Chapter 163
“Huh?!” I was so shocked that my face turned completely red from embarrassment.
Did I just make him stop whatever he was doing in the toilet to take my call? Oh my god, what had I done?
I slapped my forehead, trying to shake the image of what he might have been doing out of my mind.
“Did you need me for something?” Soren asked, likely sensing how embarrassed I was,
“Oh! Yes!” I quickly composed myself and put my hand down. “I just wanted to ask for your bank details. I’d like to return 9,500,000 dollars to help pay off some of my debt”
Soren was surprised. “Where did you get that much money?
“I sold all my shares in my father’s company for 8,000,000 dollars, and I have some savings left,” I replied.
“I wasn’t expecting you to gather that much money so quickly, to be honest.”
I giggled. “That company’s a ticking time bomb, so holding onto its shares was too risky. I figured I might as well get rid of them before anything happens,” I explained.
“Smart,” he remarked. “However, you don’t have to pay me back that quickly. I’m not strapped for cash right now.
11
“But I don’t need that much money for myself. My company’s doing well, largely thanks to your help. None of this would have been possible without you,” I said. “I should be able to return more once I get my year–end bonus.”
Soren chuckled, a hint of helplessness in his tone. “I feel like you’re trying to settle your debt just so you won’t have to see me again.”
“No, of course not! Never! I just feel uneasy owing you so much, especially such a large sum.‘
“You’re such an honest woman,” he praised.
I understood exactly what Soren meant. After all, many people went through life owing money without a second thought. Few would offer to repay their debts without being prompted.
“Alright then, I’ll send you the money once you give me your bank details,” I pressed.
“Okay.”
Usually, one would hang up after finishing a conversation. But that didn’t happen with us. It was as if we were in
sync.
Still, an awkward silence followed almost immediately.
“I’ll-”
“Oh! Didn’t you say that-”
I was just about to hang up when Soren spoke up, and we both fell silent once more.
This time, we both laughed, and I asked, “You were saying
11
“I just wanted to check if you’re free over the next few days. You mentioned the designs for my clothes are ready, right?” he asked. “I was hoping to wear them to the centennial, if you can finish them in time.
What?! My heart leaped with joy!
He actually wanted to wear the clothes 1 designed for the centennial! Oh my god!
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1 had to finish them on time no matter what. Even if it meant working overtime without food or water, I’d get it done!
“Yes, I’m free. In fact, I was about to call you. The prototype’s been ready for a few days, but I haven’t had the chance to schedule a fitting,” I replied, beaming.
“Haven’t you had a lot of orders to fulfill lately?” He sounded worried.
“I’m not handling all of them on my own. Once I’m done with Soleil’s dress, I’ll be working on yours.”
“But you still have a company to run…”
“I’ve got that covered. I recently hired a good manager, so now I’m mostly focused on my own work, aside from the occasional company matters.”
For example, I made sure I was keeping an eye on the latest seasonal trends. I couldn’t afford to ruin my brand’s image now, could I?
Soren laughed. “Sounds like you really do have it under control.”
Jumping with joy, I asked, “Well then! Are you free in the next few days? I’ll come find you.”
“It’s okay. I’ll drop by your studio tomorrow afternoon so you don’t have to run around so much,” he said.
