Chapter 40 This Scumbag Is for You.
Chelsea's words were clearly provocative, her eyes filled with arrogance.
Aurelia remained composed and replied, "I'm not into celebrities or gossip. The few male stars I know are already married. Your boyfriend isn't married, is he?"
Chelsea's complexion turned pale in an instant. Noticing her pale face, the onlookers swiftly wrapped up the conversation.
At the Joy Hotel, after Chelsea mentioned Nathaniel's name, they were escorted to the top floor.
The luxurious space covered over 1,100 square feet. Despite being reserved for the occasion, the presence of dozens of people livened up the atmosphere.
A variety of fine wines, cocktails, and delicacies adorned the venue.
The design department staff rarely experienced such upscale gatherings. Their birthdays were usually celebrated at regular restaurants or karaoke bars.
They held Chelsea in even higher regard, feeling a tinge of envy.
"Ms. Thompson, who is your boyfriend? He must be wealthy to book the entire top floor of Joy Hotel," someone inquired.
Chelsea, with a confident smile, replied, "He is rather wealthy. Make yourselves at home. We work together so that I won't give you any special treatment."
Amy, who was with Chelsea, noticed Aurelia sitting alone in a corner, eating fruit while others drank.
"Aurelia, why don't you go have a drink with Ms. Thompson? You are the first one she has mentored she would train at the Heilbronn Group. Chelsea shows you great care. Come join her for a drink promptly, "Amy said.
Others have joined in the clamor as well.
“We all know how rare it is to find someone to guide you when you start a new job," Amy said.
"Indeed. Aurelia, you must clink glasses with Ms. Thompson because she is your mentor. We are all corporate enslaved people, hence comprehending how rare it is to encounter someone who can guide you when you are just starting. If, when I commenced, I had the fortune of being steered by someone like Ms. Thompson, I could perhaps have ascended to the position of chief designer by now," Someone said.
Chelsea, with a smug look, glanced at Aurelia.
Just then, her phone rang.
After setting her glass down, Chelsea smiled faintly and said, "I will step out to meet my boyfriend. Make yourself at home."
With that, she took her phone and walked out.
Everyone eagerly awaited Chelsea's rumored boyfriend.
Aurelia sat in the corner, feeling a lump in her throat. She tried to eat, but the food seemed tasteless.
Soon, the sound of high heels approached. All eyes turned to the entrance, expecting to see the celebrity Chelsea had brought.
When they saw the man beside Chelsea, the room fell silent.
“Isn’t that Mr. Heilbronn?”
“Chelsea's boyfriend is actually Mr. Heilbronn?”
The colleagues who worked together every day realized that Chelsea's boyfriend was their boss. This news was far more sensational than Chelsea bringing along a male celebrity.
Everyone stood in stunned silence, struck speechless.
In the midst of their astonishment, they became increasingly reserved, mindful that their visitor was their employer.
They became cautious, afraid of saying the wrong thing and ruining their careers.
The atmosphere grew tense. Chelsea complained to Nathaniel. "My birthday has turned into a company gathering. They're all afraid of you."
In a short time, Chelsea changed into a simple yet elegant white dress and stood next to Nathaniel, who was wearing a white shirt. They looked like a well-matched couple.
Nathaniel remained expressionless, as if unimpressed by anything in the world.
Aurelia stole a glance at the door and felt a pang of disappointment.
She didn't expect Nathaniel to attend Chelsea's birthday party.
Aurelia knew that Nathaniel disliked such gatherings, especially when many women were chatting. His presence showed his genuine concern for Chelsea.
When one loves someone, he is willing to change his habits. So, it was not a big thing for Nathaniel to change his habits and attend a party for the woman he loved.
Chelsea had gone to great lengths to invite Aurelia, hoping to announce her relationship with Nathaniel in front of Aurelia.
