Chapter 40: Impossible to Complete

The drawings were lost, replaced with blank sheets of paper. Rupert doubted Annabel could make such a blunder and eagerly awaited her explanation.

But Annabel offered none.

Instead, she said flatly, "Let's not discuss this now."

Turning to Bernice, she asked, "Is there a backup of the drawings?"

Bernice replied disdainfully, "Don't you know all our jewelry designs are handmade? How could there be backups? Use your common sense."

Annabel nodded calmly and asked, "Then how long to redo them?"

"At least two days," Bernice answered immediately.

"What do you mean, Annabel?" Nina demanded, glaring. "Are you postponing the meeting? Making Mr. McCoy, who traveled from afar, wait two days for your mistake?"

"Who said it would take two days? An hour," Annabel said calmly.

"An hour? Bernice said two days!" Nina exclaimed haughtily. Annabel's calm demeanor infuriated her. Annabel was in trouble, yet remained composed. Nina couldn't tolerate her confident expression.

"She needs two days; I don't," Annabel pointed out confidently. "It will only take me an hour."

After a pause, Annabel turned to Brett. "Mr. McCoy, would you give us an hour?"

"No problem," Brett agreed, curious to see what she would do.

Rupert, equally curious, asked coldly, "What do you mean?"

"I'll draw new designs," Annabel said with a smile.

Rupert's eyes widened. Annabel would draw them herself, in an hour? "Stop kidding, Annabel!" Nina scoffed, dismissing it as fantasy. "It's impossible!"

"Then wait and see," Annabel replied, sitting down and turning on her laptop.

In full view of everyone, she opened her custom drawing software. Hand-drawing in an hour was impossible, but this software was not. She projected her screen onto the larger monitor, grabbed her mouse, and began working skillfully.

As the mouse moved, beautiful drawings materialized. The conference room fell silent. Everyone stared in shock and disbelief.

Within an hour, Annabel completed work that would take a skilled designer two days.

"All done!" Annabel announced, sighing with relief. She checked her watch; five minutes remained.

Rupert stared, amazed. The three designs—ring, necklace, and bracelet—were lifelike and perfect. Subtle differences from the original designs gave the jewelry a unique appeal, something even the chief designer couldn't achieve.

How many more surprises would Annabel offer? Nina stared speechless. How could a "bumpkin" from the countryside create such intricate designs? Annabel's success meant Nina's plan had failed. She bit her lip, glaring at Annabel.

Annabel cleared her throat, addressing Brett with a smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. McCoy. A small accident, but the designs are recreated."

She turned to the projector, explaining the "Ice and Fire" series—white representing ice, red representing fire.

"Good," Brett nodded, giving a thumbs-up. "I like your designs, especially the double-spinning idea. Very good!"

The double-spinning idea was Annabel's, ignored by Bernice. Annabel never intended to show Bernice's designs. Anticipating Nina's trap, she'd played along to showcase her own work.

"Mr. McCoy, any modifications needed?" Annabel asked politely.

Brett shook his head. "No, perfect!"

"Then we'll put it into production," Annabel said confidently. "This series will exceed expectations."

"Of course. And I look forward to working with you again."

With Brett satisfied, the meeting ended. He left for his hotel.

Nina and Bernice looked sullen. Bernice felt humiliated; her team's revised drawings were inferior to an outsider's. Nina, who'd tried to steal the drawings, expected Annabel's dismissal. Instead, Annabel excelled, earning Brett's praise.

As Nina and Bernice rose to leave, Annabel called, "Wait!"