How Could She Be Here

Although Claire Bennett had temporarily stepped away from the jewelry world for a while, she naturally knew of a major old-name brand like Bertha. It was a famous label in the design world and held an extraordinary position.

Some time ago, Claire Bennett had already noticed that Bertha had publicly announced it was seeking partners and welcomed companies everywhere to come discuss cooperation.

She hadn't expected that this time Maison Verne's selection challenge would actually be this.

Claire Bennett thought for a moment, then said, "As far as I know, Bertha's founder, Mr. Grant, isn't an easy person to get along with. Even though it's called a partnership negotiation, I'm afraid it won't be an easy matter."

Molly Lee nodded. "Yeah, because of Bertha's reputation, that Mr. Grant really does have quite a temper. This problem headquarters came up with this time will probably screen out quite a few people."

Even though they knew competing for the position of person in charge wouldn't be easy, the second round was just way too difficult.

Molly Lee felt this would be quite a challenge for Claire Bennett.

Claire Bennett, however, was very optimistic. She lightly curled her lips and smiled. "We'll have to wait until we get there to see how it goes. Maybe we'll get lucky."

Molly Lee sighed and said somewhat gloomily, "I went to ask around just now. They said Bertha is planning to expand into Chicago, and after they released the cooperation announcement, a lot of companies were eager to try. By now, nearly ten companies have their eyes on Bertha. Even though Maison Verne is backed by Sterling International, we're newcomers in the industry. Maybe we won't measure up to those companies that have already been in the business for years."

Hearing this, Claire Bennett didn't take it too much to heart. She smiled and said, "Mm, opportunities always show up when you least expect them. I should stay optimistic."

After hearing Claire Bennett's words, Molly Lee's anxious mood gradually calmed down.

She felt she was really worrying for nothing. Before they had even started, she'd already set up an obstacle for herself.

It seemed Claire Bennett really did have the better mindset.

That was just how Claire Bennett was. She was never troubled by her surroundings. Until the very last second, who knew how things would turn out?

Thinking that, Molly Lee smiled. She looked at Claire Bennett and said with a smile, "Director Bennett, I forgot to congratulate you earlier. You passed the first round!"

"Thank you." Claire Bennett curled her lips slightly and said, "It's only just started. It's still too early for congratulations. When I really win in the end, it won't be too late for you to congratulate me then."

Molly Lee was full of confidence. "You'll definitely win. I'll be waiting to celebrate together when the time comes!"

"All right. If I win, I'll treat you to a big meal."

...

Bertha headquarters.

Claire Bennett brought Molly Lee with her to the building.

After the two of them registered at the front desk, they took the elevator upstairs under the front desk's guidance.

When they reached the floor, the elevator doors slowly opened.

When Claire Bennett saw the people inside, she couldn't help feeling startled.

Yesterday, Molly Lee had said that many companies had their eyes on Bertha, but Claire Bennett hadn't expected there to be this many people. Each little cluster gathered together in front of her counted as one company, right? Counting them up, there were nearly twenty companies in all, even more than they had expected!

The competition was intense... so what was the point of playing? There was probably going to be a tough battle today.

Very quickly, Claire Bennett spotted a familiar figure among the crowd.

How could she be here?

Claire Bennett saw Hazel Lewis!

She was wearing a white dress, her hair hanging softly down her back, with exquisite and appropriate makeup on her face. Every move she made gave off an elegant air.

While Claire Bennett was staring at Hazel Lewis, Hazel seemed to sense it and looked over.

Then her eyes slowly narrowed, as though she too was somewhat surprised to see Claire Bennett.

With another thought, Claire Bennett immediately understood. Bertha was famous, and since they had come to Chicago looking for partners, a family like the Lewis family certainly wouldn't let this opportunity pass by either.

At that moment, when the surrounding companies saw Maison Verne's situation, they couldn't help whispering among themselves.

"Why did Maison Verne suddenly bring so many people? Are they trying to use a human-wave tactic?"

"No, didn't that thing happen to Maison Verne last time? I heard they're selecting a person in charge right now. These are all candidates taking part in the selection. They're probably choosing whoever can negotiate the partnership."

"Damn! Doesn't that mean we got screwed? If I'd known earlier, we'd have split a few more people off too."

The other companies were so regretful they practically slapped their thighs, but their materials were already prepared, and it was probably too late to redo everything now, so in the end they could only accept it.

But they also became interested in Maison Verne's selection.

Someone said, "I heard President Sterling of Sterling International publicly announced his girlfriend, and she's in Maison Verne right now!"

"What? Really or not?"

"Who is it? Is it that woman over there in the yellow dress?"

"I think it's the one in blue."

Everyone started guessing which woman was President Sterling's publicly announced girlfriend. Hazel Lewis and her people stayed silent off to the side, quietly listening to the discussion around them.

Everyone kept guessing who Julian Sterling's girlfriend was. They guessed for a long time and still didn't figure it out, but Hazel Lewis knew.