Ch. 701..710

Chapter 701

Chapter 701

"Mister..." Aurelia's voice was shaky. "May I know what 'people like us' are like to you?"

Neil's disdainful attitude and despising gaze made him a completely different person from the man who saved her from the police just now. Something sharp seemed to have pierced the pink bubble within her as it burst.

Yeah, "people like her" must not be worthy of a glance from him.

"Ms. Chilton, don't be upset," Cordelia said gently, "Fredric's our friend, and we're worried for him now that he got into danger. The entire matter feels suspicious too, so we hope you can tell us the truth." Aurelia bent down to pick up the metal box on the floor and held it close to her.

What truth did she have to tell? She had repeated the truth thousands of times, but they did not believe her!

"Acting mute again?" Neil raised his voice, gripping her arm.

Aurelia gasped in pain. She barely knew him for the day, but he had already grabbed her arm so many times that there was already a mark.

"Why do you think I covered for you in front of the police?" Neil gritted his teeth. "If you don't tell the truth, I swear you'll end up worse than in the police station!"

"Let go of me!" Aurelia struggled with reddened eyes.

Like a small animal forced to the corner, she scanned the group of people with an unwavering gaze. They were rich and influential and had a high status. The difference between these people and her was like heaven and earth.

It was as easy as stepping on an ant for them to kill her, right? What had she done wrong, though? Was saving the man wrong? Was protecting herself wrong?

Was she not supposed to drag Fredric back to the basement and treat his wound the night they met? Should she have let him bleed to death on the street filled with thugs?

Aurelia's shoulders shook out of fear and indignation.

The old nomad lady was right. These people with status were all bad guys who trampled all over others from a high point!

"Fine, I'll speak!" Aurelia pushed each word out of her gritted teeth. "When I met Fredric that night, he was on the ground covered in blood! I took him home, stopped his bleeding, and dressed his wound. I ever bought anti-inflammatory and antipyretic for him and fed him bread and milk! I've done my best to take care of him. What else do you want me to do?

"Why didn't I call the police or the hospital?" Aurelia chuckled bitterly. "I'm of mixed ethnicity, and I've been living in the basement since I could remember. My father was a drug addict, and my mother was a prostitute. They abandoned me when I was ten and left nothing for me!

"They came here illegally from different countries. They aren't registered, and so am I! Once people like us are looked into, we'll be deported...

"Where do you think I can go after leaving this place? Illegal immigrants can be sent back to their home countries. They have a country to go back to, but me? Where can I go!?

"The world's so big, but there's no place for me!"

Aurelia shouted in one go and crouched on the floor sobbing.

It was not like she had never done anything bad while growing up. She sometimes stole a little to survive. She did not think of herself to be a kind soul but had still taken the risk of being caught by the police and sent Fredric to the hospital at the critical juncture!

She even took all her money along!

Was she wrong? Why could others humiliate and misunderstand her like this!?

The hallway went quiet. Only the girl's sobs could be heard.

Cordelia felt bad.

She had been living in the basement back in the Jenners, and she had gone through Yelena and Joanne's ridicule and insults too. She had also felt hopeless about life.

Aurelia was as if looking back to her past self. She thought that the girl was not a bad person. She had cushioned her and protected her when she fell down.

Cordelia slowly went over to her and extended a hand.

"Ms. Chilton, the floor's cold. Get up first."

Chapter 702

Chapter 702

Aurelia froze. The hand before her was fair and supple, unlike the many pairs of rough ones she had seen in the basement.

It felt like there was a halo around the owner of the hand. She was beautiful and gentle, but there was a sense of determination in her gaze. It made people want to get closer to her.

It was just that Aurelia knew that "people like her" could not dirty a hand so clean. She looked down, took a deep breath, and stood up on her own.

Cordelia took the initiative to hold her hand.

Aurelia's heart felt like something poked it as she looked at Cordelia in a daze. After some time, she asked, "Y-You believe me? 'People like me' do everything from tricking to stealing. I might be acting." Cordelia chuckled and tucked her hair by her ear.

"You don't know how to act. But we actually have an award-winning actor here. You can ask him about acting skills. Who knows? You may be able to use it the next time you encounter the police." Aurelia paused before a giggle escaped her.

