Chapter 187 Don't Look for Other Men
After teaching the little girl the agent brought, Aurelia dove into her new project. She got so caught up that she fell asleep at her desk.
When Nathaniel came back, he knocked for a while but got no answer, and his calls went unanswered.
After waiting helplessly outside for a few minutes, he attempted to enter by inputting the door lock code. He first tried her birthday, then his own, and finally their wedding anniversary. With a click, the lock gave way.
He shooed Zack away, stepped in, and kicked off his shoes.
The living room was quiet, and she wasn't in the bedroom.
The study light was on, so he headed there and stopped at the doorway.
Inside, Aurelia was sprawled on the desk, clutching a pencil. Her dark hair was gathered into a messy bun on top of her head, and she slept soundly.
The drawing on the paper was unfinished, but it looked like a bracelet.
Nathaniel squinted, reflecting on how she used to nap in his study often. He once thought her designs were peculiar, but now, knowing her true identity, he felt a pang of self-mockery.
He checked out her draft. Every line was casual, a stark contrast to the meticulous standards of the designers at his firm, who insisted on high-quality paper and even additional tools.
She just needed a pencil and sometimes even drew on napkins when inspiration hit.
Nathaniel gently took the pencil from her hand and then lifted her up. She felt heavier than before.
Aurelia woke up as soon as she felt herself being lifted.
The faint smell of alcohol mixed with his usual pine scent hit her.
"Why are you here again?" she asked.
Nathaniel paused, thinking, 'Again? Sounds like she doesn't want me there.
'I don't care. Whether she likes it or not, I'm staying the night.'
He gently put her in bed and covered her with a blanket.
Aurelia looked at him sleepily. Seeing his considerate behavior, she wondered if she was dreaming. It was unbelievable.
"Go to sleep. I need to use your study."
Nathaniel settled her in, turned off the light, and quietly left the room.
He had a day's worth of work and urgent documents to review. Otherwise, projects would be stuck.
He brought his laptop to her desk.
The desk was covered with her creative papers, many of which were discarded drafts.
As Nathaniel meticulously tidied up the desk, he felt a strange nostalgia. It was like stepping back in time, but with a bitter twist—back then, he had only criticized her work, never once appreciating her talent.
Now, with a closer look, he realized how ingenious her designs were. She could innovate on existing styles in ways he had never seen in his time in the industry. Once Swan's website unveiled her creations, they would undoubtedly spark a trend among major fashion brands.
She deserved to be a leader in the field.
While he was engrossed in his observations and tidying up, Aurelia was far from restful.
His sudden appearance had startled her awake.
After a few minutes of tossing and turning, she remembered that Nathaniel had mentioned needing the study and that her sketches were still scattered about. Realizing she hadn't tidied up yet, she threw off the covers and jumped out of bed, not bothering with her shoes as she hurried across the room barefoot.
"Um..."
Before she could finish, their eyes met from 10 feet away.
Nathaniel was holding a stack of design papers, carefully examining them.
Aurelia felt nervous for no reason, even though she hadn't signed her pen name on the papers.
Nathaniel noticed her bare feet and extended a hand.
"Come here," he said.
Aurelia, eyes slightly narrowed like a curious fox, obediently walked over.
He wrapped his long arm around her and sat her on his lap. "Aren't you sleepy?" he asked.
His warm breath on her neck made her a bit distracted. Trying to stay rational, she said, "I didn't put away my papers."
She didn't mention she was designing; she just called them "papers." She'd always been low-key, so no wonder he thought she was just doodling.
"I won't lose your things," he said.
Nathaniel held her with one arm and opened his laptop with the other. His gentleness made Aurelia wonder if she was dreaming.
He held her while reviewing documents, focused on his work, while her heart raced.
Time ticked by. After a while, Nathaniel suddenly said, "Aurelia, would you consider joining the Heilbron Group?"
Aurelia looked up and firmly replied, "I already resigned, and you approved it yourself."
The mention of her resignation made Nathaniel feel deep regret. After finishing his work, he closed the laptop, rested his chin on her shoulder, and said softly, with a hint of alcohol, "I regret it."
Aurelia shivered at his words and tried to get off his lap, but he pulled her back before her feet touched the ground.
"Aurelia, I'm serious. Can we sign another contract? You can set the terms. No matter how good Swan is, it's still someone else's company. If you come back to the Heilbron Group, we can build a business empire together. With Grandpa's favor, the company could be yours in the future."
He extended an invitation.
Aurelia was stunned, looking at him in disbelief, her mind racing with questions.
He mentioned Swan, and she wondered if he was drunk or if he had figured out her identity.
Nathaniel didn't wait for her response and continued, "I didn't appreciate your talent before. From now on, you can have full control of the design department at the Heilbron Group. I'll give you enough authority. And if you join, Grandpa will be happy too."
He used Reed as bait.
Aurelia was conflicted. Just today, she had signed a new agreement with Swan and was scheduled to report to Melicia Swan's headquarters in half a month.
She thought she probably couldn't leave now as Nathaniel seemed determined not to let her go.
Aurelia sneered, "Why would I want the Heilbron Group?"
She had never sought something that wasn't hers. From the beginning, all she wanted was him.
Nathaniel, having had some drinks, was more talkative and clingy than usual. He had completely shed his arrogant facade, leaning against her neck, his tone pleading, "Aurelia, please don't look for other men, okay?"
Thinking about the young men his grandfather had suggested for her made him grit his teeth in frustration. He just couldn't wrap his head around it—out of all those men, none of them measured up to him, either in looks or talent.
It drove him mad that, instead of dismissing the list outright, she had actually looked it over a few times.
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