Aurelia and Nathaniel have not yet divorced, but Chelsea and Nathaniel couldn't wait to announce their relationship in front of the Heilbronn Group's employees.
Wasn't this method a bit cruel?
Aurelia and Nathaniel had been married for three years, but Nathaniel didn't want Aurelia to tell anyone at the company that they were a couple. Now, he wanted to publicly announce his relationship with Chelsea in front of their colleagues.
Aurelia thought, 'Nathaniel, is it because of Chelsea's heart condition that you never stopped to break my heart?'
Aurelia's heart ached. She wished she hadn't come here, and she even regretted meeting Nathaniel.
Aurelia still remembered when she and Nathaniel registered their marriage. Reed held her hand and said, "Aurelia, don't be afraid. The Heilbronn family will be your home. He will be your support."
She had thought that home was a haven, but now it seemed that he caused all the storms.
Sensing someone's gaze, Aurelia looked up and met Nathaniel's eyes for a moment.
He stood with Chelsea in the center of the crowd, his expression indifferent.
Aurelia felt like she was just an ordinary employee in his company.
There was no other relationship between them.
What happened between them in the hotel a few days ago seemed to have nothing to do with Nathaniel.
On those fiery nights, he would whisper 'Aurelia' into her ears, a chant that seemed to belong in the realm of her dreams.
His most discernible trait was his distinction between desire and affection.
In this relationship, he kept himself ready to leave at any moment while she was completely trapped.
The person she had loved for three years had never had any feelings for her. His heart was only filled with thoughts of Chelsea.
Aurelia couldn't bear it anymore. She wanted to leave immediately. She was afraid that she would lose control of her emotions and start crying.
She grabbed her bag and quietly made her way out. Nothing was more embarrassing than this moment. She didn't want to greet anyone. She wished she could disappear without a sound.
But things often turned out differently from what she imagined.
Moreover, Chelsea had gone to great lengths to arrange this gathering, so how could she let Aurelia leave so easily?
As she approached the door, Chelsea's voice came from behind her. "Aurelia, I haven't cut my birthday cake yet. Have a piece before you go. You haven't eaten much or had a drink."
Her tone was filled with concern.
Aurelia turned around and saw everyone, including Nathaniel, looking at her.
In the center of the table was a five-tiered cake with twenty-three candles, presumably carefully prepared by him for Chelsea.
Nathaniel held the cake knife, ready to cut the cake.
"I'm not feeling well, so I'll leave first. Enjoy yourselves."
Aurelia left the room, took a deep breath, and pressed the elevator button.
She never expected Chelsea to follow her out.
"Are you leaving now? Don't you want this necklace anymore?"
Aurelia calmed herself down as much as possible.
"You've already achieved your goal. What else do you want?"
Aurelia thought, 'Chelsea, you just wanted to show off in front of me, right? Now that you've got what you want, you don’t have to keep me here to witness your affection, do you?'
Chelsea laughed, "It's nothing. I just want to invite you to have some cake. If you leave like this, I will feel mortified. Nathaniel buys this cake. Don't you want to try it?"
"You've already become the third party. Do you still care about your dignity?"
Chelsea seemed sensitive to the term 'third party.' She responded emotionally. "Who do you think you're calling a third party? Be clear with your words!"
"He's not here, so why are you pretending in front of me? Should I show you my marriage certificate? You're only fit to pick up the pieces after others. This promiscuous man is all yours. Remember to get a regular HPV screening at the hospital."
Aurelia raised her head, trying to suppress the anger in her heart.
She should taste the cake Nathaniel bought.
After all, Nathaniel had never bought one for her.
If it weren't for Chelsea's birthday, she might never have had the chance to taste it in her life.
Chelsea's face twisted with anger. If it weren't for the people behind her and her fear of ruining her image, she would have rushed over to hit Aurelia.
Right now, all Aurelia could think of was her mother Helen's necklace.
"Chelsea, can you give me back my mother's necklace first?"