Neil looked over and shook his head weakly.

"Cordelia, cut the crap with her! She's-"

"Regardless, Fredric might have really died on the street without her." Cordelia shot him a look. "It's more of a scare this time, and Ms. Chilton has her reasons. Stop blaming her." Aurelia looked at Cordelia gratefully and smiled. She bowed at her and was going to leave but seemed to think of something and ran back to her to open the box and show her.

"This is all the money I have," Aurelia said seriously. "I wanted to pay for Fredric's hospital bill, but you all look rich. I don't think you'll need this anymore, so I'll take it back... I just want to say that this money is clean.

"My background isn't the greatest, but I've never done anything illegal. I spend my time with the nomads, and we sing and dance at the square. The tourists tip us. Because we attract the tourists, the patrolling police don't find fault with us as long as we don't do anything drastic...

"But if we call the police and be the ones to alert them, it'll be an entirely different matter. This is why I didn't dare to call the police or send him to the hospital.

"Thank you for believing me." Aurelia bowed again. "There aren't many who believe me. Everyone finds it hard to keep themselves out of trouble in that environment. There's no trust.

"Because you trust me, miss, I'm telling you about it..."

Aurelia licked her lips. "My money is clean. I-I don't think I'm a bad person."

Cordelia felt a pinch in her nose. She smiled. "Yeah, you're not a bad person. You're a nice girl!"

Aurelia jolted before she smiled sweetly.

She hugged Cordelia the nomadic way and stroked her forehead lightly to wish her well in life.

Cordelia looked at her back quietly until the thin girl was out of sight.

"S-She just left like this?" asked Neil.

Cordelia was puzzled. "What else?"

Neil swallowed and pressed his lips together. He wore a straight face, and his voice was indifferent. "I said that she's my fiancee... It'll be big news if it gets back to the local showbiz! What will my fans think of me when they learn I have a fiancee in Chaiseland, but no one when I go back?"

Zephyr, who had been silent on the side, scoffed,. "What are you trying to say? Do you want the girl to take responsibility for you?"

"You..." Neil could not explain himself and could only rub his nose.

Zephyr hugged Cordelia and exchanged a smile. When he turned around to pull out his phone, he ordered in a low voice, "The girl who just left the hospital... Send someone to follow her and look into her background, where she stays, and her usual activity area!"

Chapter 703

Chapter 703

Fredric had been transferred to the VIP hospital ward, and Trinity had been taking care of him these days.

His trip to Chaiseland this time felt extraordinary. He still felt like he was dreaming. It was just that the dream was wonderful. Each time he opened his eyes, he could see Trinity by his side.

"You don't have to push so hard," Fredric said softly. "There are doctors and nurses. It's too tiring for you to stay here every day."

"Why? You don't want me to keep you company?"

Trinity brought fresh strawberries that looked full and juicy. She held one in front of Fredric, but the latter only smiled without moving. Trinity paused. "You don't like this?"

"No." Fredric looked at her, reluctant to look away for even a second. "Have the sweet tip of the strawberry. I'll have the top!"

Trinity grinned with wet eyes.

"Trinity..." Fredric put a hand on the back of hers. "Do you still blame me?"

Trinity pressed her lips together and said nothing with a lowered head.

"Do you know why I came to Chaiseland?"

"I didn't know you came," Trinity answered honestly. "I heard later that... you were here for a few cases."

Fredric shook his head. "It's because you're here."

Trinity jolted.

"It was midnight when I got off the flight. I've been to Melorian before but only a few times. I'm not familiar with the city, and I didn't know that the cabs waiting outside the airports would pull scams... Unfortunately, I got into one.

"I only knew something was wrong when the driver took me to the slum."

"But you could just give them what they wanted!" Trinity replied anxiously. "They just wanted money. They wouldn't want to kill anyone! Couldn't you hand over your bag and ask them to return your phone and passport?"

Fredric smiled at her.

Yeah, how could a brilliant lawyer like him not have such adaptability?

Trinity pursed her lips and stuffed a strawberry in his mouth. "This could have been avoided! I really can't tell that you're a money-grubber!

