Chapter 345

"Hey, Ms. Miller," the assistant strolled in, juggling a stack of papers. "Got all the stuff you asked for."

Nina gave a nod. "Thanks, appreciate it."

"No biggie," the assistant shrugged, genuinely. "Oh, by the way, Ms. Murphy just came by. She wants to see you."

"Ms. Murphy?" Nina squinted, trying to place the name. The company was new, and they were hustling to expand their network. Nina and Isabella Jewelry had burst onto the scene, catching the eye of Esme, a big-shot international jeweler, which really boosted their rep. Even before Nina could dive into that world, folks were already lining up to connect.

Nina usually played the good host, inviting people in and treating them right, sticking to the usual script.

Thinking this Murphy lady might be from the jewelry world, Nina asked, "Did she say where she's from?"

The assistant nodded. "Yeah, she said she's with Harmony Jewelry."

"Harmony Jewelry?" Nina's eyes lit up.

That was her go-to jewelry spot from her old job. The designer there was this young woman Nina had seen on posters-gorgeous and super talented. Her designs were always thoughtful and had this independent vibe.

You could often tell a lot about someone from their designs. Nina had a soft spot for Harmony Jewelry and a ton of respect for its designer, Vilma.

Nina had been planning to visit them once things calmed down, but she didn't expect Harmony Jewelry to make the first move.

Nina quickly told the assistant, "Invite her in, please."

"Sure thing." The assistant was about to leave when Nina stopped her. "Wait! I'll go greet her myself."

The assistant raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Miller, you really dig Harmony Jewelry, huh?"

Nina smiled. "It's my favorite brand, and their pieces have inspired me a lot."

Honestly, Harmony Jewelry was like a mentor to Nina in the design world. So, of course, she had to greet her mentor personally.

Buzzing with excitement, Nina headed to the first floor and spotted a middle-aged woman sitting in a booth, looking a bit impatient.

The woman wore a black dress, not too fancy but not shabby either. But her jewelry? Definitely Harmony Jewelry.

Nina walked up and extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Nina Miller, head of Nina and Isabella Jewelry."

The woman shook her hand lightly. "I'm Ophelia Murphy."

"Nice to meet you. Wanna come upstairs?" Nina asked, all enthusiastic.

Ophelia, though, seemed pretty chill. She gave Nina a once-over, then nodded and followed her to the elevator.

As soon as the elevator doors shut, Nina caught a whiff of Ophelia's perfume. She frowned a bit, sure it was coming from Ophelia.

But since Ophelia was a guest and it was their first meet, Nina decided to keep her thoughts to herself.

Once they hit the office, Nina asked the assistant to whip up some tea.

Ophelia waved it off. "I only drink bottled water, thanks."

Nina blinked, a bit thrown off, but then told the assistant to get it, smiling. "Ms. Murphy, you must really care about your health and looks."

Ophelia didn't even flinch at the compliment, still cool as a cucumber. "People who chug tea and coffee get pigment deposits. Might not show when they're young, but they'll age fast later. So, I stick to water."

Nina was a bit puzzled, her eyes showing it.

Ophelia caught the look and frowned. "Is there a problem?"

"Nope," Nina quickly smiled. "No problem at all. What you said makes a lot of sense. It's the first time I've heard it, and it's pretty eye-opening."

Ophelia gave a faint smile. "Ms. Miller, you're not that young anymore, right? Just a little friendly advice-take care of yourself. That youthful glow won't last forever.."

Nina was speechless. Why did Ophelia's words feel like a slap?

The assistant brought in two bottles of water and placed them in front of Ophelia at Nina's nod.

"Ms. Murphy, sorry for the basic hospitality," Nina stayed polite. "Please, have some water."

Ophelia barely glanced at it and said, "I forgot to mention, I have specific requirements for my purified water. With such a big name and a fancy company, how come you can't even serve top-quality bottled water? Are you really trying to impress clients and friends with this average stuff?"

Nina was speechless. She finally got it. Ophelia wasn't here to be friendly; she was here to stir the pot.

"Sorry," Nina was about to throw out a polite lie to smooth things over.

After all, every visitor was a guest, whether they came to make friends or to stir up trouble. She'd welcome them with a smile and see them off the same way.

But Ophelia had other plans.

Ophelia cut her off, "Ms. Miller, I'm here on behalf of Harmony Jewelry. Are you planning to monopolize the entire Lakina jewelry market with Esme's help, leaving no room for others? Ms. Miller, you're young and ruthless, but aren't you afraid of future backlash?"

Nina was stunned. "Ms. Murphy, what are you talking about? I've never thought about monopolizing the jewelry industry, nor have I relied on anyone or targeted anyone. This is our first personal meeting, and our companies' first interaction. Your words really confuse me; I'm totally lost."

"Really?" Ophelia pulled out her phone, tapped a few times, and handed it to Nina. "Take a look for yourself."