Zane Song was practically glowing with excitement. In his mind, Nathaniel should have cut ties with Celia long ago. Who was King? A legend in the world of perfumery. Only someone like King was worthy of a man like his second brother.
King and Nathaniel—what a match. And to think King was actually his brother's legal wife?
Perfect.
Even more shocking: his own mother had somehow managed to book a consultation with the elusive King?
Nathaniel glanced sideways at his assistant. "Why won't King take our commission for the custom perfume? Is she that short on money?"
Secretary Song hesitated. "Well… about that…"
Clearly, the CEO still held a grudge about being turned down. The sting of rejection hadn't worn off.
Nathaniel rose from his chair. "Let's go. I want to see who this 'famous' King really is."
Meanwhile, Celia slept until nearly noon. When she finally woke up, she quietly took a morning-after pill and washed it down with cold water. Then she tried calling Sylvia.
No signal. Sylvia's phone was likely in Nathaniel's possession by now.
Which meant the jade pendant was probably with him too.
She had been played by Nathaniel, caught between identities, and in the end, she didn't even get back what was rightfully hers.
The jade pendant meant more than just jewelry—it symbolized who she really was. If she wanted to reclaim it, she would have to find another way.
Checking the time, Celia realized she was almost late for her appointment with Mrs. Song. She hailed a taxi and headed for the Chantilly Hotel.
Room 6011, a luxury suite. She arrived early, but Mrs. Song had not yet arrived.
Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice just outside the door. "Second Brother, this is the room—6011. King should be here soon."
It was Zane's voice!
A second later, she heard another, deeper voice that made her blood freeze. "Alright."
Nathaniel Fu.
Celia's eyes widened in shock. How were they here already?
Could it be... Mrs. Song was Zane's mother?
Panic surged in her chest. Zane must have brought Nathaniel here to corner King.
She couldn't let them find out.
The footsteps were getting closer.
Where could she hide?
Desperate, Celia rushed to the window and tried to open it—but it was too late. The doorknob turned.
They were coming in.
I'm done for!
With a soft click, the door opened, and Nathaniel and Zane stepped inside. Their eyes immediately fell on her.
Nathaniel's gaze darkened the moment he saw her.
Zane blinked, surprised. "Celia? Why are you here? My mom's here to meet King—wait, don't tell me…"
Celia remained calm, her eyes steady. "Young Master Song, I didn't see anyone. I work here at the Chantilly Hotel. I just came in to serve tea."
She wore a staff apron and held a silver tray in her hands. Zane didn't seem to suspect anything.
He laughed. "What, Celia, down on your luck and moonlighting as a hotel waitress?"
"Excuse me," she replied coolly. "I'll be going now."
She moved toward the door, but Nathaniel's tall frame remained firmly planted in front of it—like an immovable statue.
She didn't look at him. They were strangers now. All she wanted was to leave quietly.
But he didn't move.
He stood there like a sentry, blocking her path with no intention of stepping aside.
Behind her, Zane was still jeering. "Celia, if you need money, just ask Nathaniel. You were with him long enough. How dare you try to pull tricks on him? Seriously, how shameless can you get?"
Celia looked up at the man in front of her, her voice icy. "Mr. Fu, please move."
Nathaniel showed no sign of emotion. His eyes locked onto her, cold and unreadable. Then he asked, voice low and quiet, "Did you take the pill?"
The contraceptive pill.
So that's why he was blocking her—just to ask this.
"Yes," she answered, her voice flat. "If you're still worried, Mr. Fu, I can take another one in front of you."