"You're lucky Aurelia saved you and Neil found you in time. Otherwise, you'd have died in a foreign land!"

Fredric chuckled and held her hand to ask, "Would you be sad if I did die?"

Trinity's eyes widened. What the heck!?

"Hush!" She shushed him. "Why are you saying this for no reason? Nonsense!"

Fredric felt a surge of warmth gush in him and held her hand against his face.

"If there wasn't anything important in my bag, I wouldn't have risked it with those two," he said softly. "But there was something I wanted to protect with my life, so they couldn't take it." Trinity's heart thumped.

When the police caught the thieves and fetched Fredric's bags, she did not check the content since she was anxious about his whereabouts.

"What's so good in there?" She grimaced and looked at the bag hung on the rack. "Mr. Hamerton's sent it over. I'll go search it if you don't tell me!"

Chapter 704

Chapter 704

"Mm, no problem," Fredric agreed easily.

Trinity was then at a loss. 'W-Why is he not reacting the way he should?'

The plot should go like she said she wanted to search his bag, and he would stop her with all his might. Then she would get up and take the bag to rummage it in front of him, and he would panic and grab it. As they pushed and pulled, he would pull her over, and... their lips would touch, and the whole world would turn pink!

This was the first time in her director's career that someone was not going according to the storyline!

Fredric smiled. "My bag's just over there. Bring it over for me."

Trinity blushed and looked at him weakly before passing him the bag.

"Open it, the innermost pocket."

Trinity did as she was told.

The lawyer's bag was rectangular, with three pockets inside and three more outside, carrying important case materials.

She felt inside as he instructed and suddenly felt a small item with a familiar touch of fabric... She pulled it out to see that it was another lucky charm!

"This..."

"You got this?" Fredric chortled. "This shouldn't make its appearance so soon. Go on!"

Trinity looked at him in doubt and continued to feel around the bag.

She pulled a small envelope from the bottom of the innermost pocket. Her heart nearly stopped when she took it out as she was more than familiar with the handwriting on it. Her hands shook a little. The past replayed in her mind.

Back when she was young and naive with a crush, she had mulled over her words and had written it countless times before this love letter came to be. She had not had the courage to give it to him to his face, so she had hidden it in his changing room locker.

In the end, Fredric's classmate the nosy Josiah-found it, and everyone else subsequently learned about it. It then became the school's hot topic!

Back then, Trinity had been feeling so inferior that she had not wanted to go out.

She had been feeling like the gazes on her were needles piercing her daily, even when the confession love letter had not been signed, and no one knew that it was her...

She had specifically practiced her handwriting for a long time to change it up too.

Fredric looked at her quietly, taking in the blush that slowly colored her cheeks, how she clutched her clothes like a helpless child and the tears that slowly pooled in her eyes... He felt a pinch in his nose and extended a hand to hold hers.

"Trinity..."

"W-Why do you still keep this?"

Trinity was panicky and wanted to act nonchalant, but her stiff smile betrayed her nerves and helplessness.

"Not that I'm still keeping. I haven't thrown it at all," replied Fredric. "I'm sorry, Trinity. I never knew about your feelings. I kept walking forward in the past and forgot to turn around and look back." "Okay, enough!"

"Let me finish." Fredric's gaze was gentle. "I didn't know that you wrote this love letter back then, but I've always kept it in my drawer... I eventually understood who's worth my appreciation the most in this world. Trinity, I hope I didn't understand it too late!

"As for this lucky charm..." Fredric chuckled. "What I bought was a pair!"

"What?" Trinity looked down. "You... wanted to give it to Michelle back then, huh?"

"No," Fredric answered coolly.

Trinity's heart thumped as if the single word had knocked it.

"I thought of giving it to her, but I didn't," he said. "I gave you the lucky charm back then with genuine hope that you'd be happy and safe."

Trinity's eyes rimmed red, and she remained silent with a lowered head.

Chapter 705

Chapter 705

"I know that it was my bad in the past." Fredric held her hand. "Trinity, you have bloopers and retakes in filming. If the actor isn't in a good state, they get lots of retakes... Can you let me have a retake too? "I promise, just this once," Fredric said seriously with a smile. "It'll be one-take from now on. I'll be your best male lead!"

