Chapter 191

Time passed in a blur.

Before long, a new day had arrived.

Overnight, heated discussions and growing anticipation had already informed most people that today marked the launch of Elliott Group's newest collection.

The company had always been a leader in the gemstone industry. It sourced a wide range of gems from around the world.

If someone wanted something rare, chances were Elliott Group could provide it.

Its focus had long been on high-end offerings,including exclusive auctions for custom gemstone pieces.

This time, the release was rumored to fall somewhere between mid-range and luxury. But that wasn't entirely accurate.

Word was spreading about a rare pink diamond said to be the highlight of the collection.

That, however, would come later. For now, all eyes were on the opening moments.

Everyone was watching to see if Millie could start strong.

But just before the product launch, something else captured the public's attention. A short video began to circulate online.

In it, a priceless blue diamond sank into the ocean's depths. A sleeping mermaid discovered it. She studied it with wide eyes, and then flicked her tail and swam upward toward the light.

As she broke through the surface, sunlight struck the gem.It shimmered in her hand.

She didn't notice the prince behind her. Then she turned. The camera paused as their eyes met. The blue of the gem matched his gaze exactly.

It was a simple but striking scene. The moment hinted at the beginning of a love story. The tone aligned perfectly with the symbolic meaning of a blue sapphire-tranquility, passion, and romance.

The entire video lasted less than thirty seconds. The cast featured unfamiliar faces, yet their performances were believable and engaging.

Although the storyline seemed predictable, the execution was exceptional. There was no dialogue,but the emotion was clear.

Viewers were stunned. For many, it was the most memorable piece to come out of the entertainment world in years.

Speculation began immediately.

"Is this from a new drama?"

"None of the actors look familiar, but they're perfect for the roles. What show is this?Ineed to watch it."

Then someone caught on. "Wait a minute-doesn't Elliott Group have a launch today? Could this be part of their campaign?"

Another person disagreed. "That can't be it. There's no logo anywhere. Besides, isn't Millie their spokesperson? If this was official, wouldn't she be featured?"

"You're right. That makes sense."

Vivian and Johnny's team had also seen the video.

Everyone assumed Millie would appear in anything tied to the new release. Her absence made the connection to Elliott Group seem unlikely.

Vivian laughed. "Looks like we're not the only ones planning to challenge Millie and Elliott Group."

Johnny raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Vivian smirked. "Their official promo still isn't out. If it turns out weaker than this, they'll be completely overshadowed." She paused, and then added, "Let's stir things up a little."

Johnny returned her smile. "I'm in."

Online chatter picked up fast.

"Is Elliott Group really launching today? Why hasn't the promo dropped? Maybe they saw this brilliant video and gave up."

"Come on, what can Millie really bring to the table?She wasn't even a businesswoman."

"She might set the worst sales record in company history."

"That'd be a disaster. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me."

Before long, the buzz took over the trending charts.Hashtags like #MermaidBlueSapphire,#ElliottGroupPromo and #MillieWorstSalesRecord started climbing. That morning, Millie arrived early at the event site.

She glanced at the ongoing online discussions and smiled faintly.

This time, she had worked closely with Elliott Group to lead with their new Blue series.

The serious covered a broad range. With sapphires featured as the centerpiece, the company had crafted a variety of products at different price points.

It was a fresh strategy.

Rather than rely on the usual promotions, Millie decided to build buzz online first.

In a market flooded with options, customers needed a reason to choose Elliott Group.

Millie knew it had to go beyond looks, price, or brand name.

She believed in another motivator-status.

For some, owning a hot-ticket item that others couldn't easily get brought immense satisfaction.

This time, the Blue series catered to that exact feeling. The products were mid-tier, but positioned as highly desirable.

The first step was to drive attention.

Rumors about Millie and Myron had drawn the public eye. But gossip alone wouldn't convince anyone to make a purchase.

The campaign needed a product-driven hook.

The short video became that anchor.

As she watched online interest grow, Millie turned to a staff member at the counter and said, "Let's move to the next stage."

Moments later, the store officially opened.

Several new counters were unveiled, all part of the launch. Millie had overseen every detail of the renovations herself.

Above the counters, a 3D display hovered. No glasses were needed to view it. Outside, reporters waited in droves. Everyone knew today was the day.

The moment the doors opened, they rushed inside.Microphones were pointed straight at Millie.

"Miss Bennett, how do you plan to stand out today?"

"You've had ages to prepare, but your promo stil isn't out. Are you terrified by the mermaid video?"

"Miss Bennett..."

Flashbulbs went off like fireworks. Many livestreamed the scene. The audience grew by the second.

Vivian was also watching.

She noticed how the conversation online kept turning against Millie.

But offline, Millie stood poised. She smiled calmly,unshaken.

Then she addressed the room. "When you're shopping, what matters most is the product itself." Some assumed she was admitting defeat, but she wasn't done. "Of course," she added, "a good story can give a gemstone even more appeal."

Her words stirred confusion. No one was sure what she meant.

Then a soft melody began to play.

A woman's voice floated through the air, gentle and dreamy, like waves washing ashore.

The large 3D screen above the counters came to life.

A lavish cocktail party appeared on screen.

At its center stood a woman wearing a striking blue sapphire necklace.

Glasses clinked around her. Then she bumped into a handsome man and he steadied her. As she looked up, she noticed his eyes were as mysteriously blue as her own necklace.

The final frame froze. The screen held on the sapphire necklace and the man's gaze.