C280 They Were Sold

At Nova Blaze Jewelry, Portia immediately carried out the Chief Inspector's instructions. She first printed the official sales receipt for the Limited Edition Couple Watches, attached it to the sales journal, and prepared the necessary documents that required signatures from the company's executives. Holding the file neatly against her chest, she made her way toward the Director's office.

Knock... knock... Inside, Prince Gomez was still resting with his eyes closed. Although he appeared calm on the outside, his thoughts were still occupied with the expensive watches Laura had given away earlier that morning. The sudden knock interrupted his thoughts. He straightened himself in his chair before speaking. "Come in." Portia gently pushed the door open before bowing respectfully. "Good morning, Director." Prince nodded with a smile. "Good morning, Portia." "What brings you here?"

Portia stepped forward and placed two documents on his desk. "Director, I'm here to officially report the sale of the Limited Edition Couple Watches." She pointed at the journal. "I'll need your signature here to confirm you've received the report." Prince casually reached for the receipt. However... The moment his eyes landed on the selling price... His expression completely changed. His eyes widened. "...Twenty thousand dollars?"

He looked at Portia in disbelief. "For just a pair of couple watches?" Portia nodded politely. "Chief made a duplicate so there were two, Director." "They've already been sold." Prince looked at the receipt once more to make sure he hadn't read it incorrectly. Sure enough... Sale Price: $20,000. For several seconds he simply stared at the paper. Then he slowly looked up. "...Please remind me." "Who bought them?"

Portia answered honestly. "They were purchased by Chief Inspector's friend." Prince blinked. "I know that part but who exactly?" Portia answered honestly, "I only know that the payment recievedwas from Lucia Goods, Director." Prince slowly leaned back in his chair. A broad smile gradually spread across his face. "So..." "They really sold..." He signed the journal without another question before handing it back. "Very well."

He smiled warmly. "Go and let Albert sign as well." "Yes, Director." Portia bowed respectfully before leaving. The moment the door closed... Prince immediately stood up. Earlier that morning, he had been worried that Laura had practically given away expensive company products. Now... Someone had willingly paid twenty thousand dollars. He could no longer sit still. Without wasting another second, he walked quickly toward Laura's office.

Knock. Before Laura could even answer, Prince had already opened the door. Laura looked up from the jewelry sketches spread across her desk. She smiled. "Father?" Prince walked inside with a cheerful expression. "My child." "I thought we already talked about this earlier." Laura tilted her head. "About what?" Prince raised the receipt. "The watches." "You suddenly decided to pay for them after all?" "I told you not to worry." "This company belongs to you too." "There was no need."

Laura stared at him blankly before laughing. "Father..." "I didn't pay for them." Prince stopped smiling. "...You didn't?" Laura shook her head. "If I were paying for them myself..." "I would've paid the production price." "Eight thousand dollars." "Not twenty thousand." Prince became confused. "Then..." "Who paid?" Laura smiled. "Did you actually read the receipt?" Prince immediately lowered his eyes toward the document.

This time... Instead of looking at the amount... He looked at the buyer. Lucia Goods Headquarters. He froze. "...Lucia Goods?" "The company that recently changed ownership?" Laura nodded happily. "Yes." "My new friend works there." Prince asked curiously, "Your friend?" Laura smiled. "Actually..." "She's the Director." Prince's eyebrows lifted. "The Director?" Laura nodded. "Alicia." "We weren't particularly close before." "But I think we're becoming good friends."

She laughed softly. "Otherwise..." "Who would insist on paying for something after being told it was a gift?" Prince looked at his daughter for a long moment. Then he smiled proudly. "My child..." "You've made quite an impressive friend." Laura simply smiled. Prince nodded with satisfaction. "Very well." "I won't disturb your work anymore." "Have a wonderful day." "Thank you, Father." Prince left her office feeling far happier than he had all morning.

Meanwhile... Inside Albert's office... Portia knocked before entering. She placed the receipt and journal onto Albert's desk. Albert adjusted his glasses before reading through the report. His eyes widened. "...Twenty thousand dollars?" "You mean those watches sold for this much?" Portia nodded. "Yes." Albert frowned. "I thought Chief Inspector was simply giving them away." Portia smiled politely. "She sold them to someone very capable."

Albert slowly closed his eyes. He suddenly remembered the conversation he'd had with Prince earlier. He had been worried for nothing. Without another word, he signed the journal. "You may go." "Thank you, Sir." Portia bowed before quietly leaving. Albert leaned back in his chair and sighed. "I really embarrassed myself earlier..." "I shouldn't have questioned the Director."

At Wood IT Company Headquarters... The morning passed quickly. Before lunch arrived, Sarah picked up the office phone. "Cyntia." A few moments later, Cyntia entered the office. "Director?" "Please ask Team Manager Josh to come and see me." "Right away." Several minutes later... Josh stood outside Sarah's office. Ever since Laura's marriage into the Gomez family, he seemed to have aged several years. The cheerful father everyone once knew had gradually become much quieter.

Knock... knock... "Come in." Josh entered respectfully. "Good morning, Director." "You wanted to see me?" Sarah smiled warmly. "Please have a seat." Josh sat down carefully. Instead of speaking about work immediately... Sarah asked something unexpected. "How has your daughter been lately?" Josh looked surprised. After a short pause, he smiled bitterly. "To be honest..." "I don't really know." "Ever since Laura married into the Gomez family..." "We hardly speak anymore." "So..." "I'm afraid I can't answer that question."

Sarah nodded understandingly. "I see." She smiled gently. "Actually..." "I wanted her contact details." Josh immediately understood. "Oh." "Of course." He quickly wrote Laura's phone number onto a small piece of paper before handing it over. Sarah accepted it. "Thank you." Josh stood up, assuming the meeting was over. But Sarah stopped him. "One more thing." Josh turned back. "Yes, Director?"

Sarah's expression became serious. "How is the search for employees who speak foreign languages progressing?" Josh sighed helplessly. "I'm sorry, Director." "So far..." "No one in my department speaks either Spanish or French." "Nor can they write in those languages." Sarah wasn't surprised. She had expected that answer. She nodded calmly. "In that case..." "I want you to select five capable employees from your department." "They'll begin language training with me."

Josh blinked. "...With you?" Sarah nodded. "Yes." She continued giving instructions. "Tell Jamie to select another five employees from the Information Systems Department." "And ask Tricia to choose five from Administration." Josh quickly memorized everything. Sarah continued. "The training will be mandatory." "I'll personally pay for professional tutors." "The lessons will be conducted online after working hours." "So they won't interfere with daily operations."

Josh nodded respectfully. "I understand, Director." "I'll inform everyone immediately." "Good." "Thank you." Josh bowed before quietly leaving the office. Once the door closed... Sarah leaned back in her chair. She picked up the piece of paper containing Laura's phone number. After thinking for several moments... She smiled. Opening her phone, she typed a message. "Hello, Mrs. Gomez." "This is Mrs. Chambers." "I'd like to invite you and your husband to join us for a Saturday outing. We'll be meeting at Celtic Mall at 11:00 a.m. Please make sure you come together with your husband." She reread the message once. A satisfied smile appeared on her face. Then... She pressed Send.