?Chapter 468:


    “I know,” Sadie responded, her voice slightly hoarse yet her eyes resolute. “But, Ms. Shaw, I really have no other option. I need to win. I must safeguard my child and stand up for myself.”


    Her voice quavered towards the end, verging on a sob.


    Eva regarded her with aplex expression, emotions flickering in her gaze. “You, my dear…” Eva sighed softly, her smile tinged with resignation. “It seems… too hard to refuse you.”


    Sadie’s head shot up, a flicker of hope in her eyes. She gazed at Eva, barely daring to believe what she had heard.


    “However…” Eva’s tone shifted again. “Sadie, you must understand, assisting you means I’m opposing the Wall family and K directly. That poses a significant risk for me.”


    “I understand, Ms. Shaw,” Sadie quickly said, her voiceced with urgency. “Ms. Shaw, I… I won’t expect you to help without something in return.”


    She wanted to offer Eva money, but the gesture seemed inadequate. Given Eva’s stature, mary rewards likely held little appeal.


    “You don’t need to mention that,” Eva interjected, waving her hand dismissively. “I’m helping you not for money or any other gain. It’s simply that I admire your talent and empathize with your situation. More importantly…”


    She paused, her gaze intensifying. “I refuse to watch a promising designer like you be suppressed and wasted.”


    Tears sprang to Sadie’s eyes. She looked at Eva, her heart swelling with gratitude and respect.


    “Thank you, Ms. Shaw,” she managed to say, her voice shaky. “Thank you for your trust and for your willingness to help.”


    “Alright, no need for tears, Sadie.” Eva smiled, shaking her head as she passed a tissue from the coffee table. “Wipe your tears. You’repeting in the International Jewelry Design Competition. You need to show your strength, not your tears.”


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    Sadie epted the tissue, dabbed at her eyes, and took a deep breath to steady herself.


    “I won’t let you down, Ms. Shaw.”


    Eva nodded, pleased. “I believe in you.”


    “Then… I should go now, Ms. Shaw.” Sadie stood, giving Eva a deep bow. “After the contest, I will express my gratitude properly.”


    “Go on,” Eva said with a smile. “I’ll be looking forward to your sess.”


    With one more word of thanks, Sadie turned and left the living room. She exited the vi and approached the ck car that waited outside. Her expression tightened involuntarily at the sight of it. She hadn’t expected it to still be there.


    With no other transportation options avable on the mountain, she sighed in resignation, opened the car door, and slid inside.


    “Where to now, Mrs. Wall?” the driver inquired respectfully.


    Sadie gazed out the window, her mind adrift.


    “Back to my studio, please.”


    The driver started the engine. Sadie leaned back, closing her eyes slowly, trying to distance herself from the emotional weight of her recent conversation with Eva.


    “Buzz… Buzz…” Her phone’s sudden vibration jarred her from her thoughts. Opening her eyes, Sadie retrieved her phone from her bag, noticing an unfamiliar number on the disy. She hesitated briefly before answering. “Hello?”


    “This is Vivi.” The voice was familiar yet distant, tinged with a mix of arrogance and challenge.


    Sadie furrowed her brows. Vivi? Why was she calling now?


    “Vivi? What do you want?” Sadie’s tone was icy, edged with caution. She and Vivi werepetitors, typically staying out of each other’s way.


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