Chapter 550 It's Worth More Than Gold
Brooklyn stepped out of the car, her mind racing as she adjusted to the chilly night air.
She had to think fast. She couldn't let Sebastian see her like this.
Twisting to change clothes in the back seat, she sat down and tidied up her hair, letting her long black curls cascade down to her waist. She then opened a small bag, took out some lipstick, and applied it.
The lipstick's crimson hue instantly brightened her complexion, making her look more vibrant.
Glimpsing at her reflection in the light of her phone, Brooklyn was quite satisfied with her facial appearance."Okay, Brooklyn, you got this," she muttered to herself, trying to muster some confidence.
Afterward, she pushed open the back seat door, feeling a gust of wind as Brooklyn suddenly felt a chill run down her legs.
She glanced down at the short, lace-trimmed dress that barely covered her thighs. "This is a disaster."
She was taller than Kelly by a notch, the skirt now falling below the thighs, simply tantalizing with a hint of allure, sparking vivid imaginings.
Brooklyn bit her lip, preparing to return to the backseat for a change when the phone rang again.
She braced herself, "Darling, where are you?"
"I've arrived. Turn on the taillights, I'll find your car."
Brooklyn pressed her hand against the hem of her skirt, then looked back, "So soon?"
Sebastian's car pulled up beside her, and he rolled down the window, flashing a charming smile.
"I don't want you to wait impatiently," the voice dripped with affection.
Brooklyn swallowed nervously, her current attire was not as refined as the vintage long skirt she had just discarded!
But there was no time to change now.
Sitting in the driver's seat, Brooklyn held her phone and glanced down at her skirt.
It was almost as if she were deliberately trying to tempt him.
Sebastian's black Rolls-Royce arrogantly parked next to her small car, his tall figure shining in the moonlight, reflecting the glow of the streetlights, exuding an innate nobility.
Seeing the radiant Sebastian outside the car window, Brooklyn felt even more inadequate.
Sebastian's long fingers lightly tapped on the car window, prompting Brookly's head inside to lift.
Rolling down the window, Brooklyn smiled at him and said, "You're here."
Sebastian nodded, "Come down, get in my car."
Brooklyn chuckled, "You go first, I'll be there in a moment."
Sebastian furrowed his brows slightly, "What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable?"
"No! You go up first."
"Honey, come down quickly."
Unable to resist Sebastian, Brooklyn had to push open the car door, revealing her two fair and slender legs under the man's gaze.
The sight was enchanting, with her well-proportioned legs adorned with pink lace trim, making his blood boil with excitement.
Sebastian shifted his gaze from her legs to her eyes. "Honey, is this the benefit of picking you up?"
Blushing with her hands on the hem of her skirt, Brooklyn retorted, "How about it? Is this benefit good enough?"
Sebastian nodded in satisfaction, encircling her waist with one hand, "It's good, but honey, how many people have you given this benefit to today?"
Provoking him intentionally, Brooklyn pondered earnestly, "The mall was bustling with people coming and going, I can't recall how many exactly. How about you pull up the surveillance footage to review?"
Sebastian lowered his gaze and noticed the tag still intact on the back of her neck, yet he chose not to unravel her lie. "I am magnanimous, I won't fret over such trivial matters."
As he spoke, he escorted Brooklyn to the passenger seat, "I've arranged for your car to be sent for repairs. Let's head home first."
Brooklyn nodded and suddenly remembered the shopping spoils Kelly had left in the car.
Her dress was not suitable to get out, so she had to ask Sebastian, "There are items in the back seat, could you bring them into the car?"
Sebastian nodded and turned to retrieve the items, opening the back door.
A slight relaxation of his features gave away his unspoken surprise.
Brooklyn rarely indulged in shopping, but had unexpectedly embarked on a major spree. It was truly a rare sight.
But when he saw the soft pink, rosy, and light purple hues inside the shopping bags, he once again denied his initial judgment; these items were not hers.
Brooklyn couldn't help but chuckle when she saw Sebastian approaching with shopping bags in hand.
Sebastian, who was always surrounded by people wherever he went, truly surprised her today.
Once he had completed these tasks, Sebastian pushed the door and got into the car. The Sebastian, still carrying the night breeze on him, was immediately enveloped in a fresh aroma.
Brooklyn tilted her head and gazed at him. "Thank you."