Trinity fell in a daze as a tear fell, but her smile came back. She pressed a kiss on Fredric's forehead, and both of them smiled at each other, their eyes shining with happiness.

"Okay," she replied softly. "You're the only male lead in my script from now on. But you have to listen to the director and can't change up the storyline yourself, okay?" Fredric grinned. "Whatever Director Trinity says!"

At night, Cordelia lay by Zephyr's side as she recalled what had happened recently.

It had actually only been two weeks since they found out that Fredric had gotten hurt and gone missing to him being saved out of the critical state, but it felt so long.

Cordelia looked at the man next to her and rubbed his chin.

"What are you doing?" Zephyr chuckled and held her hand, lowering his voice to say, "Stop it and stay still. Otherwise, I won't be able to hold myself back."

The girl quickly pulled her hand back upon hearing this.

Zephyr hugged her from the back, and his large hand stroked her round belly. His voice sounded wronged. "Darling, when will the baby come out? We haven't spent any alone time for a while now..." "Why? Are you grumbling that he's an extra now?"

"No..." The man forced a smile but thought that she was rather right.

"This is our child. You can't have thoughts like this!" Cordelia looked at him very seriously.

Pregnant women were always more sensitive due to hormonal changes. That was especially so after Cordelia listened to Aurelia's story.

She could not help relating Zephyr's "complaint" to Aurelia's parents.

"Kids without their parents' love are pitiful..." she said softly. "Maybe Aurelia's parents thought that she was a burden and abandoned her. But have they ever thought how their daughter was supposed to survive when she was so young..."

"Honey, you're getting carried away." Zephyr rubbed her hair. "Our baby's not like her."

Yeah, their baby was going to be born with a silver spoon and have everyone doting on him. He would be happier than so many people in this world.

Cordelia bit her lips. "Do you think we'll ever come across Aurelia after this?"

"We?" Zephyr chuckled. "This isn't for us to decide. We have to ask your cousin. That's his fiancee!"

"But Neil hasn't said anything!" Cordelia huffed. "Darling, it's thanks to Aurelia this time, no matter how we put it... I'm wondering if there's any way to help her out of her current predicament?"

"Her identity status?" Zephyr shook his head. "It's not something we can intervene with. Best not to get involved."

Cordelia thought about it and found that he was right. They were foreigners here, after all.

Even though they were grateful to Aurelia, her identity status was not something they could handle. They would do their part to thank her within their abilities.

"She's not doing well, but finding a job for her would be unrealistic. Any company would require an ID.

"We can only give her some money or a better place to stay so she gets out of that place." Cordelia pressed her lips together. They could only help her as much as they could in terms of material assistance. "Let Fan handle this. She'll take care of it properly."

"Mm." Zephyr kissed her forehead. "Stop fretting. Sleep earlier."

Cordelia had just closed her eyes when her phone rang.

"Ma'am!" It was Fan's panicky voice. "There's a problem with our clothes. The haute couture dresses all have holes in them!

"The launch is tomorrow, and these dresses will be used... What do we do?"

Chapter 706

Chapter 706

Cordelia and Zephyr rushed to the venue where the new launching would be held despite the night.

The event would be held the following day, but the staff had discovered that over ten haute couture dresses had varying degrees of damage to them when they ran the regular check tonight. The holes were no too big, but they affected the appearance, and the garments could barely be used.

One would need to glance at the clothes and know that they had been intentionally ruined.

Cordelia was calm and carefully went through each piece of clothing before she asked, "Weren't these clothes delivered three days in advance? Didn't you all check them properly, then?"

"They were sent by the head designer of each brand personally, and the vehicles they came in were bulletproof. Our people checked them in detail when they arrived, and there was no issue!" Zephyr scowled and sent someone to retrieve the surveillance recording.

"Cordelia, stay calm," he told her with an arm around her. "This venue has the best security in the whole of Melorian. If this is sabotage, the cameras must have caught it."

Cordelia's brows were tightly knitted. "But the launch is tomorrow..."

