Encounters~ Skilled Jewel Empress X Nation's Spoiled Prince

[Refer to the previous chapter to pick up where you left :D]

Headquarters, Tiara Jewels

The chauffeur drove the car into the underground parking lot. Sara alighted from the car and made her way to the private elevator. Once she entered, she made a call to her secretary, to arrange the latest collaborations and proposals.

After that, her mind wandered back to the incidents of last night. Meeting Riley was just a chance encounter but being targeted again was not something simple. It seems like the opponent was not going to quiet down until he had his hands on the important research paper. She had to meet up with Allen to discuss their next steps. Also the thing with Sam.

Thinking about it really gave her a headache. She was the most worried about Ruby. She might put up a strong front, but Sara knew how vulnerable the girl's heart was. She might as well drop at the Honeycomb Villa tonight.

The next day was again a big day. Seven long years had passed since her parents were killed. So, she had to go and visit their crypts tomorrow. She normally preferred to be alone on the day, but this year, her plan had undergone some changes. Riley had promised to accompany her to the cemetery.

Thinking about Riley made her happy and anxious at the same time. She was not sure if they saw him last night. If they did not, it was well and good. But if they did, it would be quite problematic. He might be really childish at times, but she knew that he cared about her. He was so gentle and loving when he was applying for the medicine on her forehead this morning. He was careful not to hurt her.

With those thoughts in her mind, it took some time for her to realize that she had already reached the top floor. The short elevator journey felt like ever and a day to her. She stepped out of the elevator and many eyes followed her as she passed through the corridor. She stopped by the room where all the secretaries worked and asked the chief secretary to report to her office.

Soon enough, Sara entered her office. It felt refreshing to be in her office. She had not been here for two whole days and she had already missed it so much. She sat down on the huge brown leather chair and spun around as a habit. She leaned back on the chair and took a deep breath.

Just then, the chief secretary, Daryl entered. He was a well-built man with a tall figure, unparalleled looks, and intimidating presence. Of course, his presence never clashed with Sara. Everybody in his office, especially the female secretaries, swooned over him. His eyes were covered behind his huge rimmed glass. He was around thirty years of age.

Everyone around the office always said that he complimented Sara in every possible way. He secreted flattered himself for that. But, his lady luck was never on his side. She had never contacted him outside professional reasons, nor did she took a second glance at him.

Sara was leaning on the chair and looking straight. Without even sparing the one glance she used to spare, she spoke, "Did you bring the new proposals that you were talking about earlier?"

"Yes, Miss", Daryl spoke while adjusted his glasses, "The head consultant, Monica, had recommended these two proposals. One of them came the day before yesterday and the other arrived earlier this morning."

Sara nodded and extended her right palm. Daryl silently and hesitantly placed the folders on them. He could not bear to see her petite palm carry the heavy folders.

But, Sara easily carried them and placed them on her glass table. She opened the first one, "Which one of the two did you say arrived this morning?"

"The other one", Daryl pointed to the folder placed on the table.

Sara gave a slight nod and continued scrutinizing the one at hand. Daryl began explaining the crucial details on the folder, "The one you are looking at the moment is from the Sconce Groups. They recently opened the Yunmi Mall on the southern end of the city. It had been a rural location until a few years ago. But the rapid development in the area made many large companies focus their projects there."

Sara nodded, "What does Rhea say about the profits?"

"According to her", Daryl adjusted his glasses again, "The other one has double amount of profit as compared to this one. Moreover, the place is at a developing phase and hence it failed to catch the eyes of the higher-ups on the social ladder. The people in the southern part of the city are mere villagers and thus the mall is not doing so well."

Sara did not waste her time on that folder and immediately switched to the next. She tapped on it, "What does Rhea say about this one?"

"She says the proposal is quite attractive and will bring us to double the profit. It is a fashion brand called Leyra which has been started under the famous textile company, the Willey Groups."

"Leyra?" Sara raised an eyebrow. She found the name quite strange.

"Yes", Daryl nodded, "The fashion brand has managed to make a name for itself in the national market and soon plans to launch itself in the international market. And hence, they proposed the collaboration. They want to add a jewelry section in all the thirty outlets they have opened in the country. And also, they suggested using some exclusive pieces of our rare gemstones in their limited designs collection. Moreover, some popular models have already walked the Gala Fashion Week earlier this month."

Sara nodded with a meaningful glint in her hazel brown eyes, "Do you have anything on schedule today?"

"No, Miss" Daryl shook his head, "Since Miss Ruby had ordered us to push all the schedules to the next week, we have nothing on the list today."

"Very well", Sara stood up, "Contact the Willey Groups and schedule a meeting this afternoon and finalize the deal today itself."

"Sure thing", Daryl said as he adjusted his glasses once again.

"And yes", Sara walked towards the large picture window, "I want every small details about this Willey Groups and Leyra. They must be ready before afternoon."

"Yes, Miss", Daryl bowed.

"You may leave". Sara waved her hand.

The moment Daryl left, Sara dialed a number on the phone. The call got through once, "Allen? Any pointers yet?"