Chapter 5

"The Johnson Group wants to build a jewelry city in the Greenfield Shopping Center, and I want our Beyond Jewel Studio to be part of it. The Garcia Group's Love Jewelry and five international high-end brands are already confirmed. There are only two spots left."

"I hope you can handle this. I don't know much about jewelry."

Nora and Diana co-owned the studio, but Nora didn't do design work. She handled negotiations and legal matters.

Diana's eyes widened in surprise.

Nora pulled out some documents and said, "The Johnson Group's president is very particular about this jewelry city. Every brand that moves in needs his approval."

Diana looked down at the documents, which were filled with information about Michael. "Why isn't there a photo?"

"Who dares to take his picture?" Nora shrugged.

"There's a dinner tonight, and I've heard Michael will be there. You might get a chance to meet him."

Michael?

Hearing the familiar name, Diana had a bad feeling. But she convinced herself it was just a coincidence.

She pushed aside the strange feeling and went back to her office. She picked up her phone and sent a message to Finn: "Remember to transfer the money for the wedding dress to the bridal shop, or you'll regret it!"

Diana attached a few jewelry design sketches to the message.

The next second, her phone rang. It was her father.

"You ungrateful girl! Are you threatening me?"

Diana smirked. "How is this a threat? You tricked me into trying on a wedding dress for Veda, and now the bridal shop is asking me for the money. Shouldn't you pay for it?"

"You can choose not to pay, but I'll expose the fact that the Garcia Group's Love Jewelry plagiarized my designs. I heard the Garcia Group is planning to collaborate with the Johnson Group. Mr. Johnson won't tolerate plagiarism. Think it over."

With that, Diana hung up decisively.

They wanted to scam her and make her pay $120,000 for the wedding dress? Dream on!

She knew the Garcia Group was short on funds, and the Johnson Group was their only chance. They wouldn't dare cause trouble at this critical moment.

"Ms. Garcia, I'm here to pick up the design drafts."

Mia Wilson came in with a cup of coffee, smiling at Diana.

Diana handed her the drafts. "I'll leave the rest to you."

Mia nodded.

In the evening, Diana got ready for the dinner. She wore black wide-leg pants, a white ruffled blouse, and black leather high heels. Her long hair was tied into a simple ponytail, revealing her slender neck. She looked both professional and sexy.

Her features were already exquisite, and together, they were nearly perfect.

As soon as Diana entered the private room, she saw the last person she wanted to see—Owen.

She hadn't expected Owen to be there.

She wanted to turn around and leave, but for the sake of the studio, she held back.

When Owen saw her, a flash of resentment crossed his eyes, mixed with a hint of amazement.

He couldn't take his eyes off her, and his gaze became lecherous.

Diana felt disgusted under Owen's stare.

She forced herself to sit as far from Owen as possible.

"Ms. Garcia, so young and accomplished," Owen said with a sneer.

Diana shot back with a smirk, "Not as much as you, Owen."

Owen's sneer grew wider. "With a face like yours, you could be a star in Hollywood."

The implication was clear—he'd make her a star if she played along. Diana's eyes narrowed, her disdain clear. "Sorry, I prefer my beauty club membership. Ugly old men like you don't interest me."

Owen's face turned red with anger, and he slammed his fist on the table. "You!"

But with so many people watching, he had to keep his cool. Diana took a calm sip of her water, unfazed.

Half an hour passed, but Michael still hadn't shown up. The guests were getting restless.

"Is Mr. Johnson coming or not? If he's not, we should just leave."

The dinner was meant for Michael. Someone waved dismissively. "Looks like Mr. Johnson's a no-show. I'm outta here."

People started to leave, and soon, only Diana and Owen were left.

Just as Diana was about to leave, Owen blocked her path. "Diana, Michael saved you last night, but he's not here now. Just give in to me."

Diana's eyes narrowed. "Didn't you hear me? I'm not interested in you."

She reached for the door, but Owen grabbed her, pulling her close. "Your dad said if I could get you, he'd give me shares of the Garcia Group. Just submit to me."

Diana's heart sank. Before she could react, Owen's hands were all over her. She heard a ripping sound, and her chest felt cold as her skin was exposed. She turned pale with fear.

Suddenly, there was a scream from the room.

Diana quickly opened the door and ran into someone, hitting her head painfully.

Before she could react, she smelled a fresh mint scent. She looked up instinctively to ask for help, but when she saw who it was, she froze.

Michael!

What was he doing here?

"Diana, are you throwing yourself at me?" Michael's eyes narrowed as he looked at Diana. His gaze fell on her exposed shoulder, and his expression darkened.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice was deep and husky.

Diana wanted to roll her eyes. She was having the worst luck lately.

Owen, clutching his injured hand, cursed and followed her out. "You bitch... Mr. Johnson?"

Owen was stunned.

Diana's mind was racing.

This Michael was that Michael?

Her brain worked quickly.

"Michael, he bullied me." She looked ready to cry, her voice full of grievance.

Diana wrapped her arms around Michael's waist and leaned into him, afraid he'd push her away in anger.

Through the thin fabric, Michael could feel the warmth of Diana's palm. He glanced down and could see her cleavage.

Her clothes...

Michael was angry but also wanted to tease Diana. He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Diana, should I help you?"

Of course, he should!

They had been intimate before!

But Diana didn't dare say that. She rubbed her head against his chest and smiled sweetly. "Mr. Johnson, I'm sorry about before. I apologize."

Michael looked up at the terrified Owen, his eyes cold. "Get lost!"