"Tomorrow's launch will be canceled," Zephyr said, calling his secretary. "Send out a notice that the launch of the new haute couture pieces will be postponed, and the exact time is to be confirmed." "Darling..."

Cordelia tugged his sleeve nervously.

The launch of these new haute couture pieces was also part of the International Fashion Week, which everyone valued. The designers of these dresses were well-known internationally as well.

If the Baker Group ruined the launch, not only would their pride and reputation be lost, but they would also have to pay a huge compensation.

"It's fine." Zephyr held her cold hand. "It's just postponing the launch, not canceling it entirely. It's fine to compensate them a little.

"But my wife's health comes first. You can't sacrifice your health just because of this, right?"

Cordelia looked at him with complicated feelings. "I'm the General Manager of this project. I should be bearing this responsibility."

"No worries." Zephyr smiled and hugged her. "Your husband's here. No one will dare to make things difficult for you!"

Cordelia felt like crying. "Those on the board of directors will make your life difficult, though!"

"As they please." Zephyr swiped a finger across her nose. "I'll bear the responsibility and shoulder the loss. As for the rest, their mouths are on them. They can say whatever they want!" "Darling..."

Cordelia buried her face against his chest. His scent pacified her, and his heartbeat gave her an endless sense of security.

His secretary dashed over. "Mr. Hamerton, the surveillance recording is tricky to retrieve. We might need more time."

"Mm."

"And... how are we placating the designers?"

"I'll meet them for this." Zephyr squinted and looked at Cordelia.

He stroked her face and flashed her an indulging smile. "Darling, go home and rest up. Don't overthink it, and just sleep!" "What about you?"

"I'll stay here. The designers will be here in a while. I'll negotiate with them and discuss the time and how to patch this up." "I'll do it with you!"

"No!" Zephyr frowned. "You and our son get a good rest. Leave this to me!"

Not only would he discuss the solution with the designers, but he would also stay there to wait for the surveillance recording.

He more or less had a guess of who the culprit of this sabotage was, but he needed an exact answer.

He kissed Cordelia's cheek. "Honey, did you forget who I am?"

"Huh?" Cordelia was still at a loss.

Zephyr smirked and spoke next to her ear huskily, "I'm your superman!"

Cordelia froze before her eyes stung.

"Dear Mrs. Hamerton, the superman's right in front of you now. What's your wish?"

"I..." Cordelia thought about it. "I want you to not exhaust yourself and come home earlier to rest too!"

"Okay." Zephyr smiled. "Your wish is your superman's command!"

The next morning...

Zephyr updated Cordelia about the discussion of the previous night.

The launch could be postponed but not for too long. Otherwise, the Baker Group could not provide a decent explanation to the shareholders or set foot in Melorian or even the entire Chaiseland's fashion industry.

Despite his nonchalance, Cordelia could not help feeling her heart ache for him. She knew he must not have told her how much pressure he had been under to face those nitpicking board members and how much patience he needed to deal with the fussy designers.

He was always her superman. No matter what happened, he kept her behind him, well-protected.

Cordelia bit her lips and asked softly, "Have you got the surveillance recording?"

Zephyr's gaze dimmed, and he pulled his phone out.

There was only a clip. A man in a cap could clearly be seen sneaking in and out of the venue like a thief.

"I've found the person." Zephyr snickered. "He was leaving the country when I found him."

"From Aunt Hannah?" Cordelia guessed it right away.

Zephyr wrapped an arm around her shoulder and patted it twice.

"Don't worry. I'll settle the score with her," he said seriously. "But not now."

"Mm, I understand." Cordelia pressed her lips together. "It's a critical time for the launch. We aren't given much time. Let's go through this first and talk about the rest later."

Zephyr smiled at her. It was wonderful having an intelligent wife. He did not have to waste much energy talking to her as she was well aware of what was at stake.

"But there's no way we have enough time to remake the dresses when they're damaged to this level," he said. "These haute couture clothes are hand-sewn, and thoughts have been put into the fabrics used. One piece takes two to three months to complete."

Cordelia frowned and was in deep thought.

She called for a discussion with the designers in the afternoon to figure out a feasible solution, but these designers were eccentric.

