Chapter 139 A Mysterious Guest
Chelsea's face showed signs of fatigue after vomiting, but her heart was warm as she now possessed a secret weapon.
In the distance, Nathaniel, accompanied by Aurelia, greeted guests at the celebration. He was surprised to see a mysterious figure attending the Heilbronn Group's event.
Joe Semona was a renowned real estate tycoon in Coral Bay, known not only for his properties but also for his astute business acumen. Under his management, Evergreen Properties Inc., once a medium-sized company, had dominated the market within five years.
In wealthy circles, it was said, "Joe in the south, Nathaniel in the north," indicating that both men were not to be trifled with.
It was unclear why this important figure was present in Imperick and on the Heilbronn Group's yacht. Joe Semona's face often graced financial magazines, unfamiliar to many but immediately recognized by Nathaniel, who grew up in the circle.
Nathaniel hadn't personally invited this guest, and despite not knowing the purpose of Joe's visit, he couldn't afford to be disrespectful to the visitor.
He took another glass of wine and walked over with Aurelia.
"I wasn't expecting Mr. Semona to grace us with your presence. My apologies for any oversight," Nathaniel said.
Joe raised his glass and lightly touched Nathaniel's, his gaze deep and carrying a hint of imperceptible displeasure when looking at Nathaniel.
"The Heilbronn Group has made quite a stir, hosting a celebration after the press conference. I happened to be in Imperick and thought I'd join the festivities," Joe replied.
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, then resumed his usual indifferent expression. "Mr. Semona should have informed me in advance. I'll have my assistant arrange the best suite for you."
Joe retorted bluntly, "That would be much appreciated. Now is not too late."
Since Nathaniel meant what he said, he wouldn't hesitate to offer Joe the best suite. The yacht belonged to the Heilbronn Group and was one of the largest in the country, with plenty of rooms available.
He called Zack to make the arrangements.
Joe's gaze softened as it fell on Aurelia beside Nathaniel. "Mrs. Heilbronn, I've seen your work, and it's very impressive. Mr. Heilbronn is a lucky man. Having a wife like you, he should cherish it."
Nathaniel's brow furrowed slightly. He disliked others discussing his private life, and being confronted about it now stirred some displeasure within him.
"Of course," Nathaniel replied curtly.
Joe suddenly smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "What do you consider as cherishing, Mr. Heilbronn?"
"Every couple has their way of getting along. These things are known only to the individuals involved. As for how to cherish, there's no standard answer. Mr. Semona, are you so concerned about my personal affairs?" Nathaniel responded.
Joe took a sip of his drink. "Not really. It's just my first time meeting Mrs. Heilbronn, and seeing her work made an impression on me."
Nathaniel's displeasure reached its peak. This man was specifically interested in Aurelia. He gripped Aurelia's hand. "Mr. Semona, I saw the headlines about you last month. When you go home, make sure to explain things to Mrs. Semona properly. Misunderstandings can easily arise, and Nowadays, women are very good at manipulating situations. Making mistakes after a drink is inevitable."
Nathaniel spoke in a playboy tone, referring to Joe's recent scandal with a popular celebrity in the entertainment industry. Since Joe himself was already embroiled in rumors, he should not have time to worry about others.
Joe chuckled dryly. "What's true can't be faked; what's fake can't be made true. But Mr. Heilbronn, be careful not to play with fire. Women nowadays are cunning. While you may desire their bodies, they may only seek your status. They won't hesitate to try anything to haunt you, even ignoring the money you offered. Don't end up losing everything and get such a good wife into trouble."
After his words, Joe's gaze returned to Aurelia, making Nathaniel uncomfortable. He positioned Aurelia behind him, shielding her from that unwelcome gaze.
"Mr. Semona, you should handle your own affairs first. When women get ruthless, they're capable of anything. Don't push Mrs. Semona too far," Nathaniel retorted.
Aurelia stood by, feeling awkward at the escalating tension between the two men. She couldn't understand why they were engaging in psychological manipulation against each other. She wondered where things had gone wrong.
At that moment, Zack approached with a room key. "Mr. Semona, here's the key to the suite on the second floor. If you need anything, feel free to call the front desk, and they'll assist you promptly."
Nathaniel took the room key before Joe and asked sternly, "Mr. Semona is my esteemed guest. He should be accommodated in the top-level suite!"
Zack hesitated for a moment. There were only two high-end suites on the top floor—Nathaniel occupied one, and the other had a broken water pipe that morning, rendering it unusable for bathing or even using the toilet, which required using the public restroom in the hallway.
Did he hear correctly? Was Nathaniel suggesting that the esteemed guest be accommodated in the room without water?
Zack looked puzzled for a moment but quickly understood. After years of working with Nathaniel, they had developed a certain understanding.
Zack immediately corrected himself, "My apologies for my poor memory. There is another vacant suite on the top floor. I completely forgot. Mr. Semona and Mr. Heilbronn, please continue your conversation. I'll go arrange it now."
Nathaniel finished his drink, took Aurelia's hand, and said, "Mr. Semona, please make yourself comfortable. I'll take my wife to greet other guests."
Joe nodded, watching Nathaniel and Aurelia walk away, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.
Once they were alone in a quiet spot, Nathaniel asked, "Do you know Joe?"
Aurelia hesitated for a moment. "Is his name is Joe? I don't know him."
Nathaniel didn't think she was lying; her expression would not be so relaxed when she lied, making it easy to tell. However, he was convinced that Joe had come for her.
"Think carefully. Have you met Joe before and forgotten, or have you had any interactions with him?" Nathaniel inquired.
Aurelia glared at him, wondering why he was being so suspicious. "I really don't know him!"
Her tone carried a hint of impatience.
Seeing her firm stance, Nathaniel didn't press further.
"Nathaniel, I finally found you." As they stood in silence, a voice interrupted them, with which Aurelia was way too familiar. When she heard Chelsea call out to Nathaniel, her muscles tensed, and her heart felt constricted.
Nathaniel turned around and saw Chelsea and Ashley approaching, holding hands.
"Nathaniel," Chelsea called out again, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him, full of light.
It had been a few days since Nathaniel last saw Chelsea. Seeing her looking thinner, he felt a pang of sympathy.
He had seen the attacks against her online, but with work keeping him busy, he couldn't assist her much except to advise her to stay indoors and off the internet.
"Chelsea, what do you need from me?" Nathaniel asked.
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