Sylvia had missed Nathaniel Fu terribly these past few days—and she was fully aware of what had happened in her absence.
At the Fu family banquet, Su Wan'er had made a fool of herself. Not only did she lose her role as the brand ambassador for the jewelry line, but she was also kicked out publicly. The first branch of the Su family was now under pressure, and Su Wan'er had been crying her eyes out. Old Madam Su stayed silent and gloomy, making the second branch—Sylvia's side—the happiest.
But what infuriated Sylvia the most was that Nathaniel had danced the first dance with Celia. Now, the entire city knew that the so-called "clown girl from the countryside" had become the rumored partner of the Fu family's heir.
Sylvia had rushed back immediately. From now on, she wouldn't need a stand-in. She had already tattooed the identical birthmark and used the same perfume. She was ready to become the real Mrs. Fu.
Without hesitation, she threw herself into Nathaniel's arms.
Nathaniel glanced at her coolly, his expression unreadable, then looked ahead. Celia had already changed back into her original self—complete with the long scar on her face. And this time, she wasn't alone. Julian Fu was beside her.
Sylvia had learned from her past mistakes and dragged Julian along as cover.
But the moment she lunged at Nathaniel, he sidestepped without hesitation.
Sylvia couldn't stop herself and stumbled forward, landing face-first on the pavement.
"Pfft—"
Julian burst into laughter as he walked over. "Auntie, you okay? Want me to help you up?"
Sylvia, "…"
She felt like the nose she'd just had fixed was about to break again. Embarrassed and sore, she scrambled to her feet and looked up at Nathaniel with watery eyes.
"Uncle, is that ice cream for Auntie?" Julian exclaimed in mock shock. "Wow, never thought you'd actually buy strawberry ice cream for a girl. That's got to be a first!"
Celia stood quietly beside Julian, not expecting him to show up today. Since he held leverage over her, she had no choice but to stay put. Her gaze shifted to Nathaniel. He was holding a strawberry-flavored ice cream in one hand, his other wrist adorned with a luxury watch. For someone of his status, it made the act look almost… humble.
That strawberry ice cream was meant for her.
She looked up at his striking face—only to meet his deep, unreadable gaze. He was watching her too.
Startled, Celia looked away quickly.
"Honey, give me the ice cream. I want it," Sylvia said sweetly, reaching for it.
Without hesitation, Nathaniel raised his hand and tossed the strawberry ice cream into the trash.
"You don't need it," he said coldly.
Sylvia was stunned.
Julian turned to Celia. "Celia, want one? I'll buy you another."
Celia didn't respond, but before she could decline, Julian had already dashed off.
Moments later, he returned with a new strawberry cone and handed it to her. "Come on, have some."
Celia took it stiffly, avoiding Nathaniel's gaze. She could feel his eyes burning into her—cold, sharp, and relentless.
This was a social nightmare.
Just then, Nathaniel's deep voice cut through the air. "Let's go."
"Already?" Sylvia looked longingly at the amusement park behind her. She hadn't even gone inside yet.
But Nathaniel had already stepped into the Rolls-Royce with long, measured strides.
···In the back of the luxury car, Celia sat beside Julian. Sylvia took the front passenger seat.
"Celia, why aren't you eating the ice cream? It's going to melt," Julian reminded her brightly.