There was a period of relative calm between the Berenike Hotel and KS World Hotel on the surface, but they were secretly competing with each other.
Their potential client, Ada Kingsley, was an international star who was an icon of the entertainment industry.
She loved high-profile, extravagant events, and naturally, she would scoff at any wedding sponsors that were not luxury brands.
It was public knowledge that Ada herself was a seasoned jewelry collector. She had even hosted small-
scale private jewelry exhibitions, showcasing pieces worth no less than millions.
For her grand wedding, she made a strict request at the two competing hotels-offering her one-of-a-
kind jewelry crafted by true masters.
âAda made it clear that she wanted something one of its kind to match her superstar status,â Xavier reported the request by Adaâs assistant word by word to Jasper and the upper management in the meeting.
He continued, âShe also mentioned that she has no limits for the design and designers of the jewelry.
She wants Berenike and KS World to come up with solutions. Whoever offers the better sponsor will get her business. And Ada Kingsley keeps her word.â
Jasper listened to the update with a frown as he tapped a pen on the table with a heavy look in his eyes.
The upper management of the hotel was taken aback and huddled together to deliberate on the request.
âSheâs asking for the best in everything. Isnât this an attempt to take advantage of us? Weâre not her bottomless vault!â
âA global superstar, she says. She really thinks highly of herself, doesnât she?â
âAnd whatâs with the open-ended mission? She feels more like a question setter for exams than a superstar.â
Jasper looked up and cast pressure on the others. âThis is a meeting room, not an online chatroom.
Keep your mouth shut if you donât have any ideas.â
Everyone fell silent and racked their brains for solutions after their boss was enraged.
The director of design rattled off a list of prominent jewelry designers abroad. She even prepared presentation slides to introduce the background and representative work of each designer in detail.
Jasper listened to it unemotionally and suddenly questioned, âWhy isnât Alexa on your list?â
The mere mention of Alexa sent a collective hush through the room.
âWhatâs wrong? Whatâs that look on everyoneâs face?â Jasper asked, furrowing his brow, unaware of the reason for the silence.
âAhem⦠Mr. Beckett, I regret to tell you that we will never get Alexa to work for usâ¦â the director stammered.
âWhy? Is she dead?â
Everyone was speechless at Jasperâs sincere question.
As the president of the Beckett Group, he was good at business negotiations and company management.
However, he had little knowledge about the jewelry and fashion industries.
5 âNo, sheâs well and alive. The problem is that Alexa is seen as the legend of the jewelry design industry.
âThe designers I showed you all hold Alexa in high esteem. Some even admitted to drawing inspiration from Alexaâs work when they hit creative roadblocks.
âAlexa is an exceptional icon of the design world. Anyone who gets a hand on her jewelry would consider themselves lucky and cherish it like a family heirloom.
âHow could we possibly afford to commission Alexa to create a one-of-a-kind piece for Ada Kingsley?
Itâs⦠an unrealistic dream.â
The director herself was a devoted fan of Alexa, and she felt personally affronted by the notion of having Alexa design jewelry for a celebrity like Ada.
âIcon or no icon, Alexa is human, and she has her weakness.â Jasper remained stubborn as he insisted on the best solution. He announced, âWe will select Alexa as the jewelry designer for Ada Kingsleyâs wedding.
Everyone immediately wondered what the hell he was thinking. The director began to perspire profusely.â But Mr. Beckett, the designers I mentioned are highly accomplished experts.
âThey have received international recognition for their work. Their jewelry is definitely presentable â¦â
Jasper calmly shook his head. âI didnât reject your recommendations because they arenât good. You did a great job, but youâve underestimated our competition.â
Everyone exchanged glances.
âOur rival this time is KS World Hotel, led by Alyssa Taylor.â
He used to have a headache at the mention of Alyssaâs name, but this time, his eyes were sparkling with admiration and respect.
Jasper continued, âI know her well. Sheâs a perfectionist, much like myself. She must have learned about Ada Kingsleyâs request, just as we did. Do you believe that, with KS Groupâs wealth and her steeliness, sheâd half-ass this?â