Give Me Back the Ring

Skyler never expected Logan to be so cold and unreasonable.

Not only did he refuse to let her keep her caregiver job, but he also set a curfew for her, she had to be home by 7:30 p.m. every night.

This meant she had to be home by 6 p.m. to cook dinner, even though Logan never ate what she made.

She couldn’t understand his behavior and didn’t want to think about it anymore.

Her priority now was to find a new job since she had very little money left and needed to support herself.

Fortunately, she had studied jewelry design in college and had been doing freelance work for small studios.

Recently, an up-and-coming studio had noticed her work and was interested in hiring her.

Since caregiving was no longer an option, Skyler decided to return to her old profession. She sent an email to the studio and was surprised to get a response in less than five minutes.

They wanted her to bring her design drafts and come in for an interview right away.

Skyler quickly got ready and headed out.

The studio was small but had impressive potential.

Its office was in the city center, inside one of the most expensive buildings.

The studio’s boss, Mr. Harris, was young and ambitious.

After looking at Skyler’s designs, he praised her non-stop and wanted to sign a contract with her immediately.

But when she handed him her ID, Mr. Harris looked at it for a long time.

"So you’re Skyler from A University’s jewelry department? Your name is well-known in our industry, Miss Skyler..."

As he spoke, his hand moved toward her thigh.

Skyler was startled and immediately jumped up. "Mr. Harris, what are you doing?"

"Please show some respect!"

"Heh, Miss Skyler, don’t be so nervous."

He smirked and clicked his tongue. "With a face like yours... even when you’re mad, you look so pretty."

"No wonder. I was wondering where such a beautiful designer came from. So it’s you, Skyler. Your name is quite famous in our industry."

"I heard that to win an award at A University, you got on good terms with all the professors and tutors in your department."

"So why bother applying for a designer job? Just be my mistress. I promise to take good care of you..."

"Get lost!"

Skyler shoved him away, snatched her ID from his hand, and ran out of the studio as fast as she could.

She leaned against the wall outside, gasping for air, her whole body shaking with anger.

She shut her eyes tightly, trying to calm the nausea rising inside her.

She shouldn’t have even considered coming back to the jewelry design industry.

"Skyler? Is that you?"

A hesitant voice called from behind her.

Hearing the familiar voice, Skyler froze for a moment before turning around in a daze.

"Sophia Clark?"

"It is you, Skyler! I finally found you!" Sophia rushed over and hugged her tightly.

Skyler was stunned for a second but then smiled. She never expected to run into her best friend from her university days here.

Back then, she had purposely avoided Sophia, afraid of dragging her down.

"Skyler, do you know how long I searched for you after you dropped out? You just disappeared overnight!"

"I know... because of what happened back then, you don’t want to see those people again. But I’m different! I always believed in you!" Sophia held onto Skyler tightly, refusing to let go.

"By the way, why did you come out of that studio?" Sophia suddenly asked. "The boss there is notorious for being a creep. You weren’t thinking of working there, were you?"

"No, I just went for an interview. Luckily, we didn’t come to an agreement," Skyler said vaguely.

"What? You’re returning to the jewelry design industry? Why didn’t you come to me if you needed a job?!" Sophia asked.

"Come to you?" Skyler blinked.

Sophia grinned and grabbed Skyler’s hand, pulling her toward another studio nearby.

"Here it is—my jewelry studio! Skyler, this time, you have to stay and help me!"

Sophia came from a wealthy family and had a privileged upbringing. Both she and Skyler had been top students in the jewelry design program. After graduating, her older brother funded her to start this studio.

She offered Skyler a great salary and flexible hours. It was the perfect job for her.

However, working with an old friend meant she might run into people she wanted to avoid.

Seeing Skyler hesitate, Sophia quickly put the contract in front of her.

"You have to sign this!" she insisted.

In the end, because she desperately needed money and didn’t want to reject Sophia’s kindness, Skyler agreed.

That afternoon, Sophia happily booked a table at the most expensive Western restaurant downstairs to celebrate.

Skyler knew this restaurant.

Back when she was still the young miss of the White family, she used to dine there occasionally.

Now, the cheapest meal cost over a thousand per person—definitely not something she could afford anymore.

"It’s okay, Sophia. I can just eat something near the office..."

"How could you say that?! I said I’d treat you!" Sophia pouted. "And my big brother knows you’re here. He even said he’d stop by to join us. No excuses, you have to come!"

Sophia was so enthusiastic that Skyler couldn’t refuse. She had no choice but to follow her downstairs.

But just as she sat down, someone blocked her.

"Sorry, Miss Skyler... we don’t welcome you here. Please leave."

The restaurant manager rushed over, his tone arrogant and rude.

Skyler froze. She didn’t remember ever offending this manager.

"What do you mean? This is a business, isn’t it? We reserved a table!" Sophia demanded.

"I’m sorry, Miss Sophia. Our restaurant is members-only, and we do not welcome certain guests."

"Miss Sophia, you are a valued member here, so you are always welcome. However, you did not inform us that you would be bringing Miss Skyler..."

The implication was clear—Skyler was no longer a member and had no right to eat there.

"You..." Sophia was furious.

This was the first time she had ever heard that someone needed a membership just to bring a friend to a restaurant.

It was obvious they were just trying to cause trouble!

"Forget it, Sophia. Let’s go somewhere else," Skyler said, lowering her eyes.

She wasn’t in the mood to argue.

Besides, the restaurant’s annual membership fee was 100,000 yuan. That kind of place had nothing to do with her anymore.

She quickly calmed Sophia down before she could start an argument. But just as she was about to leave, she caught sight of a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye.

At a nearby table, a group of people were watching them, clearly enjoying the show.

The one laughing the loudest and looking the most pleased was her long-lost cousin, Isabella.

Skyler frowned. It was easy to guess who was behind this.

She hadn’t expected to run into Isabella here. Did she really have nothing better to do than pull something like this?

Isabella had actually used her status to make the manager kick her out.

Skyler didn’t want to fight with Isabella.

She was about to leave when Isabella, sitting with her legs crossed in a private booth, casually changed her position. She flipped her hair flirtatiously and gave Skyler a mocking smile.

As she moved, something familiar slipped out from her partially visible neckline.

A black ring.

Skyler’s expression changed instantly.

"Skyler, where are you going?"

Before Sophia could react, the woman who had been calm just a moment ago had already rushed over to Isabella.

"Isabella, give me back the ring!"

Skyler stood in front of Isabella’s table, holding out her hand, her gaze locked onto her cousin.

Her clear, determined eyes made Isabella’s heart skip a beat.

For some reason, she suddenly felt guilty and nervous.

"W-what ring…? I don’t know what you’re talking about!"