Chapter 18
Scarlett frowned in confusion. “He’s a doctor. What kind of business could he have with you?”
“I don’t need to explain what’s happened these three years,” Damian said, turning away. “Just answer: are you going or not?”
His condescending tone irritated Scarlett, but after a moment’s silence, Nathaniel’s final desperate gaze flashed in her mind. She slowly closed the car door.
“Of course. Always nice to see an old acquaintance.”
She wanted to understand what Damian meant by “last chance,” but seeing his cold profile, she knew her questions would go unanswered. Instead, she turned
to the window, frustrated by her complete ignorance of everything that was happening.
The car soon arrived at the hotel. As they entered, Scarlett spotted someone at the entrance.
She froze after just one glance-it was Riley.
Seeing them, Riley smiled and approached. “Mr. Frost, my apologies for not greeting you sooner.”
Scarlett hesitated, confused as to why Riley would be here. Before she could speak, Riley asked, “And this is…?”
“My executive assistant,” Damian paused briefly. “Willow.”
Willow was the original owner’s name.
Riley smiled and extended her hand to Scarlett. “Miss Hart, pleased to meet you. I’m Nathaniel’s fiancée, Riley Jordan.”
Nathaniel?
Scarlett stared at Riley’s sweet smile, feeling strangely hollow.
Three years had passed, and Nathaniel had still chosen Riley.
she forced a slight smile and shook Riley’s hand. “Hello.”
After the introductions, Riley led them to a private dining room.
When the door opened, the hotel’s signature fragrance filled the air.
n the spacious room sat just one person, his back to the three of them.
Even without seeing his face, even with only his back visible, Scarlett instantly recognized him as Nathaniel.
he stared at him for a moment before he stood and turned around.
carlett rarely saw Nathaniel in suits. He had always said he disliked being constrained by formal wear, that ties felt like chains around his throat.
But she’d never told him how handsome he looked in a suit-tall and dignified like a resilient pine tree.
carlett’s chest tightened. Looking down, she noticed a watch on Nathaniel’s wrist that partially revealed a scar. Her heart jumped, recognizing it as the mark rom his suicide attempt.
he pressed her lips together tightly, a thousand thoughts rushing through her mind. She almost called out his name, but stopped herself.
ince Nathaniel had decided to marry Riley, there was no point in disturbing his life.
he sat down beside Damian. Both Nathaniel and Damian were naturally quiet, so Riley handled most of the business details.
When the final contract needed review, it was pushed to Scarlett.
kiley smiled. “Miss Hart, could you check if there’s anything amiss?”
Scarlett took the contract. This collaboration involved a jewelry exhibition. Everything seemed fine except…
Pink diamonds are certainly precious, but red diamonds hold greater value. Perhaps featuring this red diamond necklace as the centerpiece would be more Briking. While red diamonds made into necklaces are dazzling on the market, personally, I think they showcase their value better as ring settings…”
She paused, realizing she was overstepping. They were just partners; she couldn’t impose her design ideas on the client’s compan
About to apologize, she felt a chill down her spine.
Looking up, she found Nathaniel watching her, his cool gaze sweeping over her face as he said calmly, “Noted.”
Scarlett exhaled quietly, about to hand the contract to Damian when Nathaniel spoke again.
This exhibition requires a representative from the partner company to track progress.”
Scarlett’s heart tightened, a sense of foreboding washing over her. Sure enough, Nathaniel’s gaze slowly settled on her.
“She’ll do.”
