"Alright, all teams should get your drafts ready for Darcy's review before they land on my desk," Aurelia announced.

At noon, Evelyn swung by, inviting Aurelia out for lunch.

They decided to hit the restaurant beneath their office building.

Evelyn sipped her coffee. "Guess what? I joined Ethereal Gems." Aurelia offered a knowing smile. "I've heard the news. Congrats on your comeback to the jewelry scene." Evelyn's lips curled in a half-smile. "Four years ago, we were head-to-head, but you'd stealthily becthe CEO's wife. I've heard Elvis fancies you, too. You won't pull the sstunts this time, will you?" Aurelia responded calmly, "Though my marriage to Mr. Leopold fell apart, I owe him for his support in my career. He's been my mentor. I could never betray him or Astral Enterprises." "That's reassuring because I'm determined to outshine you this time," Evelyn stated with unwavering confidence. They were never friends but temporary allies over the Megan situation.

Aurelia was well aware of this, her smile breezy and light.

"Feel free to challengeanytime. Competition breeds excellence." Evelyn nibbled on a piece of lobster, her words measured. "Don't underestimate Viola. She might be an underdog now but could be the next you. Like waves on a beach, the new ones push in while the old ones crash ashore." Aurelia chuckled. "She's two years older than me. How am I the old wave?" Evelyn was caught off guard. Designers typically made their mark post-thirty, and her early success was rare in the field.

"Just don't look past Viola. She's got talent." Aurelia never underestimated anyone.

"I know. Mr. Cooper picked her after much scrutiny. She must be good. But with your reputation and talent, you're surely beyond her league. Are you okay working under her?" Evelyn shrugged. "Joining Ethereal Gems was my way of aiming to beat you. I never accepted my defeat to you four years ago." Aurelia's smile was soft. "Then, let's both give it our all." Competition in the jewelry world was always fierce. Without Viola, other designers would step up to challenge her.

Meet force with force, counter water with earth.

After a brief silence, Evelyn changed the subject.

"Megan seems to have lost it, throwing tantrums and breaking into tears over nothing. It's like she's got postpartum mania instead of depression." Aurelia knew the reason. The child's issue was bound to cause Megan's suspicions and emotional instability.

"Hasn't Callie taken her to a therapist?" "She won't go. What lunatic admits they're unwell?" Evelyn scoffed.

Aurelia sighed. "She's probably anxious about her child. At Friday night's party, she rambled on with bizarre accusations, even suggesting I kidnapped her baby." "Her baby's at home, right?" she inquired.

"Yeah, Mom and I visited them yesterday. The nanny was feeding the baby." Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "That's odd. Why would she keep saying someone has kidnapped her child? Could she be delusional?" Evelyn hummed lowly, "The rumors must be true. Her child isn't Leopold's. She must have used a donor. Otherwise, why did she refuse a paternity test?" Aurelia spoke gravely, "All will be clear once Mr. Leopold leaves the hospital." Evelyn pouted. "Why hasn't Mr. Leopold been released yet? There's so much speculation about his condition." "He's fine, just recuperating," Aurelia reassured, "The Stirling family isn't worried, so we shouldn't be, either."

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