Chapter 213: Brushing Past
Two years later, Jacquar Airport.
Emerging from the terminal in my trusty flats, suitcase in tow, I was immediately engulfed in Elissa's embrace.
"Hope, you superstar designer, you finally decided to make your grand return?" she teased, giving me a playful squeeze.
"Are you trying to strangle me?" I quipped, making a wry face. "I missed you, so I had to come back."
Actually, we stayed connected, with Elissa visiting me in Fantasia Federation whenever her schedule allowed, and our last rendezvous had been just a short two weeks ago.
As we drove home, Elissa glanced over from the driver's seat. "After your car accident, Christopher lost it. He was ready to tear Jacquar apart and drain the lakes to find you.”
I chuckled softly. "You've told me that a million times."
Elissa sighed, "I can’t help but harp on it. Christopher and Cecil kept it under wraps—hardly anyone knows you were in an accident."
To the world, except for Elissa and Cecil, it appeared as if I was still with Christopher, living the charmed life as Mrs. Valence.
Not long after Jerry's accident, Avery had returned to the Hammer Group, waging a battle for power against Carlos, safeguarding her legacy and that of Molly and Jerry.
Gazing out at the bustling traffic, I noticed that Jacquar remained as lively and chaotic as ever.
The RF Group's influence had only grown. While they had ceased their vendetta against the Harris family, they had unequivocally barred Kimberly from interfering in family matters, threatening continued suppression otherwise.
Meanwhile, a formidable new entity had emerged in Maple Valley, rising to business prominence in just two years, even the mighty RF Group was cautious of provoking it.
And yet, in those two years, I’d somehow cheated death.
Catching me lost in thought, Elissa nudged me with a grin. "Why so light on luggage? Surely not all your awards can fit in one suitcase!"
I laughed. "I'm lazy. Just brought some personal clothes. The rest are being shipped."
Elissa's curiosity was piqued. "How did Dave Coleman let you come back this time?"
Dave Coleman, an eminent genius in the design world, was revered by all. Even Cecil had trained under his wing during his three years in Fantasia Federation. But I was privileged to be his sole protégé.
With a smile, I replied, "He said he’s taught me all he could. The rest is up to me."
These past two years had been a whirlwind of honing my design skills, clinching nearly every major industry award, and basking in the triumphs on the international stage, all thanks to Dave's mentorship.
Keith and his team had taken over the online design work, leaving me to the final reviews. ElevateJoy had soared to new heights, becoming a coveted brand.
The new home, purchased last year with Elissa's help and designed in a classical style to my tastes, was ideally located near ElevateJoy with a prime spot on the top floor, offering tranquility and a spacious terrace.
As we entered, Elissa beamed. "So, what do you think? Happy with it?"
I smiled back. "I trust you to get things right."
She had sent me a video post-renovation and post-cleaning, and it had looked perfect.
Drained from the long flight and jet lag, I tossed my suitcase aside and sank into the plush sofa. "This sofa is heaven."
"Well, you’ve got the budget now. I wouldn't dare buy you anything less than perfect," Elissa bantered before pausing, her tone turning serious. "Any news about Jerry?"
I shook my head with a resigned calm. "None."
Part of my decision to stay in Fantasia Federation was to change my scenery, but I was also searching for Jerry. Despite leveraging my growing network, I had come up empty-handed. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.
Elissa couldn't contain her concern. "Maybe it's time to stop. If he were alive, he would’ve found you by now."
Forcing a smile, I brushed it off. "We'll see what happens."
Jerry had searched for me for over twenty years. I had only just begun.
"Stubborn as always." Elissa scolded lightly, then swiftly changed the topic. "So, what's your plan now that you're back?"
"Didn't you say you got me a big order in the entertainment industry?" I inquired.
"Yes, guess who it is?"
"The latest trending actress?"
Elissa shook her head. "No, no, think bigger."
"Bigger?"
"Madison Ortiz!"
I was stunned for a moment. "Elissa, you have connections in that circle now?"
Madison Ortiz, one of the entertainment world's enduring icons, had risen to fame over two decades ago. Rumors about her influential background swirled, but despite the public's curiosity, no concrete information ever surfaced. Whether this was misdirection or sheer brilliance in secrecy, no one knew.
A few years ago, she transitioned in front of the camera to behind it, maintaining her powerful hold on the industry. Every public appearance she made spurred massive buzz and admiration.
"This isn't my connection." Elissa laughed. "She saw the dress you showcased at last month's fashion week and fell in love. Her agent reached out to see if we could squeeze her into a private custom slot."
To prevent burnout, we limited the number of exclusive custom designs to two per month, using an anonymous international design alias. No one outside our circle knew Hope Royston was still the creative force behind ElevateJoy.
Elissa playfully tapped my forehead. "Do you still see yourself as the Hope Royston from two years ago? Now, every celebrity worth their salt is queuing up for our designs, all eager to steal the spotlight on the red carpet."
I teased her back, "What about Madison?"
"She's leagues above the average starlet. We absolutely can't afford a misstep with her." Elissa quickly shifted the conversation again. "But really, what’s your plan now that you're back? I can’t believe you returned just for this."
I propped my elbow on the sofa, resting my head on my hand. "When I left two years ago, I was a wreck. There's a lot I still need to deal with."
Back then, survival had been my primary concern, which meant unfinished business, including the grievances with the Harris family and the distribution issues between ElevateJoy and the RF Group.
Elissa's brow furrowed in earnest question. "So, what's your first move?"
I pursed my lips in contemplation. "One step at a time. Madison’s appointment is the day after tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, she's coming to Jacquar to see her daughter," Elissa confirned.
Madison, now pushing fifty, had only recently revealed last year that she had a daughter, much to the envy and awe of her fans.
I stood and grabbed a bottle of mineral water from the fridge. "Then I'll head to Maple Valley now to see Claire."
Elissa looked concerned. "Don't you want to adjust to the time difference first?"
"I slept on the plane. I’m good," I assured her.
"Alright then." Elissa conceded, tossing me a set of Audi car keys. "Your new ride. I picked it up yesterday."
Stepping outside, I admired the sleek new Audi RS7. Jacquar's midsummer heat hit me like a furnace, prompting me to crank up the air conditioning as soon as I was inside.
When I arrived at Maple Valley, I drove straight to the nursing home.
Thanks to extensive medical care, Claire had regained consciousness shortly after I arrived in Fantasia Federation, although she still struggled with cognitive issues akin to Alzheimer's.
I hurried inside the nursing home, brushing past a group of bodyguards escorting a man in a wheelchair. The man, head bowed and shaded by sunglasses, exuded an air of cold detachment and ill-temperament.
When I entered the room, the caregiver saw me and was pleasantly surprised."Ms. Royston, you're back?"
Cecil had ensured Claire would be in good hands, someone trustworthy.
I smiled. "Yes, I just arrived today. Where's Claire?"
"Claire is resting in her room. Mr. Hammer visited her this afternoon. They talked for a while until she fell asleep. He just left. Didn't you see him?"
"Mr. Hammer!" I exclaimed, scanning the doorway. "Was he with the bodyguards?"
She nodded. "Yes, did you see them?"
I didn't answer. Instead, I bolted for the exit.
Outside, a black Bentley Continental was just closing its door, the remaining bodyguards filing into the car behind it.
"Jerry Hammer!"
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