Chapter 8
FOUR YEARS LATER
Xander’s POV
essure as I pressed the thin invitation card within them, my brows creased as I frowned.
My fingers built pressure as
“How come we weren’t aware of this until now?” I turned to my assistant, leaning back against my chair.
“I was, actually, and I did send them a warning to pull back. I had no idea they would ignore it and carry on. Like the others, I thought they would withdraw.” He handed me a document. “I did some findings and discovered that they are allies with Walton’s group
“Why didn’t you tell me this?” I glared at him.
“I wanted to, but seeing the gap between our constructions, I thought it wasn’t so bad. Also, I know the kind of relationship we have with the Walton, I didn’t want it to get any worse.”
“So they’re basically the Walton’s group in disguise. That sneaky old man,” I seethed. I can’t believe he rejected the merger just to go behind our back and steal my idea.”
J
“Technically, it’s not stealing. All we did was purchase the land, aside from the directors and us, no one had an idea of the reason.
I groaned under my breath, throwing my head back.
Could they have snitched! I shook the thought off, crossing it out. They had invested a lot in the project, why would they do something that could sabotage it?
Brett continued, “The Walton’s group came, completed construction in a few weeks and now they are opening with a reveal of their debut collection. It’s the talk of the country and every big name in the industry is going to be in attendance.
“And that is supposed to cancel out the fact that my idea was breached? The nerves of them to send me an invite after fixing their company so insanely close to mine and stealing my idea.”
“If I had known that this was their reason for buying the plots, I would have been a bit stricter and ensured that it didn’t see the light of day.”
“Well, thanks to your nonchalance, it has. I want them out of my turf, they are a worthy opponent, and beside them, we might not stand a chance. Especially now that they are already two steps ahead of us” I dropped the invitation card on my desk and started to slide out of my seal
I needed to think. I wouldn’t bother this much if it was any other company, but the Walton group was just as influential as I was; kicking them out would be a hassle but not impossible. The Walton’s group were asking for trouble and I would give them just that.
“So, will you attend?” Brett asked, trailing after me.
“No,” came my curt reply.
“I think you should, sir.
I paused, heaved a sigh, and faced Brett with an irritated look
*Before you bury me up with your gaze, can you at least hear me out first?”
Folding my arms, I bobbed my head to the side and urged him to go on
He cleared his throat and then braced himself, as though preparing not to further infuriate me.
“If it makes you feel any better, Amor Luxe was not Richard Walton’s idea but his daughter’s, the designs are hers too. The inauguration
of this company is kind of his way of revealing her to the world, they lost her when she was just five and then found her years later. There are rumors that Richard Walton plans to step down for her.”
“What is she like?” I asked, my annoyance giving way to curiosity.
“From this bold move, I’d say a fearless woman, Brett handed me a tab. “I looked her up online and interestingly, I found nothing. For someone who is already so popular, there is not a single article about her. No online presence- no social media, no personal website, not even her real name. It seems she’s intentionally keeping a low profile until the big reveal at the opening
My gaze wandered, thoughts filling up my mind.
22 AM & c
Chapter 8
“This is a big opening. Xander, just a reveal of their catalog is gaining so much attention. If we’re going to strike them where it hits hard. we need to first know who this Amor Luxe is and how influential her investors are, Brett said. “With Amor Luse, I feel like we’re dealing with a craftier person than Wahon himself, someone who knows their onion a little too well.”
My palm fisted tightly, he was right. His gaze held up curiosity, wondering if I was having second thoughts.
Without a word, I retraced my steps, collected the invitation card from my desk, and walked out to my car
I’d have to think about it first.
The Waltons were making a mistake getting on my bad side. Seven years ago, I might have been desperate to create an alliance with them but ever since the merger suddenly got rejected four years ago, I had written them off.
That decision from them was bad enough to piss me off after raising my hopes, but I let it slide; now they were going to snatch an idea that I had been working on for years? I wouldn’t sit back and let it happen,
M&S jewelers must be created just the way I planned, and whoever this Amor Luxe is, she was going to know who the boss is
The car stopped and I climbed out of it, making my way into my residence.
Welcome, babe!” Irene waved from the dining hall. “You’re in time, mom and I were just setting the table for dinner.”
“Til pass,” I said cuptly, not bothering to halt. I reached my room and started to undress, my mind contemplating Brett’s suggestion
Amor Luxe, which was obviously an Integral part of Walton’s group, inviting me for their opening was no doubt a glaring backhanded compliment. Unlike the others, she was bold enough to rub it in my face.
I plopped into a seat, holding the card feebly between my fingers and staring at it with an expression of contempt.
The battle line has been drawn and just like the rest who had dared, I had no doubt that whoever was behind Amor Luxe would end up dissolving the company by the time I was done with her.
“What’s this?” The card was snatched off my grip, Irene moved to my view, her expression switching to shock and then excitement as she peered into the paper.
“We got an invite!?” She let out a joyful shriek, jumping in excitement. “OMG babe, we have to go shopping right now, I need new clothes, bags, shoes… Everything! We need to stand out at this event!”
I watched her keenly as she made little jumps of excitement.
“This is the talk of the country and only the richest of the rich will be in attendance. I was going to tell you to get an invite for us but here it is! I have to tell Chelsea about this-
“I’m not going.” I spoke plainly, watching the excitement on her face die instantly.
“What, why? This is a one–in–a–season opportunity, babe. Every trendy woman will be there, and this invite is written to you, which means I can’t
without you.”
“Trene-
“You don’t understand, Xander. This piece is their debut collection, and it’s already being talked about in the whole country. Two weeks ago, their trial jewelry auction surpassed five hundred thousand dollars! And now they’re unveiling their first official collection, rumor has it that it’s going to be featured on Vogue’s front page. Just their trial piece was made with the finest of germs, the kinds that are still in discovery. I absolutely need to be there, babe.
“And how do you know all this about them?” I arched a brow at her. “Did you participate in the auction?”
“1. of course not, babe.” She hesitated. “It’s what everyone is talking about.”
“You do know I’m making plans to open a jewelry company for Schaeffer’s, right?”
“Of course, babe. And I know you’ll do well, but if you look on the bright side, this can be good for the company as well. We can sample their designs, make some connections with their investors, and try to make an ally”
“Are you insinuating that I steal their designs?”
“It’s not exactly stealing.” she shrugged. “I mean, they took our spot; this will be more like payback”
My brows narrowed, “I’m not stealing their designs. I’m going to bring them down.”
2/3
Chapter 8
“Okay, yes, let’s do that,” she quickly concurred. “But can we attend, please…
I walked past her and threw open my door. “I want to be alone now.”
“Babe, come on…” She started to pout but seeing the taut expression on my face, she breathed out despondently and walked out.
Shutting my door, I scanned the invite again. The launch was only two days from now. Was I given a last–minute invitation? Another glaring insult. I almost laughed in anger. I have to see the face behind such audacity.
This was the height of bravado I could take in one day.
Amor Luxe seemed to be an interesting woman, and I was going to show her just how interesting
glam, too.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Brett. He picked up at the first ring and before he could say a word, I instructed.
“Have my stylist put something outstanding together for me. Amor Luxe has to be intimidated by my presence before I even make a
move…
色
