.”

“No further explanation?”

Wendy nodded. “That’s how these transactions usually go. As long as money is present, they don’t care. about anything else.”

“Are there any domestic jewelers who still have loose gemstones of the same quality?”

Chloe responded, “Linda, the jewelry market is volatile at the moment. Jewelers are holding onto their loose gemstones tightly, waiting for prices to rise even further.”

Jewelers, always profit–driven, preferred to hoard their stock until prices soared.

“My teacher Luke might have some, but we’re not that close,” Chloe said.

“Luke Hunter? Linda asked.

“Yes. His family owns a mine that produces raw gems. With his accumulated stock over the years, he

must have some.”

Linda’s expression grew serious. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Luke. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll compensate the clients. I have the money.”

She patted Chloe’s shoulder feassuringly before she got up to send a message to Luke.

“Mr. Hunter, are you available for a phone call? I have something important to discuss with you.”

Luke replied, “Yes. I’m available.”

Linda immediately dialed his number and got straight to the point. “Hello, Mr. Hunter, can you sell us some of your loose gemstones?”

“What? Did something happen?” Luke was taken aback by her abrupt question.

“Someone snatched away Chloe’s raw gems, and the deadline is approaching.” Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

“Please pass the phone to Chloe.”

Linda stepped out and handed the phone to Chloe. “It’s Luke.”

Chloe took the phone and spoke a few sentences in Idalian, which the others couldn’t understand. After al short conversation, she returned the phone to Linda.

“Mr. Hunter.”

“I’ll come by tomorrow and take you both to my place to pick out the loose gemstones. I’ll sell them to you at the original price,” Luke said.

“Really?”

“I’m not short on money, and Chloe’s my student. Her troubles reflect on my reputation, too,” Luke replied casually. “Don’t think too highly of me. I’m just helping my student out.

“Let’s have dinner tomorrow, Linda.”