Nothing fruitful came out despite the entire afternoon.

Cordelia was frustrated, and the meeting room was stuffy. She went out to get some air and saw Trinity walking over. The latter knew she was busy and worried about her, so she came right after her course. "Cordelia, how's the discussion going?"

Cordelia shook her head glumly.

Trinity hugged her and was going to comfort her when she saw her eyes trained on the lucky charm in front of her chest.

"This is..."

"Oh." Trinity chuckled embarrassedly. "Fredric said I can wear the lucky charm on my neck, so I put it on."

The lucky charm's embroidery was excellent, and the luxurious peony was gilded in gold. It oozed an exquisite taste. Cordelia's eyes lit up, and she grinned.

"I know it... I know what to do with the holes!"

Chapter 707

Chapter 707

Trinity was shocked and quickly put a hand around Cordelia. "Don't get too excited. Careful of the baby!"

Cordelia beamed and returned to the meeting room to discuss the design changes with the designers.

The area of damage on the skirts was not big. Some alteration and the blend of cultural elements might produce an unexpected result. The designers agreed, and their eyes lit up with wonder when the design was completed.

The elegance and enigma of cultural elements made the dresses stand out even more.

"The draft looks great!" said one of the designers. "But it might be difficult to execute it."

The meeting room went silent.

The other designers nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, all our dresses are hand-sewn. This part is no exception."

"To embroider in cultural elements here, the idea is great, but we don't know how to. Will it be in time if we learn now?"

Cordelia's brows locked in place.

The area of damage had to be embroidered and sewn. The added pattern had to blend in with the surrounding fabric without giving away any flaws. It was truly a challenge.

It was not just that they did not know how to embroider. They might not be able to find an excellent craftsman in the whole Melorian. Even if they could learn, it would take too long.

Cordelia was silent for a long time, considering if she should get people in from Centrolis. Suddenly, a thought flashed in her mind. She recalled Neil saying that Aurelia had tried to sell him a jacket when they first met.

Neil's comment was: "Cordelia, you have no idea how well she sewed the jacket! The stitches are so neat that I was almost tricked! Hah, I really believe in the word 'seamless' now!"

Neil had grown up in a wealthy family and had come across countless gems. Her craftwork must be impressive for him to have said that.

Cordelia smiled.

Her cousin had asked "She's just leaving like this?" so coldly back when the girl left the hospital. This time, she would give him a chance to get her back.

Neil stood at the familiar junction once more. A few steps forward would bring him into the infamous slums of Melorian, which were filthy and disorderly.

There were groups of thugs and homeless people, as well as menacing fugitives and drug dealers mixed among them.

Neil frowned.

Although he lived a life of luxury, the place did not intimidate him, but he was genuinely repulsed by it.

It was really unexpected that such a pretty and delicate flower could bloom out of this tainted soil. It was then easy to understand why the police officer had said that Aurelia looked familiar in the hospital the other day. Her beauty stood out too much in such an environment.

Neil recomposed himself and continued forward, subjected to weird stares along the way. Some of the gazes were not just weird-they were vicious.

He was discomforted and pulled his collar higher, hastening his pace with a scowl.

Someone darted out from the side, and a hand hooked over his arm. A warm and soft body collided with him.

When he looked down, he was met with beautiful, sparkling eyes.

"Are you okay? Why are you here dressed like this!?" Aurelia grabbed him and looked around before whispering, "Come with me!"

Neil had no choice but to run along as he was pulled.

Aurelia only let go of him when they made a turn to a quiet corner, and she glared at him like she was looking at a monster.

Chapter 708

Chapter 708

"You've got some guts to be roaming the streets like this, huh? Do you know you're like a big juicy steak to those people? They could rip even your underwear off you with your outfit!" Neil paused and could not help chuckling.

"Is it so serious?"

Aurelia looked dead serious. "Isn't Fredric's encounter enough for you to keep your guard up?"

"But it was nighttime when that happened to him—"

"Uncle." The girl crossed her arms in front of herself. "Nobody cares if it's day or night when they commit crimes on this street!"

"What!?" Neil was in disbelief.

He was not shocked about the crimes, but the term of address she had chosen-"uncle"!

