Jewelry is the one indulgence no woman can truly refuse.

And Catherine was no exception.

Especially jewelry from the luxury brand, Queen.

Like other high-society women, she was an avid fan of Queen.

However, Queen was an international luxury brand so exclusive that even royalty had to wait in line; money alone couldn't buy their pieces.

Naturally, Catherine wasn't about to compete with the younger generation for them.

So when she heard Serena say that Ms. Rainsford wanted to personally design jewelry for her, her eyes lit up. "Serena, is that true?"

"Yes, Ms. Rainsford told me herself," Serena said, glancing at Daphne.

Daphne was confused.

Had she just said that?

But if her mentor said she did, then she definitely did.

Daphne immediately nodded. "Yes! Mrs. Lancaster, your elegance and presence are the perfect match for Queen's jewelry. I must personally design a complete set for you!"

Catherine was both shocked and delighted.

Just getting to purchase a piece from Queen was considered incredibly lucky, let alone having the brand's chief designer-the internationally renowned jewelry master, Daphne-create a custom design.

Catherine looked at Serena, then at Daphne, still finding it hard to believe.

Serena took her hand. "Mom, since Ms. Rainsford has offered, you should accept. When the jewelry is ready, just wear it often. Think of it as promoting Queen."

Daphne hadn't realized that the wife of the Lancaster family, the wealthiest family in Vaelion City, was her own mentor's mother.

Her expression grew even more eager, her smile warmer. "Yes, yes, Mrs. Lancaster! Just wear it often. It would be my greatest honor if you could promote Queen!"

Catherine felt that something was off about this world-class jewelry master.

She remembered Isabella mentioning something before.....

This Ms. Rainsford had become famous at a young age and, for decades since, her status in the jewelry world had been unshakeable.

Because of this, Ms. Rainsford was said to have a very strange personality, looking down her nose at everyone.

Isabella also owned a jewelry company, which was doing quite well.

During one of its anniversary

celebrations, Isabella had wanted to generate some buzz for her

company, so she went to great lengths to sincerely invite MS. Rainsford to attend.

But Ms. Rainsford's words had been incredibly harsh. She had insulted Isabella and all of her designers before having security throw them out.

SWI

ľnét

But now, facing Daphne in person, Catherine couldn't help but feel... that the woman before her was a completely different person from the ane Isabella had described.

Catherine instinctively tightened her grip on her precious daughter's hand, her eyes narrowing with scrutiny.

Could it be that Ms. Rainsford had some hidden illness and wanted her daughter's help to treat it?

In that case, she absolutely couldn't accept the custom-designed jewelry.

Accepting it would be like accepting a patient on Serena's behalf.

Serena seemed to see right through Catherine's thoughts. She squeezed her mother's hand and patted it. "If she's offering, just take it."

Daphne nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes! M-Miss Serena is right!"

In the end, Serena not only secured a custom jewelry design for Catherine.

She also got a set each for Brianna and Black Jack.

***

Just after midnight.

Guests began to leave the estate in a steady stream.

In a car parked not far from the Blackwood estate, the Wynn family was still peering

out, watching.

Patrick was frantic, his eyes bloodshot from staring at the estate's main gate.

The others were already leaning back against their seats, their faces etched with exhaustion.

Hearing the sounds of activity from the estate.