Hailey smoothed a hand over her earring, then the necklace at her throat.
She looked at her glamorous reflection in the mirror, a sweet smile playing on her lips.
The gown she wore was a special gift from Adrian, meant to win her over.
And this jewelry set had been sent over by Isabella personally.
Isabella had even made sure to do it in front of Adrian and a number of other socialites.
It was a huge status boost for her!
Isabella had specifically commissioned her to design and rush-produce this set to build hype and promote her new jewelry company, "Aurevion Jewelers," at today's competition.
Naturally, Hailey wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to further boost her reputation.
"Hailey, you truly are your mother's lucky star," Marianne said, her satisfaction growing the more she looked at Hailey. "Do your best. Once you become Ms. Rainsford's final protégé, Adrian will be completely devoted to you, and the Wynn family will be able to secure more partnerships and investments because of it."
Hailey nodded obediently. "I will, Mom."
***
This year's New Star Jewelry Design Competition was held at the Vaelion City Art Center.
Those who received invitations were all influential figures who truly controlled wealth and power, renowned figures from the jewelry world, and a dozen well-known media outlets.
The scale of the event was immense.
When the Wynn family arrived, they were awestruck by the magnificent scene before them.
The competition venue was different from Brianna's coming-of-age party.
Though just as luxurious, the most eye-catching feature was the row of display cases prominently placed in the most conspicuous part of the art center!
Inside the cases were all the designs from the top luxury jewelry brand, Queen, from over the years!
The pieces of jewelry were lined up, each one so breathtaking you couldn't look away.
Marianne's eyes were glued to the display cases as she gripped
Hailey's hand tightly. "Hailey
must strive to have your designs displayed here next year!
Hailey was already utterly captivated by the displayed jewelry and didn't hear another word.
It wasn't until a few other familiar socialites approached to strike up a conversation that they finally tore their gazes away.
While they were chatting, Marianne's
sharp eyes spotted two familiar
figures She quickly excused herself
the
from the socialites around her and immediately sashayed over to the two women.
"Oh, Mrs. Lennox, Mrs. Hayes, you're finally here."
Marianne's face was plastered with a fawning, enthusiastic smile.
The two women stopped and looked at Marianne. When their eyes landed on her
and Hailey, who followed close behind, their brows furrowed slightly.
For an occasion like this... Marianne and Hailey were a bit too overdressed.
This was a jewelry design competition, not a fashion show.
Moreover, the way Marianne greeted them, anyone who didn't know better would think she owned the place.
Marianne, however, clearly didn't
notice their subtle displeasure and said even more excitedly. "Mrs. excitedly. Mrs. Lennox, Mrs. Hayes, to so happy could make it."
"Our Hailey has loved jewelry design since she was little. Her work has even been praised by several magazines and media outlets."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it was just loud enough for everyone passing by to hear.
Hailey lifted her chin, a sweet and demure smile on her face, tinged with a hint of pride.
Mrs. Lennox and Mrs. Hayes simply offered a polite smile and started to walk past them into the main area.