Uncle!?

What did she address Fredric? Fredric!

What? Did he look so old to her that she had to call him uncle?

Neil's gaze darkened significantly as he tightened his fists.

Aurelia observed his expression carefully and noted that he seemed upset. True, it would be weird if he was happy when an affluent man like him was in the slums!

She scratched her head and asked softly, "Uncle, are you here for me today? Fredric's okay, right?

"I... I know that I was in the wrong. I shouldn't have kept him in the basement for days, but I've saved his life at least. You won't insist on blaming me, right?

"Uncle..." Aurelia pouted, looking pitiful. "I really have no money if you want compensation from me... But I can work if you want. I can do anything. Just as long as you don't report me to the police. I... If I get deported, I really don't know where to go!"

Neil was scowling in silence.

Aurelia's heart lurched. Sh*t! She had found the man odd in the hospital the other day. He looked rich and was always acting high and mighty, incredibly hating people like her.

He would not really do anything to her now, would he?

"Uncle..." she tugged his sleeve as she called softly, "Uncle? A-Are you listening to me?"

Neil turned to her slowly, dark clouds gathering in his eyes with a storm brewing.

Uncle, uncle, uncle! Was this girl done!?

He was a popular celebrity back in the country-an award-winning actor and one of the best-looking faces acknowledged in showbiz! Why did everything change here?

He could take it that he had lost Trinity to Fredric, but to lose to him in terms of address? It felt like an insult!

Aurelia jolted when she met his death glare. Her sixth sense was telling her that something was not right. She blinked, and her heart was thumping rapidly. She thought it was better to avoid this explosive man first.

Hence, she bit her lips and backed off slowly. Neil grabbed her by the back of her neck as she was about to turn and flee!

The tall actor had long limbs, and Aurelia was petite. She was thoroughly defenseless in front of the muscular man. "Hey, you... let me go! Let go! Let's talk about this!"

She flailed like a kitten and was pulled to Neil swiftly, crashing into the muscular and warm chest again.

It was just that the face was far colder than the chest... Neil's absolute advantage in height felt pressuring.

Aurelia looked at him silently and shrank a little in his arms, not daring to move. She winced. "Uh... what is it?"

Neil scoffed and dragged her out of the alley by her arm to shove her into the car without any word.

Chapter 709

Chapter 709

Cordelia stood outside the hotel room, worried about what was happening inside.

This was Neil's VIP suite, and Aurelia had been inside for two days.

Neil had not entered the bedroom these two days and would only move around in the living room. The bedroom door was tightly shut-he had locked Aurelia inside.

He had bodyguards guarding the door and would go out leisurely every day. If he was free, he would sit on the couch in the living room and prop his long legs on the table, swishing a glass of wine. His eyes would be on the bedroom door as he wore a triumphant smile.

Cordelia heard from the bodyguards that Neil had only said two things the day he caught Aurelia back.

The first sentence was: "Get in!"

He then tossed all the dresses and design drafts to her and said the second sentence: "Don't think about eating if you don't finish embroidering them!"

Cordelia chuckled. Of course, she knew Neil would not starve Aurelia, but she was curious why he was this angry. He was quite composed and friendly to his fans. Why was he losing control when it came to Aurelia?

"Oh, Cordelia, you're here?" It was only then that Neil noticed that she was pacing at the door and urged her to come in and sit.

Knowing she was far along and had more things she could not eat or drink, he poured her a glass of warm water.

Cordelia accepted it with a smile and looked at the bedroom.

"She..."

"Don't worry." Neil was confident. "She works fast. One more day, and it's done!"

He waved, and the bodyguard fetched a few completed pieces from the closet.

Cordelia's eyes lit up. There were really people so good with their hands in this world!

"See? Not bad, right?" Neil said softly, "There's nothing good about the girl, but her handiwork is pretty good. There are several seamstresses, the greatest in their expertise, back home in Southeast Aciatic, bu I don't think they can compare to her at all!"

Cordelia looked at the dresses and said with a smile, "It's certainly amazing when she can get your compliments!"

Talent was simply impressive. Most people were born at the same starting line, but some people were already standing at the finishing line when they were born-like Aurelia.