Sebastian started the engine, his gaze inadvertently shifting to Brooklyn's slender and almost fully exposed beautiful legs. His throat tightened involuntarily, "Honry, about this dress. Can I ask, what were you thinking?"
Brooklyn pressed her delicate fingers against the hem of her skirt. "Don't you like it?"
"I love whatever you wear."
Brooklyn sighed. "Kelly's clothes. I had to change in a hurry, and this was the only thing that fit."
Sebastian laughed. "Well, you make it work. But if you're uncomfortable, we can swing by your place and get you something else."
Brooklyn shook her head. "No, it's fine. Let's just go."
As they drove off, Brooklyn couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and relief. At least Sebastian was understanding. She glanced over at him, grateful for his easygoing nature.
Brooklyn looked out the windshield, changing the subject, "I'm hungry."
Sebastian's warm breath pressed against her, his gaze teasing, "I'm hungry too."
Brooklyn pretended not to understand. "Is there food at home?"
"I'll have them prepare it now."
"Okay."
Since they had servants, it was rare for Sebastian to cook, which Brooklyn found regrettable.
Halfway home, Sebastian suddenly pulled over.
Brooklyn was puzzled, "What's wrong?"
Sebastian took off his suit jacket, which carried his warmth and a hint of tequila, and draped it over Brooklyn's legs. "For safety, the driver needs to stay focused."
Brooklyn held back a laugh, covering her legs with his jacket, "The driver lacks self-control!"
"No man can resist beauty, honey. Men can't handle temptation."
Brooklyn decided not to discuss this further.
When they arrived at the villa, Brooklyn got out, and Sebastian tied his jacket around her waist, covering her legs.
"All the servants are women. What are you worried about?"
Sebastian held her hand, "Worried you'll charm everyone."
Brooklyn couldn't hold back, "Sebastian, I never knew you had such a humorous side."
They entered, and the servants had already prepared dinner.
Brooklyn, still wearing Sebastian's jacket, went upstairs to change.
The servant asked, "Anything else, sir?"
"No, you can go."
"Yes, sir."
Brooklyn felt much more comfortable in her clothes. She vowed never to challenge Kelly's skirts again!
At the dinner table.
Brooklyn, in a better mood, asked, "What did you do with Brandon today?"
Sebastian, chewing his food, replied, "Work stuff, had to handle something."
"Oh? I thought you never worked on weekends. What changed today?"
Sebastian served her some soup, "Went to the Turner Group, then the Mitchell Group."
"The Turner Group? They're not doing well. Are you investing in them? Sebastian, the Turner Group is a bottomless pit. Don't get involved. Their stock has been low for a while. Don't be impulsive."
Brooklyn's heart raced with worry.
Sebastian listened patiently, "You're right. I won't get involved with the Turner Group."
"Good!"
"But you might have to manage the Turner Group soon. I'm planning to buy it through the Mitchell Group, in your name. You'll be the largest shareholder."
Brooklyn's eyes widened, "What? The Turner Group? It's one of Aucester's top companies. You're giving it to me? The Mitchell Group is small!"
Sebastian smiled, "The Turner Group's value isn't what you remember. You won't have to worry about management. Brandon, Bianca, and Peregrine will be your team. And don't forget, you have a strategist."
Brooklyn eyed him, "You?"
"Don't like your strategist?"
"It's not that. I can't afford you!"
Sebastian sipped his soup, "My fees are high, but you're an exception. Ms. Wilson gave you such a great outfit. If you need me, use your charm. It's worth more than gold."
Brooklyn rubbed her temples. With Sebastian's success, he had extra energy to focus on her.
"Honey, your smooth-talking skills have improved! Any tips?"
Sebastian finished his meal, wiping his mouth elegantly, "Want to know? I'll tell you tonight."
"I don't want to learn!"
Brooklyn hurried to finish her meal, planning to shower and sleep quickly, avoiding any chance for Sebastian to act up.
"I'm full. Going to shower and sleep. I'm tired."
After dinner, Brooklyn dashed upstairs, leaving a graceful silhouette for Sebastian.
Sebastian chuckled heartily, leisurely making his way upstairs, "You are in such a hurry; you must be eager to cooperate."
The next morning, Brooklyn was awakened by the sound of her phone ringing. She opened her eyes and saw it was only five o'clock.
Groggily, she answered, "Who is it?"
On the other end, Kelly chirped, "Hey, are you up yet?"
