Chapter 56
<Chapter>Chapter Fifty-Six: Good weather </Chapter>
Uriah's eyes burned with rage. Despite feeling provoked by Gianna's words, he had no intention of completely severing ties.
Jasmine looked at him with cold disappointment. "Uriah, I thought we'd be happy together. But ever since I've been with you, I've always felt slighted. I think I need to reevaluate our relationship!"
Watching her walk away, Uriah hesitated but ultimately did not follow.
"Miss Redstone, are you pleased now?" he asked with a cold stare.
Gianna looked at him without much interest. "Why should it matter to me? Ever heard of 'you reap what you sow'?"
If Uriah and Jasmine hadn't sought her out to flaunt their relationship, things wouldn't have spiraled like this.
However, Gianna, understanding the subtleties of feminine behavior, knew Jasmine's hasty exit was merely a play to get Uriah's attention, not a true desire to end things.
With those final words, Gianna turned on her heel and entered MY FASHION.
Over the next two weeks, Felix's wounds mostly healed, and he began working at Sirius Trading Syndicate.
Sensing the timing was ripe, Gianna reached out to her senior brother, Lauren, and they arranged to meet at a Western-style restaurant.
At 8 p.m., Gianna arrived on the dot.
Lauren greeted her with a smile.
"Long time no see, little sister," he said.
Gianna sat across from him, picking up the menu. "Are you treating tonight, big bro?"
He arched an eyebrow, "Go ahead, order anything you like—I can handle the bill."
Gianna didn't hold back, choosing her favorites before handing the menu to the waiter and turning towards Lauren.
"Thanks for splurging," she teased.
He chuckled, "I should be the one thanking you. If it wasn't for this dinner, I doubt you'd let things slide so easily."
Gianna let out a playful chuckle, a smirk on her face. "Good to know you're aware. If you dare gossip about my affairs to Master again, I've got a few interesting tales about you to share as well."
Lauren shook his head with a hint of resignation. "Master pressed me for details. You know how he is—out of all his disciples, he's always cared about you the most. He's definitely curious about how you're doing."
"Next time he asks, just tell him to come to me directly."
"That might just work."
Spotting the mirth in his eyes, Gianna rolled her own. "I'm planning to visit next week. Want to come along? I heard you haven't been back in three years."
"Yeah, I'll go. I probably wouldn't get a chance to visit Master otherwise, not without riding your coattails anyway."
She eyed him. "Plus, if Master really gets mad and decides to thrash me, you can at least try to hold him back a bit."
"You'd deserve it!"
Lauren couldn't help but revel in her predicament. "You never listened when Master warned you about treating Felix's leg, and now you're back for a second round. If Master doesn't have you kneel as penance for three days, I'm not a Lauren!"
Gianna was speechless.
Why wouldn't anyone give her a break?
"I was impulsive last time, but his injury this time... I'm partly to blame," she admitted.
Lauren frowned. "What happened?"
Gianna pressed her lips together. "Let's not dive into that. All that matters is that I'm going to heal his leg. Once he's better, we'll be even and go our separate ways."
Seeing her reluctance to elaborate, Lauren dropped the subject. "Are you planning to take him with you?"
She shook her head. "After his leg heals, there'll be no more connection between us. I don't want him to discover my true identity."
Originally, Gianna had intended to bring Felix back with her, but their relationship had soured recently, and she wanted to avoid further complications.
Lauren gave her a disapproving look. "At least let him know the lengths you went to help him heal."
Gianna couldn't help but chuckle. "Make him feel guilty? All I want is to draw a clear line. I don't want any entanglements in the future."
Lauren glanced at her, a mix of affection and exasperation in his eyes. "You're so naive, it's unbelievable!"
Gianna just smiled and smoothly changed the subject.
Bella and Jasmine were dining at the same restaurant that evening. Back when they were studying abroad, there was a guy in the student circle named Tang Yan who fell head over heels for Bella. He pursued her for a long time, but she never agreed to date him, and they eventually lost touch.
It wasn't until a chance encounter at Resort Jasmine last time that Bella discovered Tang Yan was actually the son of the famed director Tang Ying.
Tang Ying's latest blockbuster, "Many Years," boasted a few scenes shot at the Uriah family's resort, which brought him to the area for a few days.
"Many Years" was an epic production, a saga of love between a princess of a conquered nation who hides her identity and a prince from an enemy kingdom. Rumor had it the budget soared to 300 million, and it starred Jonah, one of the industry's leading men, and the award-winning actress Zhen Yan.
With their discerning script choices and Tang Ying's unblemished track record of hits, the movie was generating buzz before its release.
Knowing Jasmine’s aspirations to break into the entertainment industry, Bella had a few meals with Tang Yan, hoping he could open some doors for Jasmine. Hence, the dinner that night, with Jasmine playing hostess to Tang Yan and his father.
There was a minor role of a palace maid in "Many Years" still uncast, and seeing Jasmine fit the image perfectly, Tang Ying had her audition on the spot.
Her acting might have been raw, but for such a small role, it sufficed. Tang Ying agreed to give her the part and told her to sign the contract the next day.
After their meal, the group was leaving when Tang Yan suddenly paused next to Bella.
"What's up, Tang Yan?" she asked.
"Belle, that girl over there looks so much like you!"
Bella's gaze followed his to Gianna and the unfamiliar man at her table. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and a cold smirk curled at the corner of her mouth.
"It's not uncommon to see someone who looks alike. I've just realized I left my car keys in the private room. You go ahead, and I'll catch up in a minute," she said.
After sending Tang Yan away, Bella found a secluded corner and discreetly snapped a photo of Gianna and Lauren at dinner, then texted it to Felix.
"Felix, I just saw my sister having dinner with some guy I don't know. Is he a mutual friend of yours?"
Felix’s reply came through shortly after.
Felix's smile grew deeper as he observed the exchange; clearly, he was unfamiliar with the man Bella was talking to.
She quickly sent the name of the restaurant and made her exit.
Upon returning to the Villa after dinner, Gianna barely stepped into the living room when she felt Felix's icy stare piercing through her.
"Where were you tonight?!"
His accusing tone made Gianna frown, but she responded calmly. "Dinner with a friend. Is there an issue?"
Felix's gaze grew colder, "A man or a woman?"
"Mr. Clinton, you're overstepping," Gianna retorted.
"Don't forget, we're not divorced yet! Going out to dinner with another man, shouldn't you have asked for my opinion first?"
Gianna's pupils contracted. "Are you having me followed?!"
"If you were behaving properly, why worry about being followed?"
