Chapter 5

"Pippin's always been picky—not many people make the cut," Nathan chuckled. "Why don't you let her crash at your place tonight? I'll pick her up early tomorrow morning. And to make it up to you, breakfast's my treat."

I thought for a while, nodding in agreement. I was stuck working late on the design anyway, and maybe having a cat around would make the night a little less dull.

True to his word, Nathan showed up bright and early the next morning with breakfast. He'd brought over some of the city's famous seafood congee and steamed buns—my absolute favorites.

We ate out on the balcony, the sea breeze brushing past us and the sun warming our skin. Moments like this made everything feel right, and for a while, I almost forgot about all the pain from my past.

"Who's this design for?" Nathan asked, catching sight of the sketches on my desk.

"Just a client. NDA, so I can't say," I replied casually.

Nathan nodded, but his gaze lingered thoughtfully on the drawings. I realized he was drawn to one particular detail—an abstract take on the pendant Joseph had given me during our very first meeting.

My heart gave a little squeeze, but on the outside, I remained unruffled.

"By the way, Celestine Gems is hosting an exclusive preview next week for some never-before-seen designs. Want to come check it out? It's invite-only—just industry insiders and special guests," Nathan said.

I thought it over for a second and nodded. Since Nathan didn't know Joseph, there shouldn't be any issues with me showing up at a small event like this.

When Nathan was about to leave, Pippin flat-out refused to go with him, just lounging around my apartment like he owned the place.

"Looks like he's really taken a liking to you," Nathan said with a helpless grin. "How about I come pick her up when you go to the preview?"

I watched the lazy little furball and, honestly, felt weirdly attached. "Sure, but I guess I'd better stock up on cat food, huh?"

"No worries, I'll get someone to send it over soon," Nathan replied. Then, with a laugh, he added, "Pippin's got a gourmet streak—he only goes for certain fancy brands and fresh meat. I'll ask my assistant to bring all her diva supplies."

After Nathan left, Pippin settled himself onto the most comfortable lounge chair on my balcony, basking in the sunlight as if he owned the whole place.

I couldn't stop myself from chuckling—this cat seriously had the same quiet elegance and effortless composure as his owner, cool and collected, never trying too hard but always in control.

Later that afternoon, Nathan's assistant delivered an avalanche of luxury cat supplies—premium food, fancy toys, and a cat bed that looked even cozier than my own. I stared in disbelief, totally floored, and finally got it.

Pippin wasn't just a little prince, he was pampered like a tiny prince his whole life. No wonder he was so picky and full of attitude.

That evening, I got a reply from Abbie. She was obviously let down that I wasn't going to the launch, but she still wanted to keep working together.

Not long after, another email showed up—this time from Joseph himself, telling me he was seriously impressed with my designs and wanted to meet up and talk details in person.

Seriously? I sneered as I deleted the email. For three whole years, Joseph never gave a damn about my design talent, but now he was suddenly so into this mysterious "Jade." That kind of double standard just made me even more determined to stay far, far away from him.

I kept working on my second design, deliberately weaving in details from the moment Joseph and I first met at that jewelry expo—when a jade piece brought us together. I made sure to incorporate an abstract hint of that pendant etched into my memory. Back then, he'd claimed to be captivated by my fresh perspective on jewelry, but afterwards, he was always the one stifling my growth in the field.

Once I finished, I took a deep breath and sent the file over to Abbie, bumping the price up. I wanted to see just how much Joseph would cough up for this.

By late April, the Celestine Gems private preview turned out to be way more extravagant than I'd pictured. It was held in a seaside villa, where the lighting was dim and elegant. Every piece got its own spotlight, glimmering in glass cases like tiny treasures.

Nathan showed me around himself, patiently explaining the inspiration and craftsmanship behind each work. I could feel his genuine love for jewelry—totally different from Joseph, who was just all about the numbers and the bottom line.

"This piece is a result of our collaboration with an anonymous designer," Nathan explained, gesturing to a delicate pendant. "Its lines are truly distinctive, yet it still carries a sense of traditional elegance."

I studied it closely, finding the design strikingly familiar. Glancing at the placard, I saw the credit. "International Designer Diana."

"Does Diana stay out of the spotlight too?" I asked offhand.

Nathan chuckled. "There are quite a few designers like that in the industry. They care more about their work than chasing fame. I really respect that. Not like certain brands, always obsessed with celebrity hype."

I knew exactly who he meant—the Aguirre Jewels. Joseph was all about getting big-name stars to endorse his brand, even throwing cash at award judges just to drum up buzz and grab the headlines.

"Diana's designs seem a bit like Jade's, if you ask me," I ventured cautiously.