Brooklyn moved the phone away from her ear, squinting, "Kelly, it's five in the morning. Since when did you become so disciplined? I'm still sleeping."
Kelly laughed, "Alright, I know. My phone and wallet are both in the shopping bags. Did you see them?"
After recalling for a moment, Brooklyn replied, "They should be in there; everything is in the car. I'll bring them to you at work today."
"Please take them to the hospital, I will meet you there. Also, bring my precious belongings back. Thank you!" Kelly said.
Brooklyn, still half-asleep, mumbled, "Be more reliable when you go out. And how was your date with Jake yesterday? You ditched me for a handsome dinner date, leaving me hungry and exhausted."
Kelly giggled, "The dinner was alright!"
"So, are you serious about Jake? Are you thinking about marriage or just a casual date?"
"Oh, it's too early to say. But, Brooklyn, you have a good eye for assistants!"
Brooklyn laughed, "Calling me so early, clearly you're too excited to sleep. Don't worry, I'll help you."
"Alright! Remember to bring my stuff to the hospital. I'll meet you there!"
"And see Jake?"
"You know it!"
Brooklyn hung up and yawned. Before she could fully wake up, Sebastian's arm wrapped around her neck, "Dear, Ms. Wilson seems to have disrupted a harmonious atmosphere."
Brooklyn slapped his hand away. "She's finally found someone she wants to be serious with. I need to help her."
"I'm afraid she might not be able to handle Jake. Tell her to be cautious."
"Jake is just a bit cold. He's great in other aspects. Are you being too judgmental? You don't know him well. He's my assistant, and I know how to judge."
Sebastian turned over, "Jake doesn't seem simple. Better be careful."
Brooklyn, now fully awake thanks to Kelly, got out of bed.
"I'm going for a morning workout. You can keep sleeping."
Sebastian reached out again, but his arms were empty. She had left.
After breakfast, Brooklyn grabbed the keys to her usual car, "Just have the repair shop send the car back when it's fixed. I probably won't use it much anymore."
Sebastian put on his suit jacket, "Take my car to the hospital. Everything's in there. It'll be more convenient."
Brooklyn nodded, "Alright, here you go."
She handed her car keys to Sebastian and took the Rolls-Royce keys. They went to the garage together, driving out one after the other.
Sebastian's car was comfortable, with great performance, stability, and speed. It attracted a lot of attention on the road, a stark contrast to yesterday's car.
Most importantly, he had driven it yesterday, and the seat still carried his familiar and romantic scent, making her feel relaxed.
After parking at the hospital, Brooklyn ran into Benedict and Arabella in the hallway. Arabella was pestering Benedict with professional questions.
"Dr. Harrington, tell me more! I'm interested in medicine. Why don't you take me as your apprentice?"
Benedict clicked his tongue, "You? No way. Brooklyn is enough for me. I don't need anyone else!"
His response was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Alright, alright! I'll treat you to a beggar's chicken for lunch! I know a place that makes it well. Keep telling me about heart disease! Deal?"
Benedict rubbed his mouth. "Let me think about it."
As they chatted, Benedict saw Brooklyn and hurried over, "Morning, Brooklyn! Let me see. Hmm, rosy cheeks, fair skin, good spirits. Tell me, has your endocrine disorder improved?"
Brooklyn quickly glanced around the hallway, "Shh! Stop talking nonsense!"
Benedict's eyes twinkled, "Brooklyn, let me tell you, this season is perfect for having a baby. Next year will be the best! Babies born now are the smartest! I've prepared some medicine for you. You must take it."
Arabella squeezed between them, laughing, "Dr. Harrington, why are you pushing Brooklyn to have a baby? She's not just any woman; she's a goddess!"
"Go away! Do you want to learn medicine or not?"
"I do!"
"Then hurry up and let Brooklyn have a baby for me to play with."
Arabella, "Dr. Harrington, you're quite cunning!"
Brooklyn decided not to waste time with them and headed to her office.
After checking the rooms and seeing Sofia, Brooklyn received a call from Kelly.
"Brooklyn, I'm at the hospital entrance, but it's Monday, and there are too many patients. I can't find a parking spot."
Brooklyn checked the time, "Find a place outside. I'll bring your stuff to you."
"But I want to see you!"
"I'll make sure you see who you want to see!"
After hanging up, Brooklyn called Jake in.
"Jake, take my car keys and bring the stuff to Kelly outside. She's at the hospital entrance."
