Chapter 254 What Else Is There to Pick On
"Really, there's no need." Sebastian paused, "I have someone I like."
Alistair's eyes lit up immediately. "Really? Have you confessed? Why aren't you together yet?"
Sebastian was helpless; he knew he shouldn't have answered.
The four of them parted ways at the doorstep.
Sebastian went left, opened the door, and went inside, while the family of three went right. Bella smiled and thanked him. "you really went all out today."
"You're too kind. Getting your signed book today was a win for me."
Bella heard it and couldn't help but smile.
Camilla went to take a shower.
As usual, she tied her hair up and put on a shower cap to keep her hair dry.
However, when she reached back, she only felt the hair clip. She realized her hair was already up.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she shook her head hard, but the hair clip didn't budge. She thought, 'This hair-tying technique is impressive, but why can't I learn it? It doesn't make sense—so frustrating!'
Bella and Alistair finished washing up and were already lying in bed, talking with the light on.
Elmer's message came in at that moment: [Bella, congratulations! "Seven Days' Discourse" hit a new sales high today, and several film companies have contacted me about buying the adaptation rights. I just got a call from the publisher thirty minutes ago; our first batch of printed books is sold out, and the factory is working overnight to print more. Also, your second royalty payment has arrived; I'll transfer it to you shortly. I wanted to call, but since you might be resting, I thought a message would be better. I couldn't wait until tomorrow because I'm too excited!]
Bella read it and immediately hugged Alistair in joy. Before she could calm down, her phone chimed with a bank deposit alert: over $300,000! How long had it been since the last royalty payment? And this was just from book sales—more was expected from the adaptation rights according to Elmer.
"Honey, we're rich!"
At that moment, Alistair felt a lump in his throat and his eyes began to sting. "I'm sorry, Bella, I..."
"What do you want to say?" Bella's smile faded, "At such a happy moment, you're not going to get all sentimental and say something like 'I'm useless, and I couldn't give you and our daughter a good life,' are you?"
Alistair shook his head frantically. "Of course not! Am I that kind of person?"
"Then why are you apologizing?"
"I wanted to say, I'm sorry, but from now on, I'll be relying on you. I'm so happy! If Peter knew, he'd be so jealous, don't you think? Haha!"
Peter is Alistair's colleague, gardening buddy, and hydrangea-growing rival.
Far away in Starlight City, Peter kept sneezing. Could he be catching a cold?
Bella laughed. "You better not come at me with 'I earn less, I feel inferior, I'm irritable, I'm always right' nonsense. Only lousy men get jealous and feel inferior when their wives make money. Normal people would be thrilled!"
Alistair nodded vigorously. "Exactly!"
Only a fool would be jealous.
When the wife did well, the husband benefited too. What was there to feel inferior about?
They had said they would treat Simon to a meal to show their gratitude. With the book signing event successfully concluded, Bella found some free time and quickly had Camilla arrange it.
The location was set at a seafood restaurant. Near a bustling mall, with limited daily supply and sky-high prices, Camilla had to book the spot two days in advance. After all, Bella once said to choose the most expensive option when hosting. While price didn't represent everything, it at least showed a form of sincerity.
Sure enough, when Simon heard the restaurant's name, he raised an eyebrow but wasn't surprised. To show gratitude, the meal had to be valuable.
On Friday evening, Simon arrived ten minutes early, only to find that Camilla's family was already waiting in the private room.
Camilla had also invited Juniper, but she was too busy with work, having worked overtime for two consecutive days.
Camilla called Juniper again. "Are you really not coming? Simon will be there too."
Juniper rolled her eyes and huffed, "So what if he's there? Do I have to go just because he is?"
"Aren't you two a couple? After dinner, he can even drive you home."
"No need! I have a car! Besides, we're a fake couple, you know that, so stop teasing me!"
In the private room, Simon greeted them with a smile. "You guys are too kind. It was just a small favor; no need to treat me to dinner."
Alistair said with a smile, shaking his hand. "Thanks to you introducing Elmer to Camilla, we now have "Seven Days' Discourse.""
Bella also nodded with a smile.
Alistair and Bella were younger than Simon had imagined. Alistair, tall and scholarly, exuded elegance. Bella, in a green dress with her hair up, stood gracefully beside him, appearing to be in her thirties or forties at first glance.
They took their seats. Soon, the dishes were served.
Alistair had brought a good bottle of wine. After pouring it, he raised his glass to Simon. "I'll drink this first. Thank you for your help, Mr. Miller"
"No need." Simon quickly raised his glass, speaking humbly, "I'm the junior here; just call me Simon."
"Alright, Simon, I won't argue with you then."
"You're too kind; I should be the one toasting you." Simon, having mingled in the business world, had both emotional intelligence and manners.
The meal and drinks were enjoyable, a rare relaxed dinner for Simon.
After the first two glasses, Alistair simply said, "Drink in moderation; health comes first, and a little taste is just as good."
Simon was impressed by Alistair's scholarly demeanor, full of admiration.
It was said that people envied what they lacked. Simon might have struggled academically, so he had a soft spot for highly cultured individuals.
After the meal, Simon took out his car keys outside the restaurant.
Camilla guessed what he was about to say and waved her phone. "No need to go out of your way; I've already called a car, and it will be here soon."
Simon chuckled, watching them leave.
As the car drove away and disappeared, he sighed. "I really don't get it, what's not to like about such in-laws?"
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