The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 184

"The investment ratio will follow the absolute market minimum, and the Pierce Group won't take a single dime of the dividends from the Lawrence project."

A flash of shock crossed Nora's eyes. No dividends, no majority share, then what was he after?

"Julian, can you tell me now what your second condition is?"

She braced herself for an even harsher clause. Whether it was ceding controlling shares of the atelier or signing a long-term profit-sharing agreement, she would accept anything to secure this lifeline of funding.

Julian didn't answer immediately.

"Don't be so tense. The second condition is actually quite simple, it won't put you in a difficult spot commercially."

The office fell silent for a few seconds.

"I deeply admire your talent in jewelry design."

Julian spoke slowly, his tone smooth and relaxed, completely lacking the sharp edge of a business negotiation. "Your design philosophy is highly unique, and your understanding of gemstone materials far surpasses many of your peers."

"Arthur has mentioned to me many times that your sensitivity to the colors of raw stones and your mastery of overall linework make you the most brilliant talent of the younger generation. Your keen eye that exposed Cassidy's worthless scrap at the auction also proved this."

Nora frowned slightly.

She couldn't understand why Julian was praising her professional skills at a time like this. This clearly had no direct connection to the returns on a commercial investment.

"So, the second condition."

Julian looked at her, the corners of his lips curving into a shallow smile. "I want you to design a necklace for me."

Nora froze slightly.

Design a necklace?

Going to such great lengths to move hundreds of millions of dollars, even risking the very survival of the Pierce Group by provoking Gideon's bottom line, and his second condition was simply for her to draw a design sketch?

This condition sounded far too simple, almost absurd to bring up at a negotiation table involving hundreds of millions.

Listening to him, Nora's confusion only deepened.

"Is it for an important elder, or a business partner?"

Nora asked tentatively, trying to figure out the intended purpose of the necklace to determine its design direction and style.

Julian looked at her, his smile deepening.

His gaze grew distant, as if he was looking right through Nora into some memory from long ago.

"Neither."

Julian softly dismissed Nora's guess. He looked directly at her, his enunciation crystal clear as he gave his answer.

"I want to give it to the woman I love."