Jake hesitated for a few seconds, "Dr. Mitchell, I'm your assistant, not your secretary."
"For me, assistants need to do some necessary tasks. I'm not asking."
Jake took her car keys, noticing the Rolls-Royce logo. He remembered it was Sebastian's car.
Jake went to the underground parking lot, opened the luxury car door, and saw the shopping bags inside.
He opened the front door and fiddled with the dashboard for a few minutes before closing the door.
Carrying the shopping bags, he walked out of the parking lot.
Brooklyn watched from the window as Jake carried the bags to the hospital entrance, feeling relieved.
She hoped Kelly, who always had a playful heart, would seriously date and eventually marry this time!
In the afternoon, Brooklyn guided Arabella and Jake through a surgery, finishing around seven in the evening.
Leaving the operating room, Brooklyn rubbed her sore neck. "Arabella, you did great today. You'll become an excellent surgeon. Jake, your skills are mature. Next time, I think you can lead the surgery. I'll guide you."
Brooklyn spoke, but Jake seemed distracted, not responding, "Jake?"
Jake suddenly snapped out of it, "What?"
"Nothing, you might be tired."
Brooklyn checked the time, "Okay, it's past normal working hours. Everyone, go home and rest. We have another surgery to conquer tomorrow!"
Arabella gave her a big hug. "Brooklyn, I'm going on a date!"
Arabella was in love?
Brooklyn changed into casual clothes and shoes, grabbed her bag, and left the office.
Turning around, she saw Jake still there. "Why aren't you leaving?"
Jake slowly organized his items, "Nothing to do at home. I'll check the wards."
"Oh? Alright, rest early."
Brandon stood at Bianca's office door, knocking, "Boss lady, time to clock out."
No response from inside.
"Mr. Hernandez, Ms. Gomez left after the meeting at three and hasn't returned."
The workaholic left early? No way!
Brandon called Bianca, but no answer.
In his memory, Bianca had never left early. For her to leave without any explanation, something must be up.
Brandon checked the company directory for Bianca's address.
Grabbing his car keys, he headed to the elevator.
Bianca lived close to the company for convenience. Brandon's car reached her apartment complex in less than fifteen minutes.
Getting out, he saw a flower shop at the entrance and picked the largest bouquet of red roses, ninety-nine in total, making a huge bundle.
Whistling, Brandon leisurely took the elevator.
Bianca lived on the 28th floor of a high-end apartment. The elevator ride took less than half a minute, and Brandon was at her door.
The one-apartment-per-floor layout suited Bianca's preference for privacy.
Brandon rang the doorbell several times, but there was no response. He knocked, still no answer.
"Not home?"
Talking to himself, Brandon called Bianca's phone.
No answer.
Brandon looked at the roses in his arms, feeling disappointed. He called out a few times, "Bianca? Are you home?"
He knocked on the door, "Bianca?"
No response.
Brandon felt dejected. His first time buying flowers for a woman and delivering them personally, only to be greeted by a closed door!
This was frustrating!
Suddenly, loud noises came from inside! Brandon was startled!
Someone was inside!
"Bianca! Bianca! Open the door!"
Brandon pounded on the door, but the double-layer security door didn't budge.
Brandon found the property manager, showing all his credentials, "I'm her boyfriend. Please help me open the door!"
Brandon swore his heart had never raced this fast.
The property manager was cooperative, taking Brandon's credentials as evidence and accompanying him upstairs.
The door opened, and a strong smell of alcohol hit Brandon, making his eyes sting. The alcohol smell was stronger than any nightclub or bar!
The pungent odor made him rub his nose.
A mess of bottles littered the living room, ruining the neat space.
No one was in the living room, but several bottles were smashed.
"Bianca? Bianca?"
Brandon searched the living room and bedroom but didn't find Bianca.
"Bianca!"
He opened the bathroom door, and the roses fell to the floor!
"Bianca!"
Brandon rushed into the bathroom, shouting, "No!"
Bianca stared at Brandon with empty eyes, wearing a white dress, barefoot.
Her pale face was expressionless, holding a knife pointed at her throat.
"Bianca, put the knife down! Put it down!"
Brandon cautiously approached, afraid to upset her.
He opened his arms, slowly moving closer.
Bianca looked at him with silent despair, her eyes red but tearless.
She laughed sorrowfully.
"I've waited for this day for a long time, a long time."