Chapter 55
<Chapter> Chapter Fifty-Five: A Field in Bloom </Chapter>
Mitchell furrowed his brow, "Come on, that won't do. I’ll get in touch with some specialists from abroad to examine you."
"There's no need. I'll seek help if I feel it’s necessary," Felix retorted with icy resolve.
Mitchell exhaled a heavy sigh, "All right, fine."
Raymond tapped Mitchell on the shoulder, giving Felix a supportive look, "Just remember, if there's anything we can do to help, let us know anytime."
"Sure."
"There's one more thing we came for," Mitchell added.
Felix raised an eyebrow, "What’s that?"
"Uriah's here too, just outside the villa. He's too ashamed to face you after what happened at the resort last time."
When Uriah was mentioned, Felix's face tightened with a cold disdain. "Tell him to leave. I won’t meet with him until he breaks up with Jasmine."
"But Felix, we've been brothers for so long. Why let a woman come between us? Uriah is just blinded by love right now. Once he snaps out of it, he'll surely cut ties with Jasmine!" Mitchell interjected, desperate to mend fences.
"Yeah, I assure you the Astors won't be welcome in our family. Don't let Jasmine ruin our bond," Mitchell pressed with urgency.
The chill in Felix's eyes deepened, an intimidating aura surrounding him, "No need to argue, I'm not seeing him."
Seeing that Felix was immovable, the two men left with resignation.
Uriah, waiting outside, realized from their grim expressions that Felix was still unwilling to forgive.
He mustered a forced smile and reassured them, "Felix is still hot under the collar, and he's not in a great place after that car accident. I get it. I'll swing by when he's cooled down a bit."
Mitchell nodded. "Sure thing, you head on back. Ray and I have a meeting to catch up. We'll try talking some sense into Felix later."
"All right."
Uriah left, and Mitchell's expression instantly fell, his fingers raking through his hair in frustration.
"Ray, you know how stubborn Felix can be. If he says he won't see Uriah, that's final. And from the looks of it, Uriah isn't about to break it off with Jasmine anytime soon."
Raymond was quiet for a moment before speaking softly, "The crux of the issue is Gianna. If she forgives Uriah, Felix will likely soften."
Mitchell's face showed a flicker of surprise. "Are you sure? I would think convincing Bella would be more effective, considering how obvious Felix's fondness for her is."
Raymond's gaze darkened, his voice lowering, "If Felix really had such strong feelings for Bella, why is it Gianna caring for him now, not Bella?"
After a moment of silence, Mitchell found himself agreeing.
"If you've fallen for Gianna, Ray, we'll have to stay on her good side from here on out."
Raymond felt a bitter twinge in his heart— whether or not she ended up with Felix, Ray was out of the running.
He closed his eyes briefly and nodded, "All right, tell Uriah to apologize to Gianna with Jasmine in tow."
"Got it!"
Mitchell, oblivious to his friend's discomfort, chipped in, "Let's get a move on. The sooner we wrap up the meeting, the sooner we can hit the hay."
After they'd gone, Felix retreated to his bedroom.
Gianna was reading a book. Hearing him, she put it down and looked his way.
"Did Aidan and Raymond leave?"
"Yeah."
She stood up, her demeanor composed, "I’ll tidy up the living room."
As she passed by Felix, he suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Uriah was here today."
Gianna frowned, puzzled – Uriah’s visit had nothing to do with her, did it?
"Let go of me."
Felix remained unmoving, his deep, intense gaze fixed on hers, his voice measured, "He came to apologize about the Resort project, but I refused to see him."
Gianna’s impatience grew, "Whether or not you see him is none of my concern. Let go!"
"I'm sorry for misunderstanding you that time," Felix said earnestly.
Gianna almost laughed at the gravity in Felix's expression. It seemed like he had been apologizing non-stop ever since she asked for a divorce.
Is it really that hard to make things right?
"Felix, I've told you before, I'm over that incident. There’s no need to apologize anymore."
But his words only ignited a sudden anger within him.
"Are you over the incident, or are you over me?" Felix demanded.
Gianna withdrew her hand, her gaze cold. "What's the difference? You were the one who told me not to harbor any illusions about you. I’ve done just that. What else is there for you to be dissatisfied with?"
Felix's fists clenched tightly, his face turning ominously dark. "Stop saying things that can be misunderstood. I don't want to play these ambiguous games with you!"
With that, Gianna turned on her heel and walked away.
Back in the living room, she sat restlessly on the couch, mulling over the need to find a way to hasten Felix's recovery. The faster he healed, the sooner she could finalize the divorce.
The following day, Gianna barely stepped out of the building when she was met by Uriah and Jasmine waiting by the entrance of MY FASHION.
Their earlier arrogance from the time at the Resort had vanished, replaced by looks of repentance on their faces—though the genuineness of their remorse was questionable.
"Miss Redstone, Jasmine, and I came to apologize about the Resort incident. I didn't know the truth, and I wronged you. I am truly sorry," Uriah spoke first, his voice filled with regret.
Before Gianna could respond, Jasmine, with a similar look of contrition, added, "Miss Redstone, I shouldn’t have plotted against you and slandered you afterward. I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive me."
Gianna regarded them coolly, her face expressionless. "Save your apologies. I won't forgive you."
It caught Jasmine off guard. Despite her demeaning herself, Gianna remained unforgiving.
Just as Bella had said, Gianna is petty and spiteful!
"Miss Redstone, I truly realize my mistake. I'll do anything if you can just forgive me," Jasmine pleaded, her eyes searching for any sign of softening.
Gianna’s eyebrows arched, her lips curving into an inscrutable smile. "Would you really do anything?"
Jasmine’s heart skipped a beat, sensing a trap. But with her apology already out in the open, she had no choice but to nod.
After all, prior to this encounter, Uriah had made it clear that without a proper apology, their relationship would be over.
After a hard-won tug-of-war to claim Uriah from Faith's side, the last thing she wanted was to let him slip away.
Gianna's smile deepened at the corners. "Fine, then. Break up with Uriah."
As soon as the words dropped, the atmosphere shifted dramatically, with both parties bearing decidedly sour expressions.
Uriah's eyes turned icy. "Gianna, I get that you're ticked off about the whole Faith situation, but breaking up with Jasmine is off the table. Pick another condition!"
Gianna's once-amused face grew cold as she fixed a piercing look on them. "You come to me seeking forgiveness, and when I table my terms, you fuss and haggle? Doesn't seem like you're all that sincere. So save the act—it's nauseating."
Turning abruptly, she marched away. However, after only a few steps, Jasmine couldn't restrain herself. "Gianna, not only will I not break up with Uriah, but we're going to get married! Tell Faith she'll never have Uriah back!"
Gianna threw back a chilling laugh, her gaze slicing through them. "Wishful thinking. Faith never once plotted to steal Uriah from you. It's simply your delusion as the 'other woman' basking in unwarranted glory that I can't stand."
Jasmine clenched her teeth. "Haven't you heard? In love, the one who isn't loved is the real 'other woman.' Both Faith and you are just runners-up to me and Belle!"
"Jasmine!"
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