?Chapter 600:


    Wesley’s easygoing demeanor vanished. His jaw tightened as he met Gerald’s gaze. “Not happening. I’m not marrying Cathy.”


    Gerald gave him a sharp tap with his cane. “What’s wrong with Cathy? She’s got her own jewelrypany, she’s running some bigpetition, she’s got talent, manners—the whole damn package! Why isn’t she good enough for you?”


    Cathy had a thing for Wesley, and she made sure Gerald saw only her best side.


    Wesley leaned back, arms crossed,pletely unfazed. “I never said she was my fiancée. That whole ‘engagement’ thing? Just some nonsense you guys made up.”


    Gerald shot him a sharp re. “You little punk, what the hell are you talking about? Cathy adores you—are you really going to disappoint her like this?” Cathy was Kirby’s treasured granddaughter, and Gerald had watched her grow up since she was a kid.


    In Gerald’s mind, Cathy had always been part of the family—the perfect future granddaughter-inw.


    But Wesley didn’t flinch. Without a hint of emotion, he rose to his feet. “I’ll visit the Garretts soon and clear things up.”


    Gerald’s frown deepened. He just couldn’t wrap his head around why Wesley had no interest in Cathy. His thoughts spun in circles. Was there someone else Wesley had feelings for?


    But as far as Gerald knew, there wasn’t a single woman in Wesley’s life. Gerald mulled over it for a while, thinking about the people always hanging around Wesley—Jeffry, Malcolm… Could it be that…


    Gerald watched Wesley walk away, a new thought creeping into his mind. Was this about Cathy, or did Wesley just not like women at all?


    the was buzzing with excitement—one of the biggest jewelry designpetitions was just around the corner.


    While living abroad, Cathy had built her own jewelrypany from the ground up. After returning home, she used the Garrett family’s influence to grow the business, turning it into the thirdrgest jewelrypany in the industry, just behind Helena and Leopardex.


    The Garretts were backing this year’spetition as sponsors.


    The event was attracting massive attention—especially since the president of the Jewelry Design Association was on the panel of judges.


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    The president, Helena—a legend in the jewelry design world—had never once appeared in public. Designers and fans alike were flocking to the event, desperate to finally see the mysterious Helena in person.


    Every major design house in the was sending in their best talent topete.


    Monica, representing Leopardex, had received an invitation to thepetition. Excited, she immediately called Elena. “Elena! I just heard—you’re a judge for thispetition? That’s amazing! I can’t wait to see you again!”


    “Yeah,” Elena said, ncing at the judge’s badge pinned to her chest. This was the’s first major jewelry designpetition, and the Jewelry Design Association was treating it as a big deal. They had even personally invited her to be one of the judges.


    Elena had hesitated for a moment. She had been the association’s president by name only, never really getting involved. So, when the invitation came, she figured—why not?


    Monica, unable to contain her excitement, blurted, “I’m heading to Lindenhall Manor now! That’s where they’re holding thepetition. When are you getting there?”


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