billion book
Chapter 51
Chapter 51
Aurelia was swamped. Who had time for WhatsApp?
This was her time to shine, her moment to glow in the limelight.
From the onset of the design process, she anticipated some would try to trip her up, so she cunningly
divided her new line into two collections: one called ‘Mystery‘, and the other ‘Secret‘.
‘Mystery‘ was public knowledge within the company, but ‘Secret‘ was known only to her and her
confidantes, Jenny and Darcy. The samples were handcrafted by them in a secluded workshop, away
from prying eyes. Even Leopold, the big boss, was kept in the dark.
Arnold strolled in, standing out in the crowd, watching her bathe in the spotlight, radiant and dazzling.
Aurelia spotted him and, after the final photo was snapped, she descended the catwalk.
“Arno, you made it!”
He offered a charming smile, gentle as a summer’s breeze, “You were absolutely radiant today!”
Aurelia beamed, revealing a row of pearly whites, “I have you to thank for that. Your amazing ad
campaign really put me and my designs on the map.”
“All credit to your hard work, Aurelia. True talent always shines.”
His encouraging words filled her with a sense of pride, her confidence soaring, “How about I treat you
to dinner tomorrow?”
Arnold stroked his chin, a mischievous grin playing on his lips, “How about when we get back home,
you cook instead? I’d love to try your cooking.”
Aurelia, taken aback, twirled a strand of hair around her finger. She was a bit flustered. Her culinary
skills were questionable.
“I’m not exactly a gourmet chef.”
He reached out, gently patting her head, “Doesn’t matter. Whatever you make, I’ll love.”
“Well, okay then,” Aurelia responded with a sheepish smile. She made a ment*l note to brush up on her
cooking skills. She didn’t want to embarrass herself.
That’s when Kevin entered the picture.
Leopold had just called, demanding he escort Aurelia back to the hotel immediately. An urgent
meeting! Aurelia was utterly baffled. What could be so important that she had to rush back? Could it be
a surprise commendation for her brilliant tactics? Was Leopold too impatient to hand her a bonus
check?
“Sorry, Arno, I have to go. There’s a meeting.”
Arnold gave a warm smile, “No problem. If you’re free tomorrow, I’d love to show you around the Seine,
and take you to the Louvre and Notre–Dame, just as you wanted.”
His kindness was like the sun on a spring day, filling her heart with warmth. If only Leopold could be so
gentle.
The sun was shining brightly outside.
But inside the penthouse suite, it felt like the dead of winter.
Leopold’s icy demeanor permeated every corner.
His mind was filled with images of that painting and the mechanical–legged rabbit. Aurelia’s voice
echoed in his ears, “He’s the only one who fits my criteria for a partner. I can let go if I have to. If he
doesn’t like me, I won’t waste my feelings.”
His fist clenched tightly, shattering the teacup in his hand. The shards cut his palm, blood seeping out
and staining the carpet.
Aurelia walked in at that moment, gasping at the sight of blood.
“Mr. Leopold, are you hurt?”
Kevin quickly fetched the first aid kit.
Aurelia thought he was going to dress Leopold’s wound, but instead he handed the kit to her, “The
hydrogen. peroxide and band–aids are in there. Thank you.”
Then he left.
She was dumbfounded!
Who was the assistant here? Wasn’t he worried about getting his pay docked?
She gritted her teeth, opening the first aid kit and taking out the hydrogen peroxide.
“This might sting a bit. Bear with me.”
Leopold remained silent, his gaze focused menacingly on his injured hand.
The cut was deep, and the blood continued to seep out.
She first rinsed the wound with hydrogen peroxide, then applied an iodine solution to sterilize it, finally
covering it with a large bandage.
Leopold remained silent throughout, his quiet intensity unnerving her.
“Boss, why did you rush me back here? What meeting is so important? Are you going to commend me
and give me a raise?”
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