Chapter 540
No.1
The leaf and the sun’s ray created a heart when joined.
Sun and moon. “You and me through day and night.”
How dare he call it a family heirloom? It was an award-winning international design. A limited edition—only nine available worldwide!
Ward off evil? It was just jade.
She tried to unclasp it. It didn’t budge. “You can’t remove it. It’s a lock design.” Isabella glared.
She knew the designer of ELVNX was stubborn. Of course she knew.
The flagship necklace couldn’t be taken off once worn. It needed special tools to remove. Unlike OHLY, her own brand.
ELVNX stood for tacky romance and mutual destruction. Those who wore it were seen as loyal lovers.
He had known her for such a short time. And he gave her an ELVNX.
No.2
Bang!
The carriage plunged downward. The shaking intensified.
The violent motion threw them against each other, breathless.
Isabella lunged to shield Oliver, who was still asleep. The move threw her off balance.
She and the child tumbled to the floor.
Isabella squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact.
But she never hit the ground.
Strong arms caught her, cushioning her fall.
She landed squarely against a warm, solid chest.
No.3
A pained grunt echoed beneath her.
Nathaniel.
Her eyes fluttered open to find him sprawled beneath her, his body taking the brunt of their crash.
A crimson stain was already blooming across his shoulder, seeping through his white shirt.
"Are you hurt?" Her voice was tight as she scrambled up, Oliver clutched safely in her arms. A thread of panic she didn't recognize laced her words.
He managed a weak, pained smirk. "You're worried about me."
"Stop being ridiculous, Nathaniel! This isn't a joke!" She shot him a sharp look, her heart hammering.
"Just a scratch from the glass. It's nothing." He pushed himself up, wincing slightly, trying to downplay it for her.
Her eyes scanned his back. A shallow cut, but thankfully, nothing more serious. The rest of him seemed intact.
No.4
This Ferris wheel was a death trap. She needed to call for help immediately.
As she fumbled for her phone, the massive structure shuddered and then, inexplicably, the machinery groaned back to life.
The ride resumed its slow, creaking rotation.
What incredible timing.
"See? It's okay now. Don't be afraid." Nathaniel's voice was low, a soothing balm. He mistook her stunned silence for terror.
A warmth radiated from his tone, gentle and reassuring.
He couldn't help the flicker of satisfaction seeing her concern for him.
Oliver peeked out from her embrace, a tiny, secret smile playing on his lips. Yes! Isabella likes Nathaniel a little more now!
Finally, the ride shuddered to a complete stop at the platform.
No.5
"That's enough for today. You need to go home and tend to that wound," Isabella stated firmly, carrying Oliver out of the carriage.
"It's truly nothing. A simple bandage will suffice," Nathaniel murmured, brushing it off.
He wasn't about to let this rare opportunity slip away. This was his chance.
Isabella grimaced. "Nathaniel, be serious..."
"Then do it for Oliver. You know how much he adores you. And so do I." His words hit her with unexpected force, making her chest feel strangely full.
"Oliver needs his mommy! Oliver doesn't want to leave mommy!" The little boy's eyes instantly welled up with big, fat tears. His lower lip trembled dramatically.
"If mommy leaves Oliver... mommy might leave forever..." He looked utterly heartbroken, on the verge of a full-blown sob.
The sight wrenched her heart. How could she say no to this precious five-year-old?
"Don't cry, sweetheart. I like you very much. I'll definitely find another time to play with you, okay?" She forced the comforting words out, her resolve crumbling.
No.6
"Really? Pinky promise, mommy!" Oliver's tears vanished, replaced by a brilliant, hopeful smile as he eagerly locked his tiny pinky with hers.
What had she just done?
She had intended for this to be the final goodbye. But now, bound by a promise to Oliver, there would inevitably be a next time.
Nothing was going according to her plan.
Fine. Just this one time. She would ensure there would be no further opportunities after this.
Nathaniel and Oliver exchanged triumphant smiles. A sweet victory indeed!
Not only had he successfully given her his token of affection, but he had also secured a second date. Perfect!
Isabella was driven home with the necklace still resting around her neck. She had completely forgotten it was there.
Meanwhile, Victoria did not return home after leaving Guci Tower. Instead, she drove directly to SilverPeak Entertainment.
No.7
SilverPeak Entertainment was the world's largest entertainment conglomerate. It boasted an immense roster of A-list celebrities, singers, and supermodels. Every major artist was signed to SilverPeak or one of its subsidiaries. The company possessed the finest resources and the most talented personnel, including its PR general manager, Genevieve Beaumont.
Genevieve was a master of public relations and crisis management. She once transformed a notoriously rude celebrity, famous for her arrogance and constant boasting, into a beloved 'Savage Queen' adored by the public.
Another case involved a clumsy model with no runway skills. Genevieve rebranded her as the 'Aces Holder'. The model learned to weaponize her tears, manipulating public sympathy. Despite some backlash, her global fame skyrocketed.
“Only Genevieve can handle this. Give this to her,” instructed Gabriella, handing a meticulously wrapped gift to Victoria.
“Understood.” Victoria took the present and entered the lavish office.
“Victoria! This is a surprise. I thought you avoided this place unless absolutely necessary?” Genevieve greeted her with a sharp, amused laugh. Her presence was clearly unexpected.
Genevieve had advised a period of silence and strategic work to rebuild her image.
“I did listen to you. I attended the Guci Magazine shoot today. It was a disaster,” Victoria stated, placing the expensive gift on the desk.
It was an enormous red lipstick box containing 999 tubes of high-end lipstick. The collection included numerous top brands, some valued in the six figures.