Chapter 3 Brilliant Return

• Three years later, in Meriland.
• "Congratulations, Celine, on winning the Jewelry Design Gold Award again. May I ask, what was the inspiration behind this necklace?" the host asked with a smile.
• Under the spotlight of the entire venue, with a crystal trophy in one hand and a microphone in the other, I calmly replied, "This Exedra ruby necklace symbolizes the elegance, wisdom, and poised demeanor of modern women. I hope every woman can live true to herself and shine brightly!"
• "I heard that you already have your own studio and training classes here, but many well-known companies want to recruit you. What are your plans, Celine?"
• "I have made up my mind. I will return to work in my home country," I said with a slight smile.
• The reporters in the audience erupted in a flurry of murmurs upon hearing this.
• "But there are so many top companies in the industry here, all offering you opportunities!"
• "Although your country's situation is good, the salary and benefits are not even close to here. May I ask, what are your thoughts on this?"
• I didn't say anything else and walked down the podium.
• *****
• In the VIP lounge at the airport in Courtney.
• I strutted in high heels, wearing a large pair of sunglasses, with my thick, dark-black curls casually flowing down my back.
• The astonished gasps of the people around me had never stopped since I appeared.
• "Wow! That girl is so beautiful. Look at her branded clothes. Is she a big star?"
• "Look, there's a handsome and stylish bodyguard following behind her. Even if she's not a celebrity, she must be some kind of socialite!"
• Three years of studying abroad significantly enhanced my mindset and demeanor. I had never received such envious glances during my marriage.
• "Thank you, Almer, for coming all this way to pick me up." I turned to look at the man behind me.
• "Celine, about the job..."
• I took the suitcase from him and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. I truly appreciate your company's recognition, but I already have my plans."
• Understanding what I meant, he politely said goodbye and left.
• Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was Victoria. I hadn't seen her in three years.
• "Naomi, have you gotten off the plane?" Victoria said excitedly.
• "Yes, I have!" I responded with excitement.
• I walked down the long corridor and finally exited the airport. From a distance, I saw her waiting outside by the door.
• After hanging up the phone, she ran over and gave me a big hug.
• "Naomi, I miss you so much! It's been three years, and you're finally back!"
• Victoria Binder was my childhood friend. Even though we hadn't seen each other for years, our bond remained as strong as ever.
• She looked at me carefully for a while and looked surprised. "Oh my god, Naomi! You've lost a lot of weight. You're even prettier than before!"
• I pinched Victoria's cheek. "I've been working out every day these past few years. My abs are finally showing!"
• "If Magnus saw you like this, he'd probably regret everything!" Victoria sighed as she touched my face and body.
• "He's not lucky enough for that!"
• Magnus was a man who would flirt with every pretty woman he saw. I didn't know how many phone numbers he had saved on his phone. Just thinking about it made me feel disgusted.
• "Let's not talk about him anymore. I've arranged a welcome dinner for you. Let's go and have a good meal!"
• Victoria linked her arm with mine as we got into a car. She told the driver to take us to the most renowned private restaurant in Barimore City.
• Only VIP members could enter this restaurant, and only people from the upper-class society were qualified to join the membership.
• The prices here were beyond what ordinary people could afford. But for the daughter of the Binder family, it was no big deal.
• Victoria was truly my best friend. She put so much thought and effort into the welcome dinner.
• The table was filled with an array of delicious dishes, but unfortunately, I was on a diet.
• "Naomi, why are you going to CK Group as an intern? Are you not going back to your own company?" Victoria asked in confusion.
• She was my best friend and the only one who knew about my career plans.
• "CK Group is a company that has emerged in the past two years. Although it just went public last year, I can see its potential. The more a company is just starting, the better it proves my abilities. After all, if I can build something on my own, I'll have my place in the family," I said casually, sipping my red wine.
• "You know, my dad prefers my younger sister," I added.