Victor Fu's expression darkened. "You—"
Celia remained composed. "Since you can't buy it, Uncle, isn't it a little ridiculous to come here now with a bank card? I understand—you don't want to owe Madam Fu a favor."
It's often said that debts can be repaid with money, but favors… favors are much harder to return.
Celia's words hit home. Victor Fu, in all his pride, really didn't want to accept a personal favor from Madam Fu.
For the first time, he looked closely at the girl in front of him. When she had first walked out, he'd dismissed her as insignificant. But now, standing face to face, her presence was undeniable.
Those clear eyes shimmered with sharpness and intellect.
"Who are you?" he asked.
Celia smiled slightly. "Uncle, you don't need to worry about that. What matters is—Madam Fu won't be accepting this card."
She gently pushed the black and gold-embossed bank card back into his hand, her tone light but firm. "You might not want to owe us, but we can make sure you'll never stop owing us."
With that, she gave him a polite nod. "Take care, Uncle."
Then she turned and walked away with Aunt Zhou.
Victor Fu stood still for a few seconds, lips pressed into a tight line. Finally, he turned to his butler and said, "Tell Emily I'll be waiting in the car."
"Yes, sir."
As he stepped out, Victor cast one final glance in the direction Celia had gone. When had that woman and child gained such a fierce little ally?
…
On the far end of the corridor, Nathaniel Fu had seen everything.
He had planned to meet Victor Fu himself—but Celia got there first.
Behind him, Secretary Song couldn't help but whisper with admiration, "Miss Celia is the first person I've seen leave Mr. Victor Fu at a loss for words."
Nathaniel's lips curved into a faint smirk. This girl surprised him time and again. She was like a novel he couldn't stop reading—each chapter more unpredictable than the last.
How could anyone ever get tired of her?
…
Downstairs, Emily had just finished her cake when the message came: her father had arrived to take her back to the Imperial Capital.
Reluctantly, she threw her arms around Madam Fu and Celia. "Grandma, Cici… thank you. This was the happiest birthday I've ever had. I'll miss you both."
Madam Fu hugged her tightly. "We'll miss you too, sweet girl."
Emily turned to Celia with teary eyes. "Cici, you have to come visit me in the capital, okay?"
Celia gave her a gentle smile. "Promise."
They walked her to the limousine and watched as the car pulled out of the driveway, heading back toward the capital.
Just then, Nathaniel walked over. "She's gone. Time to go home."
Celia slowly withdrew her gaze. Nathaniel reached over and took her small, soft hand, giving it a light squeeze. She looked up at him, her delicate face bathed in moonlight. He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear.
"Where did you get that incense pill?"
She'd been expecting this.
Celia casually gave her rehearsed reply. "Someone gave me an heirloom one. I had a connection."
Nathaniel raised a brow. "Really?"
Fu Yingying's birthmark was known to be nearly impossible to remove. He had even gone to the trouble of meeting Rosalie, hoping she could create a custom blend based on King's legendary formulas.
And now suddenly—miraculously—it was gone, thanks to a so-called heirloom incense pill?
Celia nodded solemnly. "Yes."
Nathaniel pulled her into his arms, lowering his voice. "You little liar… you never tell the truth, do you?"