Chapter 20
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Cecilia’s studio in her villa was finally completed. That evening, her first guest arrived as scheduled.
Simon stepped out of a Rolls–Royce, seemingly just coming from some social event. He wore a formal black suit, a silver brooch pinned to it, his short black hair slicked back, and his handsome face carried an aloof, indifferent air.
However, Simon’s eyes and smile were warm. “Ms. Jordan, this is my first time visiting your studio. I brought a gift.”
The driver from the Hall family unloaded several potted hydrangeas from the back of the truck.
“When I saw the photo of your studio, I noticed there were no flowers in the garden yet. I hope these flowers can brighten your mood while you work,” Simon explained with a smile.
Cecilia was momentarily stunned, then delighted. “These hydrangeas are beautiful. This is such a unique gift, thank you.”
The driver moved the flowers into the villa’s backyard, and Simon had even brought along the gardener from the Hall family to plant them. It was quite thoughtful of him.
Cecilia led Simon through the studio, where there were still some pieces she was practicing carving.
“Ms. Jordan, you’ve already started preparing?” Simon picked up a stone carved with flying birds and gently ran his finger over it. “Looks like my early reservation was a wise choice.”
“As an unknown designer, it’s an honor that my second piece is being collected by the Hall family,” Cecilia said with a smile. Besides Jacqueline, Simon was one of the few who had recognized her talent.
“What kind of piece do you want, Mr. Hall?” Cecilia asked.
“October is my grandfather’s 80th birthday, and I want to prepare a gift that he would love,” Simon said while showing her an image of a famous painting on his phone.
“My grandfather loves this style. Do you think this painting could be made into a sculpture?” Simon asked.
Cecilia examined the image carefully. “Turning this painting into a sculpture would require a very large piece of material, and the carving process must be flawless, or the entire piece will be ruined.”
She felt it was a challenging task, and her expression became serious. “Mr. Hall, are you testing me?”
“I will prepare all the materials,” Simon said, his gaze soft as he looked at her. His tone was firm. “I believe in your ability to complete this carving.”
Cecilia took a deep breath, focusing on the painting. After a moment of careful consideration, she replied, “This sculpture is indeed challenging, but since you believe in me, I won’t let you down.”
“Ms. Jordan, if you can accept my proposal, I’m looking forward to it,” Simon said, his smile gentle.
Cecilia knew that being a designer wasn’t easy. It was something she had once given up on but now needed to actively
pursue.
“I’ll prepare for this project well,” she said, noticing Simon holding the flying bird stone carving. “Do you like this? If you do, I’ll give it to you.”
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“I’ll accept it,” Simon replied, genuinely liking the lifelike carving.
At this point, the gardener finished planting all the hydrangeas in the yard. Looking out of the studio’s large window, the vibrant flowers outside were a beautiful sight. “Thank you for the flowers, Mr. Hall. I really like them,” Cecilia said, gazing out the window.
“It’s my honor,” Simon replied, though his gaze was solely focused on her. The view outside seemed to hold no interest for him.
As evening approached, Simon checked the time and stood up. “It’s getting late, I should go now. I won’t disturb you any longer.”
“Alright, once I finish the design sketches, I’ll send them to you,” Cecilia responded.
“Feel free to contact me anytime,” Simon said as he left.
***
After Simon left, Cecilia quickly tidied up the studio and went out to throw away the trash. However, she noticed the striking Rolls–Royce still parked outside. Confused, she walked up and knocked on the back window.
The window rolled down. Simon was leaning back in his seat, his face slightly furrowed, looking unwell.
“Mr. Hall, are you feeling sick?” Cecilia asked with concern.
“I’ve been busy with work lately, haven’t rested well, and I have a slight headache,” Simon replied, his tone weary.
Simon had placed the stone carving she gave him on the back seat, next to a bottle of painkillers.
Cecilia recognized the medication. “Painkillers shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach, they can be harsh on your stomach. Have you eaten yet?”
Simon paused. “No.”
The driver in the front seat looked puzzled, as Simon had just come from a banquet where he must have eaten.
“Do
you back?”
need to take the medicine now?” Cecilia asked Simon before turning to the driver. “How long will it take to get
“It’ll take about an hour to get to the Hall family’s residence,” the driver answered, finally understanding why Simon hadn’t instructed him to drive. He was waiting to be noticed by Cecilia.
Seeing Simon’s clear discomfort, Cecilia suggested, “Mr. Hall, if you don’t mind, why not come inside and have something to eat first?”
The light inside the car was dim, and Simon’s face was partially hidden in the shadows, he managed a brief smile. “Alright, then. Thank you, Ms. Jordan.”
Simon got out of the car and followed her back to the villa.
“The headache really can be unbearable. Let me make you some croissants. I make really good croissants,” Cecilia offered as she entered the kitchen. “Mr. Hall, do you have any dietary restrictions?”
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“Everything is fine,” Simon replied, frowning as he endured the headache. His gaze scanned the surroundings before settling
back on her.
The villa’s decor was warm. In the soft light, Cecilia tied on an apron and skillfully made two plates of croissants, which she brought to the dining table.
“Ms. Jordan, you cook very efficiently,” Simon complimented.
“It’s a professional habit. I always make the most of my time. But I’m also learning to slow down now,” Cecilia responded.
Simon expressed his gratitude and took a bite of the croissant. The taste was delicious and truly satisfying. “Ms. Jordan, your cooking is wonderful. This is really good.”
It was clear that he truly enjoyed the food, finishing it all.
Afterwards, Cecilia stood up to clear the dishes. Simon tried to help, but she stopped him. “Mr. Hall, you’re a guest. Please rest for ten minutes before taking your medicine.”
“Alright,” Simon said.
At that moment, the sound of a keypad lock opening echoed from outside. Simon raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Ms. Jordan, do you live with someone?”
“It’s my best friend,” Cecilia replied, just as Chloe walked in, carrying several bags.
“Cecilia, there’s a party at a bar tonight. I’ve got a beautiful outfit ready, let’s go check out some handsome guys, Chloe began, but stopped when she noticed a man sitting in the living room.
all types…”
Chloe hadn’t fully recognized Simon yet, but the elegance of his aura caught her attention. “Well, I didn’t expect you to be with a man. Very charming.”
N
Cecilia rushed over to try to stop Chloe’s careless words. “Take a closer look. Don’t you recognize him?”
“Now that you mention it, he does seem familiar,” Chloe said, still walking toward Simon with confusion.
Simon squinted slightly and glanced at the black lace dress Chloe was holding. “We’ve met before,” Simon said, introducing himself and getting straight to the point. “Miss Norris, you’re Mr. Grant’s ex–wife.”
Immediately, Chloe’s expression went blank. “So it’s you, Mr. Hall.” Without another word, she turned and walked out, still holding the dress. “I’ll go out and have fun, darling. Bye.”
“Take care,” Cecilia sighed as she watched Chloe leave.
“Ms. Jordan, did I say something wrong?” Simon asked, feigning confusion.
“No, it’s fine,” Cecilia replied, heading to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water. “Mr. Hall, take your medicine and make
sure to rest.”
“Thank you for dinner,” Simon said with a smile, secretly relieved that he had stopped Cecilia from going to the bar to meet
men.
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Chapter 21
