?Chapter 250:


    “Miss Hudson,” he began in a shaky voice. “There are no pink diamonds of the same caliber in the local market…”


    “What about abroad? Have you called our contacts?”


    Pierre seemed to pale even more, swallowing a couple of times before he could get the words out. “I did reach out to them like you instructed, but… It’s been pouring since nightfall, and all flights have been canceled. There’s no way we could get a recement here in time.”


    Sadie let out a sardonic scoff. Whether it was the universe’s doing or that of some vicious mastermind, it seemed like everything was going against her.


    Not that she would let this single setback stop her. She was going to weather this storm, no matter what.


    “Call again,” she said. “Keep negotiating with them. Remind them that money is not a problem.”


    “Yes, Miss Hudson.” Pierre stumbled out of the office, only to be osted by his anxious colleagues.


    “Pierre, what did Miss Hudson say?” a young designer asked timidly, her eyes wide with a mix of worry and hope.


    “There are no avable recements for the pink diamond in the domestic market.”


    The words hit like a thunderp, and the group erupted into chaos. “What? Nothing at all?”


    “What are we supposed to do now?”


    “This is the studio’s biggest project. If we mess this up, what will be of us?”


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    An older designer, Patty Byrd, grabbed Pierre by the arm. “Think harder,” she said, sounding desperate. “Is there no other way? This studio—all the employees—we are depending on this project for our livelihood.” Patty’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. The others quickly chimed in, their voices devolving into a chaotic cacophony.


    Pierre helplessly shook his head.


    “This project is doomed. We’re all doomed!” someone cried out before crumbling to the floor in utter defeat.


    “Is that true? Are we really doomed?”


    Instead of answering, Pierre turned and walked away, his palms slick with sweat as he reached a quiet corner.


    Meanwhile, elsewhere…


    “Something terrible has happened, Mr. Howe,” Alex’s assistant called out urgently as he barged into the CEO’s office.


    Alex was seated behind his desk, his attention fixed on hisputer.


    He looked up from his screen, irritation flickering in his deep-set eyes. “What’s got you so worked up?”


    “The Cardi Pink Diamond from Miss Hudson’s studio… It’s gone missing! Everyone is talking about it online, and it’s already causing a huge bacsh against the studio.” The words tumbled out of the assistant’s mouth in a rush, as if he was directly affected himself. Scowling, Alex shot to his feet. “And you’re absolutely sure that this information is urate?”


    “Yes, sir! The Inte is in an uproar. Netizens keep saying that Miss Hudson’s studio is facing its inevitable end…” The rest of the assistant’s words died in his throat as he studied the thunderous look on his boss’s face.


    “Immediately get in touch with the Howe Group’s PR team, and tell them to pull out all the stops to support Sadie’s studio in swaying public opinion. We need to soften the blow of this scandal!” Alexmanded with urgency.


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