Chapter Sixteen
Damien’s POV
“You have until tomorrow to bring me decent proposals, or you can clear out your desks.”
I was close to throwing something at my incompetent staff.
I glared down at the long table. Once they were sufficiently shitting their pants, I pushed my chair back and stormed out of the boardroom.
My secretary opened the door as I left.
My competitors had poached several of my top designers with lucrative offers. They would regret stealing from me.
I gritted my teeth.
My company wasn’t producing enough profitable jewelry pieces. I needed to find new talent fast, or our profits would plummet. But those freeloaders hadn’t come up with a single decent idea.
“Mr. Kent,” my secretary said as she hurried behind me. “I’ve spoken to several of our store managers.”
I nodded, turning a corner.
“Customers have been requesting jewelry from the new designer, Rosemary.”
“At all the stores?” I asked, intrigued.
“About ninety percent of stores.”
I threw open my office door and let her slip off my suit jacket. My mind turned as I sat at my desk.
“Just Rosemary? No last name?”
“No sir,” she said, putting my jacket on a hanger. “I believe it is a pseudonym.”
“I don’t want your beliefs. I want facts. Bring them to me,” I said as I turned on my PC. “With an Americano.”
“Right away, Mr. Kent.”
When the screen booted up, Celeste beamed up at me with our baby in her arms. I scowled. I’d set my wallpaper five years ago and never bothered to change it.
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“That will be all.”
The door clicked closed, and I set to work. I learned a long time ago that if you want something done properly, you’ve got to do it yourself.
I spent the next hour researching Rosemary.
I sipped my coffee as I scoured the internet. There were many articles and social media posts praising her work, but nothing about her identity. Through my search, I saw why there was so much buzz. Her pieces were well–crafted and original.
She was exactly what I needed.
I called my connections in the jewelry industry. No one knew her identity, but they were impressed. My foot tapped as my frustration grew.
I needed to sign her before anyone else did.
A tentative knock sounded at my door. I sighed–it meant failure.
“Yes, Miss Wilson?”
My secretary came in and stood with her hands clasped in front of her.
“Mr. Kent, I could not uncover much information about Rosemary’s identity.” She swallowed. ” She arrived on the jewelry scene a little over two months ago. Her work is in high demand.”
“Is that all?” I asked.
I was disappointed but not surprised. If I couldn’t find anything, how would she?
“That’s all I found on Rosemary.”
I sat back. “Go on.”
“There is a design exhibition this week that several big names in jewelry are attending. It may be a good place to scout for talent.”
It wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but it was a suitable alternative. I’d do more digging into Rosemary at the event.
“Send the details to my email.”
“Right away, sir.”
My phone rang as she left. I furrowed my eyebrows and picked up. It was my private banker.
“Good afternoon, Damien.”
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“I’m busy now, John. Is it anything urgent?” I asked.
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“Your wife’s credit card has been maxed out. I wanted to find out if you needed me to raise your credit limit.”
How was that possible? Celeste hadn’t once come close to reaching the limit since I opened the account when we got married.
Was Vanessa having a field day with my money?
“Send me the account statements. I’ll need to go over them before I decide.”
He said, “I’ll send them right away.”
“Thanks, John.”
I hung up and dialed Vanessa.
“Hey, babe!” Her sickly sweet voice came through. “This is such a pleasant surprise. You never call me when you’re at work.”
“I don’t want to hear it, Vanessa. My banker just called me.” I said, serious. “How did you max out my credit card?”
The line was silent for a moment.
“Damien, please don’t get mad. I was only doing what I thought was best for Bonnie.”
I narrowed my eyes.
“Explain.”
“I wasn’t happy with the standard of her preschool.” Concern colored her voice. “I found an internationally renowned kindergarten that suits our daughter better.”
This was unexpected. Vanessa didn’t have a single maternal bone in her body. For once, she hadn’t disappointed me.
My blood pressure dropped to a healthy level.
I said, “But the tuition must be ridiculous to max out my card.”
“Babe, I only want the best for Bonnie. This school is well worth the money. They even offer a transport service.”
“Fine,” I relented. “But going forward, discuss all matters surrounding Bonnie with me first.”
“Sure thing, babe.” she said.
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I hung up and cracked my neck. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about Vanessa taking Bonnie to school late or forgetting to fetch her.
My PC screen fit up.
John had sent me the email with the account statements. I clicked on them and examined the transactions.
My jaw dropped as I scrolled.
Bonnie’s preschool tuition was nestled between countless other payments Vanessa had
made. It was only a fraction of the total amount. She had spent exuberant amounts at high end boutiques and hotel spas.
Blood rushed to my head.
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Tai Jun is a dreamer and storyteller who believes the sky is never the limit. He spends most of his time with his friend Lian, chasing new horizons and crafting tales that soar beyond boundaries.
