"Something with such depth, such soul-could someone like you, Hailey... really have designed it?"
The question hung in the air, deadly and piercing.
The entire lounge was dead silent.
In truth, they also felt that Hailey's design style was indeed very similar to Queen's. But just being able to imitate Queen's style was a testament to her high level of skill. After all, every designer in the jewelry world knew how difficult it was to imitate Queen's style.
Even renowned, highly skilled jewelry designers struggled to capture even a fraction of Queen's magnificence.
And yet, Hailey's design managed to be extremely similar to Queen's style. That in itself was a rare feat.
But what did this wild woman mean by her question?
The pointy-faced designer frowned. "Hailey is so exceptional, and she's Ms. Rainsford's handpicked protégé. Who are you, an outsider, to criticize her? What do you know?"
Black Jack raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Something that even an outsider like me can see clearly, but all of you self-proclaimed professionals are blind to it."
"You!" The pointy-faced designer's face turned livid from the retort.
Hailey bit her lower lip, her shocked and uncertain eyes fixed on Black Jack without blinking.
Her mind frantically searched for any information about this woman. She couldn't remember ever seeing her before.
This woman... it seemed like she was deliberately targeting her.
Hailey suppressed the turmoil in her mind, her eyes darkening slightly as she pointed to the lounge exit. "Miss, please leave immediately! Don't make a scene and wait for security to come. You'll be the one who ends up embarrassed."
"Don't be in such a hurry to kick me out, future 'Star of Eternity," Black Jack said, her full, red lips curving into a wild smile.
"Otherwise, it makes you look rather guilty."
Her smile grew even more glamorous as she suddenly leaned in close to Hailey. Her bright red lips almost brushed against Hailey's ear.
The proximity made Hailey feel as if she were being wrapped by a cold, venomous snake. It was as if in the next second, the woman would flick out a scarlet tongue and coil tightly around her neck.
The suffocating feeling made Hailey's face turn even paler.
Meanwhile, the mocking
amusement in Black Jack's eyes deepened. Her light, flippant voice was laced with derision. "Are you sure these designs you've presented were really designed by you
personally? Hmm?"
The final, rising note was drawn out long and slow, making Hailey's heart leap into
her throat. Her pupils dilated in uncontrollable terror.
Her face grew even paler.
What... what does she mean? Could it be... she actually knows something? That's impossible! How could anyone possibly know?!
Extreme fear made Hailey lose her
composure in an instant. Her face
ashen, she raised her hand and
shoved hard at Black Jack. "Who put
you up to this? Who sent you to slander me with these rumors right before the competition? What are you trying to do?"
Black Jack sidestepped slightly.
Hailey pushed at empty air, lost her balance, twisted her ankle in her high heels, and stumbled back several steps, nearly falling to the ground.
Fortunately, someone next to her caught her in time.
But with her pale face and her carefully styled hair now slightly disheveled, Hailey looked utterly pathetic.
"Struck a nerve, did I? You're wearing
your guilt like a cheap perfume,
Hailey. It's suffocating." Black Jack watched her lose all composure, unable to maintain her innocent facade, and her lips curled into an even more glamorous smile. "It's fine. Go on and enjoy your time as the 'Star of Eternity.' I hope you can keep this confidence up."