Brianna and Levi looked at each other, both wondering why Scott was annoyed and followed him. Scott was walking fast, and Brianna had to hurry to keep up. She stumbled as she rushed into the lift, and reluctantly, Scott held her arm to help her balance. "Such an ungrateful thing." He said.
Huh? Brianna was utterly confused. Have I said anything improper? I don't think so. What's he angry about?
Five days later, Scott said to Brianna after work, "We are meeting Mrs. Streep for dinner." He still looked annoyed. In fact, he had hardly talked to Brianna in the past days.
They met at the same French café. Sally greeted them with a warm smile.
After the waiter took their order, Brianna took out a few drawings of the design from her bag and handed them to Sally. She watched and waited nervously as Sally went through the drawings and talked to Scott in French. Though Brianna had self-studied a bit of French when she was still in University, she had forgotten most of it. She tried to concentrate on guessing what they were talking about.
Scott seemed to have sensed her uneasiness and looked at her reassuringly. Brianna felt much better. She had thought that Scott had left her alone, giving her no support, no advice, not a tiny bit of attention in the past five days, but Scott had now finally shown her some support.
Scott trusts me, then I shall stay calm and be confident. She thought and watched them quietly. Suddenly Scott switched to English. Sally looked surprised at first but then followed him. Now Brianna understood that they had been discussing how the two companies shall cooperate and what Sally thought of Brianna's design.
What pleased Sally the most was that Brianna had designed an extra pair of earrings with a few remnants left of the crystal to go with the pendant.
"I have to admit that I didn't really expect to work with you before I saw Brianna's design tonight. I have actually also asked Rare Gem to design for me at the same time, but they have disappointed me. What's more, I can easily tell who the copycat is. Brianna, I love your design, and I'd love to cooperate with The Anderson Corporation." Sally said with a smile.
"It's our honor to work with you, Mrs. Sally Streep. There's one thing I shall make clear is that Brianna will only accept personal orders and limited design editions. With mass production, we have another team of designers in charge." Scott said clearly.
"Right. Sounds good. Though Brianna is new, she has great talent and potential. I believe that she will grow to be a world-renowned jewelry designer someday." Sally said with a confident smile.
Sally Streep spoke softly, but she had an air of authority and confidence about her. It was obvious that she was very experienced in the business. Scott seemed even more charming when he talked with clients.
It was the first time Brianna watched him talk about work and business. She noticed his smile and serenity, his sharpness and confidence. A few times, she suddenly realized that she had been gazing at him and had to look away.
Seeing how cheerfully they chatted like two old friends, Brianna couldn't help observing them for a while. Though Sally was in her mid-fifties, she looked much younger.
"Mrs. Brianna Anderson?" Suddenly Brianna heard Levi calling her.
"Yes?" She looked up at Levi and realized that she was lost in her thoughts for a while. Sally and Scott were both looking at her.
Levi whispered to her that Sally was asking her if she had any other drawings of her own design. Brianna took out her phone and showed Sally some photos of her sketches. There were drawings of headpieces, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, etc.
Sally went through the photos with great interest. Scott stood behind Sally and saw the photos. He gave Brianna a reassuring smile.
Encouraged, Brianna took a deep breath and explained how she was inspired and the meanings behind each design. Sally listened carefully.
"Brianna, you are so talented. I have to say I haven't met a young and inspiring designer like you before, and I've been in this business for decades." Sally said and nodded in approval.
"I'm flattered. Thank you very much, Mrs. Sally Steep."
"Just call me Sally, please. By the way, can you please explain why you used a gold wrapping around the emerald on the earrings?"
"I understand that this piece of emerald is a present for you and your beloved husband. I thought the crystal kind of resembles you, elegant and mature, while the gold wrapping is like your husband, protecting you with a golden light. Though you are separated physically, I feel that he still lives in you, in your heart, and with you spiritually, protecting you."
Sally nodded as she listened with a content smile. There were tears in her eyes.
"That was beautifully said, Brianna," Scott commented.
Brianna smiled at him gratefully.
"I wish I could explain it in French, though. When you two were speaking French then, it was such a joy to listen to. Very pleasing to the ears. It was such a shame that I could hardly understand what you were saying. I don't have a talent for languages."
"If you do want to learn, surely you can," Scott said.
Brianna pouted her lips, "It's easier said than done."
"You are a quick learner, Brianna, but only when you are learning something that interests you," Scott said plainly.
Brianna blushed as she knew that Scott had spoken the truth.
"Learning another language will help get you into the international market."
"I haven't thought that much. I was only thinking of having my own studio in Las Vegas."
"Don't you have any ambitions? Don't forget that you are the personal top designer at the Anderson Jewel now."
Brianna nodded.
After dinner, Sally said to Scott sincerely, "Scott, I'd like to sign a five-year contract with The Anderson Corporation, and with my private jewelry, I'd like to have Brianna as my designer."