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Chapter 4 Debauchery!

Zachary stepped in front of Nova, shielding her. He was so close to Alice that he could hear her breathing. It felt weirdly familiar, even though they were meeting for the first time.

"None of your business," Zachary brushed off Alice's warning and turned to help Nova up. "You okay?"

Nova forced a smile. "I'm fine, Zachary, but..."

Then, an idea hit her.

"Zachary, she must've stolen the assessment content! How else could she nail it in just half an hour? Planning alone would take longer! But she had a complete design ready. She was definitely prepared! We can't keep her in the company unless..." Nova's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Unless she can whip up a design on the spot that impresses you. Otherwise, she has no right to be here!"

Nova knew her words alone wouldn't sway Zachary, but if Alice couldn't create something impressive on the spot, it would prove she lacked the skill and back up Nova's claim.

This way, she could not only kick Alice out but also make her look bad in front of Zachary, ruining her chances in the jewelry industry. If Alice wasn't around, Nova could twist the truth however she wanted.

Zachary didn't fully buy into Nova's argument, but he was curious to see if Alice could design something amazing right then and there.

"So, does this mean the previous assessment was pointless? Or is your company just going back on its word and ignoring talent?" Alice shot back.

Nova sneered inside but acted all gracious. "Since you don't dare to design on the spot, it means you did steal the assessment content. Such things aren't secrets; a bit of money can always get someone to leak it. Alice, if you apologize, Zachary and I might still forgive you."

Alice didn't bother arguing with Nova. Instead, she played along, crossing her arms. "If I design something and prove you're slandering me, what will you do?"

Nova stiffened.

"If you design a piece that impresses me, I'll let today's incident slide," Zachary said calmly.

"And if you can't..." He stepped closer to Alice, looking down at her. "You'll face my wrath."

As he got closer, a faint scent hit Alice's nose, bringing back memories of that night five years ago. Seeing her hesitate, Zachary thought she was guilty and too scared to take the challenge, thinking she was just a fraud.

"Nova, tell the assistant to call the police and report an assault," Zachary ordered.

"Okay." Nova felt victorious. Alice would never be a match for her.

Just as Nova was about to call the assistant, Alice spoke up. "I accept. But I've already passed one assessment, and according to company rules, I meet the job requirements. If I pass this second assessment, what do I get?"

Alice's goal was to join JewelSparkle, which was her mother's lifelong dream and the only thing her mother left her. She had to get it back, no matter what.

But she wasn't going to be a pushover. She wouldn't miss this chance to negotiate.

"If you can create a piece that impresses me, your annual salary will go up by 50%, and you'll be promoted to the management team," Zachary offered.

Alice smiled. "I didn't come to JewelSparkle for money."

"Do you think my offer isn't enough?"

"Mr. Hall, are you trying to insult me with money? Or do you think I need it?"

Alice had a cushy million-dollar gig abroad. If it weren't for revenge and reclaiming her mom's company, she wouldn't have come back.

"Miss Blair, if you can create a piece that impresses me, just name your price!" Zachary made his final offer.

Alice laid out her terms. "I've been slandered by you and your woman. I need an apology from you. As for her, considering she's my dad's illegitimate daughter, I'll forgive her if she kneels and apologizes."

Zachary's eyes turned icy. He never saw Nova as his woman. Five years ago, he owed her, so he kept her around.

For Nova, he could provide all the material things she wanted but couldn't give her love.

Because of the mistake he made five years ago, he felt obligated to protect Nova, and he had the means to do so.

But Alice's demand crossed a line.

He was about to speak when Nova cut in.

"Fine, if you can't create a piece that satisfies Zachary, you'll crawl out of JewelSparkle like a dog!" Nova, usually calm, was now aggressive.

She believed that no matter how perfect Alice's design was, Zachary would find fault to protect her.

"Okay." Alice didn't say another word and pulled out her laptop to start designing.

"You won't claim I cheated because this laptop is mine, will you?" Alice looked at Nova.

"I'll watch the whole process. Go ahead," Zachary said.

"Good, that's what I wanted to hear." Alice began designing.

As Alice worked, Zachary's brow furrowed, and he focused intently on her laptop.

Half an hour later, the design was complete.

Zachary scrutinized the design.

"This piece has a strong Thalassia style," Zachary said.

"Yes, it was inspired by Thalassia," Alice said with a hint of pride. The show was about to begin.

"This piece is excellent. I can't find any flaws. What's its name?" Zachary could have criticized her design out of spite, but that would go against his elite education and noble upbringing. He wouldn't do that. Besides, if she had real talent, he should be pleased. He brought her in to save the struggling JewelSparkle.

"This piece is closely related to her, even very fitting," Alice pointed to Nova.

Nova had heard Zachary say the piece was perfect and flawless, and she was shocked. Did she really have to kneel and apologize? But when she heard the piece was based on her, she was puzzled.

She and Alice were constantly at odds with each other, yet Alice used her as a model to create such a perfect piece?

What did this mean?

It meant Alice was yielding! To join JewelSparkle, she needed Nova's approval.

Understanding this, Nova walked over to Zachary and carefully examined the piece. "It is indeed excellent."

"Since Alice is willing to compromise, I won't be petty. Apologize to me sincerely, and I'll forgive you and let you join JewelSparkle," Nova said, though she still planned to find a way to drive Alice out even if she apologized.

Alice looked at Nova without responding and said, "This piece is called 'Cleopatra VII.'"

Hearing the name, Zachary frowned, understanding immediately.

"How does that name relate to me? Alice, are you messing with Zachary? JewelSparkle doesn't accept liars," Nova said while admiring the piece, not missing a chance to humiliate Alice.

"It has everything to do with you!" Alice laughed. "Cleopatra VII was a beautiful queen of Thalassia."

Hearing this, Nova's eyes lit up! What could be more exciting than hearing your enemy submit and praise you?

But soon, her smile faded.

"This queen first seduced Caesar, and after his death, she seduced his son-in-law. She was a true harlot!" Alice explained. "This piece has another name, which is Debauchery! It fits you perfectly."

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