Becca had been counting on Ethan's arrival. With his status, they could breeze through the VIP entrance, invitation or not. But as the party's start drew near and Ethan remained absent, she reluctantly guided Priscilla and Emily through the employee entrance.
Once inside, her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face that wasn't there. "Anna must be working," she declared, a hint of smugness in her voice. "There's no way she got an invitation."
Emily chimed in, "Exactly! She hasn't even finished college. How could she possibly be invited to an FY event?"
Becca felt a wave of relief wash over her. Her friends were right. FY was a global luxury powerhouse. This particular celebration honored the "Piano" jewelry line, a collection launched four years prior. Its success was built on cutting-edge, patented technology, combined with an unforgettable artistic vision. The "Piano" line had dominated the luxury jewelry market for four years, earning acclaim from both industry insiders and discerning customers alike.
"I wonder if I'll get to meet the designer of the 'Piano' series tonight..." Becca murmured, her eyes sparkling with admiration and a touch of star-struck wonder.
"I heard that designer is super secretive," Emily commented. "Nobody even knows if it's a man or a woman!"
"Becca, you work for FY now, don't you have inside information?" Priscilla pressed.
Becca shook her head, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "All I know is the designer's signature is BYC. Even my boss is in the dark about everything else!"
Meanwhile, in a private room on the second floor, Anna was meeting with Peter, one of FY's founders and its current executive director.
"It's been three years since our last meeting, and you've only become more radiant," Peter said warmly, offering Anna a cup of coffee.
Anna recognized the polite flattery for what it was. After three years of marriage, dedicated to the relentless demands of domestic life, "radiant" was hardly the word she'd use. Time, she knew, had a way of eroding a woman's sparkle, especially without love.
And Anna's marriage lacked that crucial element.
A loveless marriage often leaves a woman depleted, and Anna's situation was even more painful. After years of selfless dedication, her husband had betrayed her, carrying on an affair that ultimately led to the loss of her unborn child.
Anna's grip tightened on the coffee cup, her knuckles turning white.
"So, the incredibly talented Mrs. BYC I've always admired," Peter continued, pulling her from her thoughts, "are you interested in *returning* to FY?"
The word "returning" caught her attention. She looked up at Peter, seeing the same eagerness in his eyes that she'd seen four years ago.
Anna had never officially been an employee of FY.
She had met Peter during her freshman year. He was visiting Stambridge University, searching for promising design talent. He found Anna sitting alone on campus, absorbed in sketches of jewelry inspired by the piano.
Peter was captivated by Anna's concepts. To bring her designs to life, Anna had even developed innovative gem-cutting and setting techniques.
Peter offered her a part-time position at FY, careful not to interfere with her studies.
But Anna declined.
She had no particular passion for the jewelry industry and didn't crave fame. She agreed to let FY produce her designs under the pseudonym BYC, sharing in the profits from the "Piano" line.
The series became an overnight sensation, transforming BYC into a legendary, yet enigmatic, figure in the world of jewelry design.
Peter, sensing Anna's mood, correctly surmised that her marriage was unhappy; otherwise, she wouldn't have accepted his invitation to the celebration.
"Anna, won't you reconsider? Give me a chance?" he pleaded.
Anna chuckled, amused by Peter's earnestness. "You're exaggerating. The 'Piano' series was just a fleeting inspiration. You know I don't really have a passion for jewelry design."
"You're wasting your talent!" Peter exclaimed. "Do you know how many designers at FY would give anything to have even a tiny fraction of your skill?"
Anna simply smiled, offering no response.
"Anyway," Peter continued, "the offer stands. The contract is ready whenever you are. Name your salary, the profit-sharing remains the same. FY's doors are always open to you." Peter finished, noticing Anna was looking out the window. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the second-floor private room offered a clear view of the conference hall below.
Ethan Smith's entrance had clearly caused a stir.
There were plenty of wealthy and powerful men like Ethan, but few possessed his striking looks.
Ethan was dressed in a sharp white suit, paired with a black shirt. The contrasting colors emphasized his cool, aloof aura. He'd skipped the tie, adding a touch of rebellious charm to his otherwise formal demeanor. His features were sharply defined, and his smile, though subtle, was undeniably captivating.
His presence in the conference hall immediately drew the attention of countless women.
Becca positioned herself strategically, waiting for Ethan to approach, like a princess awaiting her prince.
Envious glances rained down on her, making her the undisputed center of attention.
Becca's smile was radiant with pride.
Even as just an intern at FY, she felt like a star at this event.
Anna hadn't expected to see Ethan.
Silently, she watched as he made his way directly toward Becca, his gaze unwavering.
Throughout their three-year marriage, Ethan had never initiated contact with another woman.
Anna had naively believed that it was because he loved her, that she was special.
Now, she realized that Becca was the special one.
Together, they looked like the perfect couple.
Anna suddenly felt like an intruder.
Their last conversation had ended badly, with Ethan tearing up the divorce papers. Regardless of whether the divorce was finalized, she was still Ethan's wife, but the scene unfolding below had nothing to do with her.
"Are you leaving so soon?" Peter asked, his voice tinged with concern. He had his own agenda, and he was determined to bring Anna back to FY.
However, the scene in the conference room had clearly affected Anna. If she wanted to leave, he wouldn't try to stop her.
Anna stared intently at Ethan and Becca, observing their animated conversation and laughter. After a long silence, she turned to Peter.
"If I were to ask you for a gift right now, could you give it to me?"
Downstairs, Ethan presented Becca with a large, exquisitely wrapped bouquet of pink roses. Becca accepted them with a sweet, shy smile.
Nearby, Emily and Priscilla gushed, showering Ethan with praise.
"With a boyfriend as handsome, rich, and talented as Mr. Smith, Becca must have saved the universe in a past life!"
"The best part is how much Mr. Smith loves Becca. He even postponed important meetings just to be here with her."
"And that Elie Saab dress Becca is wearing? It cost $100,000! A gift from Mr. Smith."
Becca beamed, holding Ethan's hand tightly, basking in her friends' flattery.
"Oh, Ethan, I think I saw Miss Anna earlier..."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, understanding perfectly who Becca was referring to.
"Her clothes weren't very...appropriate. She might be delivering food here..."
Seeing Ethan's silence, Becca pressed on, "She's your wife in name only. It's sad to see her brought so low..."
"She brought it on herself," Ethan replied coldly. What good job could a woman find, after years of being a housewife with no degree?
Delivering food was exactly what he expected.
Suddenly, a buzz of excitement swept through the room again.
"Who's that beautiful woman with Director Peter? Does anyone know her?"
