Chapter 10
Two days later, the overseas account received the ten million dollars on schedule.
Oliver hadn't earned that much in recent times and had to practically empty her personal savings to cover the amount.
As a result, she had been giving everyone the cold shoulder for days, making the studio atmosphere incredibly tense.
She avoided Rayan's presence during that time, which brought a welcome respite to everyone.
After settling accounts with Hazel and Dark Hunter, she invested the funds into the jewelry brand she co-founded with Elaina.
Having contributed both capital and effort, Elaina felt somewhat awkward.
"Hazel, I feel unworthy of equal shares. Let's split it 20–80 instead...that would make me feel better."
Hazel had anticipated her friend's response but valued Elaina's management and marketing skills.
After all, her own rise to prominence had been sparked by Elaina's act of kindness back then.
"Elaina, this is our joint brand. You're not without merit. I can afford to contribute more right now, but in the end, you won't lose out."
Hazel offered a brief explanation before signing her name directly on the share agreement.
"You have your strengths in your work. Beyond designing, I need your help with everything else."
Hearing her friend speak like that, Elaina felt a wave of emotion wash over her.
"Hazel, rest assured. We'll always be sisters for life. Even when we strike it rich, there won't be any falling out between us."
Elaina sniffed back tears, shed her hesitation, and signed her name as well.
The jewelry brand they co-founded would still be named Dream High -- a shared achievement.
The studio compiled previously unpublished designs into a cohesive collection, submitting them to Hazel and Elaina for final review and refinement in preparation for their jewelry show.
This marked Dream High Jewelry's debut, drawing widespread attention from the art world.
Elaina alone sent out thousands of invitations -- easy to imagine how breathtaking the event would be.
Hazel actively promoted the event on Twitter, while Dark Hunter, as the head of the online promotion team, pushed the buzz to the top of the trending topics.
In no time, Dream High's fame skyrocketed.
Oliver gritted her teeth in fury as she scanned the latest news.
How quickly the title of "genius designer" had become a thing of the past.
The internet was now abuzz with a legend about "Ray of Light," with many even drawing comparisons between the two.
Seriously, why is the so-called "genius designer" Oliver even calling herself that? Anyone with eyes can see Ray of Light is the true queen.
Does Blossom Jewelry even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Dream High? Give us a break.
Blossom Jewelry, please stay out of this. What are you trying to ride on? Did everyone forget the plagiarism scandal? Oliver's designs can't even hold a candle to Kathy's.
Exactly! She can't even match Kathy, yet dares to compare herself to Ray of Light? It's like comparing elementary arithmetic to advanced calculus--they're not even in the same league.
Oliver looked casually at the comments below...they were overwhelmingly one-sided.
The woman gritted her teeth in fury. In just a few short days, she had not only lost ten million dollars but was now on the brink of losing her reputation entirely.
"Find out who this Ray of Light is! She dared to oppose me--that means opposing the Knight family! I'll make her pay!"
Oliver's temper had been so volatile these past few days that her assistant didn't dare provoke her wrath.
With the previous incident still unresolved, they could only hastily agree.
Hazel was in the midst of intense preparations for her inaugural jewelry show. After working overtime, she dragged her weary body home.
She froze momentarily upon spotting a familiar vehicle parked at the entrance.
Rayan stepped out of the car, his gaze sweeping over the woman's impeccable attire, his expression darkening.
"Where have you been? Why are you coming home so late?"
He had been waiting for over half an hour, his mood sour.
"Is that any of your business?"
Hazel couldn't be bothered to argue. She walked around the car, intending to go straight inside.
"Stop. You haven't answered my question."
Hazel didn't stop, ignoring his words as if they were air.
They were already divorced--did he expect her to bow and scrape? Dream on.
"Hazel, are you even listening to me?"
Rayan grew even angrier, stepping forward and grabbing her arm without the slightest hint of tenderness.
Hazel winced slightly at the pain, her brows furrowing.
"Mr. Knight, did you come all this way just to cause trouble? Sorry, I'm exhausted. I don't have the energy to wrestle with you here. Let go of my arm."
She shook off his grip forcefully and finally broke free.
She had just closed a major business deal, and now Rayan had shown up to ruin her mood. What a nuisance.
"What is it?"
Hearing the woman's impatient tone, Rayan's expression grew colder.
"Grandma asked me to bring you home. She wants to see you."
Hazel fell silent. Rayan's grandmother had always been fond of her. The news of their divorce had likely not reached the family yet.
Given the old lady's age, Hazel felt a twinge of reluctance.
"It's just dinner. I'll bring you back right after--it won't take long."
Seeing her silence, Rayan's tone softened, something rare for him.
Hazel finally agreed, getting into his car and heading to the Knight family's ancestral home.
The moment they entered the house, Rayan's arm slid around her waist.
Hazel looked at him, slightly uncomfortable and puzzled.
"Grandma doesn't know about the divorce yet."
With just that one sentence of explanation, Hazel stopped struggling.
The elderly matriarch came to greet them. Seeing the couple so affectionate, her eyes crinkled with joy.
"Hazel, what have you been up to lately? Why haven't you come to see Grandma?"
The old lady took Hazel's hand and began chatting warmly.
"Rayan's been swamped with company work lately, so he hasn't been able to visit. I'll make time to come see you more often from now on."
Hazel offered a warm smile, giving Rayan a graceful way out.
The old lady smiled in relief. "Good. Seeing how well you two get along puts my mind at ease."
After chatting for a while, they began eating.
Throughout the meal, the old lady kept bringing up the topic of having children.
In the Knight family, Rayan was the only son of his generation, and the grandmother's greatest wish was to hold a great-grandchild.
"Rayan, you shouldn't always be so preoccupied with the company. Having children should be your top priority. You've been married for years now--why is there still no sign of it?"
After a bit of nagging, Hazel lowered her head awkwardly.
The food in her mouth suddenly lost all flavor.
She couldn't bear children, and Rayan had rarely touched her.
Now that they were divorced, that wish would be delayed indefinitely.
"Grandma, let's eat first. Having children isn't something that can be rushed."
Rayan finally spoke up, though the matter troubled him deeply as well.
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