Stella hid her smile and gave a small nod. Sherry found herself swearing silently. "Have you given her that necklace?" she asked softly.

“Yes. Annie threw it away.”

“Forget it," said Sherry. “Simply let it alone. In any case, the design payment is yours. How they handle it is their own business."

Sherry understood that each designed product was distinct and represented the designer's effort, even though her statements made logic. Stella was clearly upset to see the finished product she had developed broken and thrown in front of her.

“Come on, Stella, let's get home.”

Just as she was about to speak, Sherry noticed Clarence leave the hotel. He...