Chapter 2
Mr. Rothwell patiently explained: “Blake, jewelry design has always been Riley’s domain. Suddenly changing personnel would affect the company’s stock“]
“I don’t care!” Blake interrupted. “I’ve decided that Emilia is the Rothwell daughter–in–law. Would you rather trust an outsider than your own son’s choice?“]
The jewelry business was the Rothwell Group’s main focus in recent years.]]
In my previous life, under my guidance, the Rothwell Group soared, becoming the leading enterprise in Westcliff’s jewelry industry. That had cemented my position as the Rothwell Group’s chief designer.
Blake knew this very well
Minutes later, I was escorted to the study by the butler.]
Mr. Rothwell sat behind his massive mahogany desk, looking exhausted. He gestured for me to sit, his fingers unconsciously tapping the desk, creating a dull sound.
“Riley, there’s something I need to discuss with you.”
“No need to explain, Mr. Rothwell,” I interrupted, my voice unnervingly calm even to myself. “I understand.“]
Mr. Rothwell looked up, a flash of surprise in his eyes before it dissolved into deep guilt.
Over the years, he had valued me greatly, raising me like his own daughter.
But today’s situation left Mr. Rothwell powerless. He had reached retirement age, and someone needed to take over the family business.
Mr. Rothwell sighed deeply: “The jewelry business has always been your responsibility. Sudden changes would indeed be inappropriate.“]]
“But you know Blake–he’s even more stubborn than I am.”
I nodded: “I understand, Mr. Rothwell.”
I took out a prepared document folder and a jade bracelet from my pocket, placing them gently on the desk.[]
The folder contains all the current jewelry design materials and handover documents. Blake knows the password.“[]
Mr. Rothwell stared at the jade bracelet, his fingers trembling slightly.
It was a Rothwell family heirloom, symbolizing the status of the family’s future daughter–in–law, said to be priceless.]
I had carried it since I was eighteen; it had almost become a part of me.]
In my previous life, it never left my wrist until the moment of my death.[]
Seeing my calm face, Mr. Rothwell seemed about to speak but hesitated.[]
I stood up and bowed to him: “Mr. Rothwell, thank you for your care all these years. I’m eternally grateful.“[]
The study door suddenly opened as Blake strode in, with Emilia close behind.[]
“Dad, is everything settled?” ]
He didn’t even glance at me, walking straight to Mr. Rothwell’s side.[]
Mr. Rothwell nodded resignedly, pushing the documents and jade bracelet toward him: “Riley has agreed to the handover.“[]
Before Blake could respond, Emilia eagerly snatched the jade bracelet, her eyes barely concealing her excitement and triumph.[]
This action made Mr. Rothwell frown slightly.]
“Wall,” I suddenly spoke up:[]
Blake frowned: “Riley, are you backing out?”
I shook my head and pulled out a separate set of documents from the folder.[]
“These are the core confidential materials for the jewelry project, including private agreements with important clients and special terms with several key suppliers.”
Blake suspiciously accepted the folder, quickly flipping through it, his frown deepening.]
“If these details aren’t handled properly, they could cause massive losses for the Rothwell Group in the future,” I said calmly. “With Emilia’s capabilities, that shouldn’t be a problem, right?
A strange expression flashed across Emilia’s face, but she quickly regained her confident demeanor.}
13.5
She smiled: “You’re overthinking. I know what I’m doing.“]
I said nothing more.
Emilia had only completed a Foundation Degree and knew nothing about design or business operations.
The success of the jewelry business relied entirely on my constant stream of design concepts and negotiations with clients and suppliers–even the slightest decrease in effort would lead to failure.
“You can leave now,” Blake said coldly. “From today onwards, the Rothwell Group has no further connection with you.”
I was about to turn and leave when Emilia suddenly spoke: “Wait!”
Her voice carried deliberate arrogance.]]
I stopped but didn’t turn around.]]
“Since Riley has been rejected, she’s no longer part of the Rothwell family, right?”
“So according to the rules, she shouldn’t stay here and should leave with nothing but the clothes on her back.”
“Blake, what do you think?”
