?Chapter 402:


    “Sadie, what should we do? The International Jewelry Design Competition is no joke. There’s a lot you will have to prepare. And we just took on the Lawrence Group’s project for this quarter, too! We don’t have the time or the resources to spare for thispetition.”


    Sadie took a deep breath, still telling herself to remain calm.


    Participating in the International Jewelry Design Competition wasn’t a big deal in itself, but current circumstances at her studio did not allow for it.


    The Lawrence Group’s project was a crucial endeavor, and any dy, regardless of the reasons, could have dire repercussions for their business.


    “All right, I understand. Don’t worry, Nte. I’ll be back at the studio soon. We’ll figure out what to do, okay?”


    Despite her words, Sadie felt as though her heart had been tossed into an abyss by the time she ended the call.


    The system’s mysterious glitch, the sudden registration for the International Jewelry Design Competition—no matter which way she looked at it, the timing was very suspicious.


    Soon, another call came in. When Sadie nced at her screen, the caller ID disyed Vivi’s name.


    Sadie had barely picked up when Vivi’s shrill voice immediately came through.


    “So, I heard you signed up for the International Jewelry Design Competition. You’re really trying topete with me, aren’t you, Sadie?”


    Sadie scoffed, her lips curling into a sneer. Just as she had thought—it was all Vivi’s doing.


    “Vivi, let’s cut to the chase, shall we? Did you do this?”


    “Yes, it was me,” Vivi replied smugly. “What are you going to do about it?”


    g?lnσν????s﹒??????, the heart of fiction


    “Sadie, I’ve always wanted to surpass you. This International Jewelry Design Competition is our final showdown! I’ll prove I’m the true queen of design!” Vivi dered.


    “Vivi, you’re so childish!” Sadie managed to suppress her anger. “Even if you resorted to underhanded tactics to drag me into thispetition, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re not as skilled as I am!”


    “Oh, really? Then let’s see whoes out on top!” Vivi retorted, ending the call abruptly.


    Sadie clenched her phone, her grip tightening in frustration.


    Vivi’s challenge had ignited a fiery anger within her, yet she recognized that impulsiveness would not serve her well now.


    She needed to remainposed and strategize effectively.


    Upon leaving the airport, she hailed a cab and directed the driver to her studio. During the ride, Sadie mulled over her ns.


    The International Jewelry Design Competition and her partnership with the Lawrence Group were both pivotal. She needed a solid n to excel in both arenas.


    “Sir, please hurry,” Sadie implored, her anxiety evident.


    The cab driver noticed her tense expression in the rearview mirror and elerated quietly.


    Trying to gather her thoughts, Sadie leaned back, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath to calm herself.


    When the cab arrived at her studio, Sadie quickly exited.


    The studio door was slightly open, light pouring out onto the sidewalk. She pushed the door open and was immediately met by the sight of Nte pacing anxiously.


    The studio was in chaos, with design drafts strewn about, fabrics and tools cluttering the tables, and a palpable tension filling the air.


    “Sadie, you’re back!” Nte eximed, her relief evident as she approached like she had found a lifeline.


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