It was just that... Did he have to rush her like this? The launch was next week, and there was surely enough time, given her skill.

"Let her take a break." Cordelia was worried. "It's been two days."

Neil scoffed. "You think she really doesn't sleep when she gets to work? I think she takes good care of herself. She might even be snoring inside right now!"

Cordelia frowned. "Goodness, what kind of grudge do you hold against her? She's a young girl, and there's such a huge load of work. How do you want her to process it? And you even locked her inside. You're really..."

"Alright, fine. I'll go take a look!" Neil chuckled weakly.

The door handle to the bedroom turned, and Cordelia and Neil were surprised.

When the door opened, Aurelia carried out the last dresses with a bright grin and deep dark eye circles.

"Done, I've completed it!" She cheered. "I-"

Before she finished her sentence, her vision blacked out, and she slumped down against the doorframe.

Aurelia felt like she had a very long dream. In her dream, the patterns she embroidered turned into big clusters of flowers that surrounded her, making her feel warm and happy.

Growing up, this was her happiest day. If only she could stay in this flowery place forever...

Aurelia giggled and suddenly heard a voice, faint like it came from the sky.

"What's the matter? What is it? Why are you laughing!?"

Chapter 710

Chapter 710

Aurelia frowned. She wanted to open her eyes but was reluctant to do so.

Neil's handsome face was scrunched up in worry, and he would pat her face seeing she did not react.

However, the doctor stopped him. "Sir, she's simply too tired and needs rest. Let her sleep well, and she'll be fine when she wakes up."

"Sleep? She's been asleep for 12 hours!" Neil checked his watch anxiously. "She won't lose her mind from too much sleep, will she?"

The doctor chuckled dryly and turned to leave.

Neil vented his anger at the bodyguards at the door.

"Why are you all standing here? Don't you know to get another doctor!?"

"Mr. Harris, well..." The bodyguards were rendered speechless too.

That doctor was already the fifth one, and each one had said the same thing.

Aurelia had not slept or rested for two full days. Of course, she needed sufficient sleep.

It was something so normal, but why was Neil so nervous?

For self-preservation, though, the bodyguards pretended to go off to get another doctor.

Neil closed the door with a slam and sat back down beside Aurelia.

The girl's dark eye circles were still apparent, but she looked fine otherwise. Her face was radiant like the peach blossoms in spring, and she looked like Sleeping Beauty just lying there with her eyes closed.

Neil looked at her and sighed. He had asked her to sew the dresses and said that she could not eat or sleep before she was done and she actually followed suit. She had worked through two days, and all the patterns on the dresses were impeccable.

Then this was how exhausted she made herself.

Why was she so obedient? Was she really silly?

Neil regretted it and blamed himself. Why was he even so petty about a term of address with a young girl?

That was unbecoming of him!

He took a deep breath and could not help but stretch a hand over to pat her chestnut hair.

Her hair was lustrous and beautiful. It was soft and smooth, and it felt like he was petting a cat.

Neil could not help petting some more, and the corners of his lips curled into a smile he did not notice.

"What..." Aurelia stretched and slowly opened her eyes.

Neil pulled back his hand like he was zapped and coughed.

When they met eyes, he feigned disdain. "I asked you to embroider the dresses, and you really didn't sleep? Have you thought the project would be delayed if you fell sick before the dresses were done?" Aurelia was stunned. The blanket covered half of her face as she shrank. She felt wronged. She had been under the impression that her hard work would earn his praise.

She had been obedient, had listened well, and had given it her best. It was all because... this was his task for her.

Neil looked at her. The girl's eyes were cast down, and her hands gripped the edge of the blanket.

He softened down abruptly and cleared his throat. "Hmm... But your embroidery is really beautiful. Even the head designers complimented them. My cousin's launch is saved, thanks to you." Aurelia's eyes lit up, and she giggled while burying her face into the blanket.

Neil looked at her. "So, I should reward you. What do you want?"

Aurelia licked her lips. Her voice was soft and light. "Anything?"

"Mm."

"Then..." She grinned. "I want a full meal! The meals you had them bring me every day when I embroidered the clothes!"