Chapter 45 Everything Lies In His Control
âGo on and dream your little dreams. I wonât stay there!
With these resolute words, Rose left the reception room in feigned composure. As she descended the stairs, her heart raced with anxiety.
These rich men always played their games. Perhaps the soâcalled Mr Finch had set his sight on her, waiting to make her his plaything.
However, she refused to be a kept woman. Besides, she had never even seen what he looked like; he might have a crooked face or twisted mouth for all she knew.
Worried that he might employ further tactics, she thought of her star escort husband. She made an immediate decision. On the other hand, Finley entered the reception room after Rose left.
âMr. Finch, why did Ms. Shaffer leave so fast? Itâs only been a short while
Jonathan also felt a tinge of disappointment. Even though there was a folding screen between them, he had wanted to steal more glances at her. Her parting words, howeverâ¦
His deep eyes gleamed mysteriously. Just then, his phone rang. As expected, it was Rose calling.
When the call was connected, he could hear her extremely gentle voice, which was different from her earlier feline ferocity.
âUm⦠I have a little favor to ask. I noticed that your place is quite spacious. Living alone might get lonely, isnât it? Do you need a housemate?â
âHmm?â
Jonathanâs eyes had a subtle, foxâlike cunning glint.
âIâll pay the rent. Can you ask your friend if heâd like to rent this place?â
âYes, he will rent it,â Jonathan said before hanging up the phone.
He knew that everything was going according to his plan.
On the other end, Rose was overjoyed to get his permission. Now that she had a place to stay, the so- called Mr. Finch wouldnât be able to employ any more tricks.
Suddenly, she remembered something.
âJust now, Mr. Finch mentioned that he has a suite at Zenwood Gardens: Did I mishear that?â she wondered.
She tried hard to remember but couldnât recall it. She told herself that it was probably a mishearing. Dispelling the thoughts, she took a taxi back to Zenwood Gardens.
That night, the preliminary results of the National Jewelry Design Award were announced. Rose had doubtlessly made it to the finals.
When Jonathan returned to Zenwood Gardens, she was preparing for the semiâfinals.
According to the competition rules, both the preliminary and semiâfinal rounds only required design drawings to be submitted on the official website.
1/3
+15 BONUS
Only in the final round would contestants need to produce their designs as finished pieces. They had to go to Regalia personally for appraisal.
This yearâs competition had introduced an additional ruleâthe Young family, the organizers, would turn the finals into an auction event. The winning piece would be auctioned on the spot.
The warmâtoned light of the living room enveloped Rose as she was holding a pen and moving it on the paper, making a rustling sound. Jonathan was entranced as he watched her intently.
When Rose raised her head, her eyes met his deep, penetrating gaze.
A trace of unnaturalness fleeted across Jonathanâs handsome face. He averted his eyes, pretending to focus on the drawing on the paperâa rough design of a bracelet.
âYou can design?â he asked in genuine surprise.
According to the information provided by Zac, Rose had been unemployed since her graduation. He had thought of her as a clueless rich woman who couldnât do anything.
Nevertheless, her design seemed to be quite good.
Rose proudly lifted her chin as she replied, âOf course! Iâm quite skilled at it.â
The âMs. Floraâ who had taken the Palene fashion world was none other than her. However, it was her
secret.
âWhat do you
think?â She enthusiastically showed her design to Jonathan. âI plan to create a teardrop- shaped piece here. What do you think? If I use this for the semiâfinals of the National Jewelry Design Award, I should be able to make it to the finals, right?â
âNational Jewelry Design Award? Jonathan asked.
âYes! Iâve passed the preliminary round.â Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
With an air of indifference, Jonathan remarked, âIf you make it to the finals, youâd have to go to Regalia, right?â
âOf course! Iâll make it to the finals!â Rose said confidently.
Jonathanâs eyes twinkled mischievously as he hummed nonchalantly.
âI think you wonât make it to the finals.â
Rose protested as she said, âWhat if I do make it to the finals?â
âThen I might consider giving you a surprise,â Jonathan said before turning and walking toward the master bedroom.
âWhat kind of surprise? Be clear about it⦠Oh dearâ¦
Rose followed behind him but didnât expect him to suddenly stop in his tracks. Unprepared, she bumped into his sturdy back.