Chapter 22

Hugo and Bella were happily chatting when they suddenly sensed a strong aura. Hugo looked up, surprised to see a man standing beside their table. Not just any man, but a prominent figure in the jewelry industry: Mr. Strakovski. "Mr. Strakovski! What brings you here?" he asked in astonishment.

He had only met Lukas twice before and never expected Lukas to recognize them. He quickly stood, feeling awkward, and asked, "Mr. Strakovski, are you here for a meal as well?"

I was still dazed. Lukas was here.

Lukas glanced at Hugo, then at Bella, a slight smile playing on his lips. "I'm here for this young lady!"

Bella blushed and stood. "Oh, Mr. Strakovski, do we know each other?"

"I feel like we're kindred spirits! It's quite fateful!" Lukas teased.

Bella blushed even more. "I… I also felt a connection with you, Mr. Strakovski."

Lukas paused, then told his assistant, who stood behind him, "Since we have such a connection, please order a cup of green tea for this young lady. My treat!" He glanced meaningfully at me before looking back at Bella. "We'll meet again!"

Then he turned and left.

I suddenly understood the meaning behind the green tea. If the setting had been different, I would have burst out laughing. Unfortunately, the others seemed oblivious to Mr. Strakovski's intentions.

As soon as they sat down, Hugo excitedly addressed Bella. "Bella, you don't really know Mr. Strakovski? He treats you differently. If you can connect with him, we'll have a bright future!"

Bella blushed and shook her head. "I really don't know him. It's just… he seems to have a special interest in me. Maybe he finds my appearance appealing?"

Watching Bella's shy demeanor, I rolled my eyes internally. I couldn't bear to look at her any longer.

Right after dinner, I received a message from Lukas: "[Lukas: Come visit the hotel from yesterday!]"

After reading the message, I excused myself and left the restaurant. As soon as I got in the car, I connected my mobile phone to the mini pinhole camera I'd placed on my desk. I saw that at 6:30 a.m., someone had sneaked into the design department and stolen the backup design draft from my desk drawer.

I sneered. I knew them well! But my vigilance had ensured my plan went smoothly.

When I arrived at the hotel, Lukas immediately embraced me. Though surprised, I knew who it was. He leaned his forehead against my shoulder, whispering, "You smell good."

I blushed. "Wait a moment, Mr.—…er…Lukas, I need to get something."

Lukas lifted his head. "What do you call me?"

I blushed even harder, feeling guilty. "Hubby!"

Lukas chuckled. "Hubby?"

I closed my eyes, my face burning, but said, "Hubby!"

Lukas smiled slightly. "You said it well. Here's a gift for you." He handed me a USB drive and went to shower.

Staring at his back, I opened my bag, took out my notebook, and plugged in the USB drive.

Then I saw the restaurant scene—Bella and Hugo entangling their legs under the table. I burst into laughter. Now I understood the green tea!

After laughing, I opened the registration page for the Starlight Jewelry Competition and uploaded the design draft I'd scanned earlier. Both the Starlight Jewelry Competition and the Century Jewelry Competition (hosted by Strakovski Jewelry) would begin evaluations tomorrow. The former might not be as famous, but both had transparent evaluation processes—precisely what I was counting on!