Who was it?
Celia turned around and saw Mrs. Fu!
Mrs. Fu had just stepped out of a luxury car and immediately recognized her from behind.
"Mom?" Celia blurted out instinctively.
As soon as the word slipped out, she froze. She could no longer call her that. She wasn't Sylvia's stand-in anymore—she had no right to use that title.
But Mrs. Fu came running over with joy, "Xuexue, you've been so busy lately! Why haven't you come home to visit your mother? Oh no, what happened to your face? Why is there a scar? Is scar makeup trendy now?"
Celia paused, then said, "…Mrs. Fu, I think you've mistaken me for someone else. I'm not Sylvia—I'm Celia."
Mrs. Fu looked her up and down in disbelief. "Mistaken you? How could I? You're my daughter-in-law, Xuexue! Oh—I get it now!"
Celia frowned. "What do you think you understand?"
"You and my son are roleplaying, aren't you?" Mrs. Fu leaned in with a knowing smile. "Don't worry, I've been young too. I know how to have fun. Let's just play along—Mom will join in!"
Celia felt a headache coming on. She hadn't expected Mrs. Fu to show up out of nowhere—and even less for her to recognize her.
"Mrs. Fu, I'm really Celia."
"Yes, yes, you're Celia. Xuexue. Whatever you want to call yourself," Mrs. Fu took her hand warmly and patted it, beaming. "Whether you're Sylvia or Celia, as long as it's you, you're my beloved daughter-in-law."
A warmth bloomed in Celia's heart.
Mrs. Fu's palm was warm, her smile gentle. That motherly affection was something Celia hadn't felt in so long—it was irresistible.
Most people, after seeing the scar on her face, would avoid or dismiss her. But not Mrs. Fu. She recognized her at a glance—recognized her, not just a name or a mask.
And in that moment, Celia couldn't bear to break her heart. She could have explained everything—that she and Sylvia had switched places, that the marriage was a deception—but she didn't. She couldn't.
It would be better if Nathaniel Fu told her. Let him, as her son, bear the truth.
Celia gently squeezed Mrs. Fu's hand. "Mom... I have to get to work now. I'll come see you when I have time, okay?"
"Alright, Celia. Where do you work now? I'll come pick you up after you get off!"
Celia blinked. Most people had their boyfriends or husbands pick them up after work. But her... her mother-in-law was doing the honors.
She gave a helpless smile. "Mom, I work at CC. I'll just take a taxi back. You don't need to pick me up. See you!"
She turned and jogged away.
Mrs. Fu called out behind her, full of affection, "Celia, be careful! Don't trip!"
At CC Headquarters
Sylvia drove her six-million-dollar Ferrari straight to the entrance of CC. Her arrival was flashy, turning many heads.
She had it all—beauty, wealth, and prestige. A genius perfumer who returned from advanced studies in France. With her reputation as Yecheng's top socialite and a fanbase of six million, her debut at CC was nothing short of sensational.
Everyone at the company welcomed her warmly.
Zhao Qian led her through the sleek, modern hallways. "Sylvia, this is your private office. CC is thrilled to have you on board. You've been placed under Director Li Yao's team."
Li Yao was one of CC's top perfumers. That she would be directly mentored by him was proof of how much they valued her.
Sylvia smiled with subtle pride. "Thank you, Qianqian."
"You're welcome, Sylvia! I'm sure we'll be great coworkers—and maybe even good friends."
Just then, Sylvia glanced at the neighboring office. Curious, she asked, "Qianqian, who's in that office?"
Zhao Qian hesitated. "That one? I'm not too sure. Another perfumer joined today as well—also assigned to Director Li."