The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 176

"Nora, you called me out today... Did we find a way to save the project?"

Nora lowered her head, avoiding Janie's clear eyes.

Evading the truth wouldn't solve anything, and lying would only cause deeper wounds.

"Yes."

Taking a deep breath, Nora forced herself to look up and meet Janie's gaze. "Someone is willing to invest. They'll fill the financial deficit and help us secure new material suppliers."

"Really?!"

Janie's eyes widened in excitement. Forgetting the pain in her face, she slapped her hands onto the table.

"Who is it? Which company is willing to help us at a time like this?"

"The Pierces."

Nora's voice was bone-dry as she slowly uttered those words.

"The Pierces?"

Janie paused for a second before a brilliant surge of joy erupted in her eyes. "Julian Pierce? That's amazing! I knew Mr. Pierce would reach out to help us!"

She excitedly stood up and did a little spin. Although her movements were slightly awkward, her sheer joy infected the heavy air.

"Nora, I knew Mr. Pierce had a soft spot for you! He helped you at the press conference, and now he's stepping up when our studio is facing such a massive crisis. He's absolutely genuine!"

"With his capital, the studio is saved! Arthur's legacy is secure, and we'll never have to bow to The Hayes Group again!"

"When I went to the studio today, Sloane and the others were still making snide remarks, but I ignored them. I knew you would find a way!"

Gritting her teeth, Nora forcefully dragged the words she had been choking on out of her throat.

Janie's hand froze in midair. Seeing the grave, heartbroken expression on Nora's face, an ominous feeling crept into her chest.

"What condition? Does he want a massive equity stake? Or does he want all the profits from the project?"

Janie asked tentatively. "Actually, we can negotiate that. As long as we save the studio, it doesn't matter if we don't make a dime..."

"It's not about the money."

Nora cut her off.

She stared into Janie's eyes, her voice shaking, she repeated Julian's words verbatim.

"Julian's first condition is... you have to leave Lawrence Atelier. Leave the jewelry design industry, and leave the city. You can never return."