Nathaniel Fu looked down at her, his eyes dark and unreadable."What did I say to you last night? Did you forget already?"
The warmth drained from Celia's body.
"Who are you to question me, Ci Ci? That's not your place—you've crossed a line."
Celia's knees wobbled slightly. Still, she bowed her head and replied quietly, "I understand. I'm sorry."
She thought that would be the end of it.
But then, his gaze pinned her again. "So—who's this boyfriend of yours?"
Her heart skipped. She had only said that in passing at her parents' house. It didn't mean anything. Just a way to save face.
Nathaniel's lips curled into a half-smile, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. "Your boyfriend… it's not me, is it?"
Celia answered without hesitation. "No."
"Good."
Then he leaned down and kissed her again—but this time, she didn't respond. Her body remained stiff, her usual warmth absent. She gently pushed against his chest.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Fu," she said. "I'm not feeling well tonight. I'd rather not."
Nathaniel slowly straightened. He studied her face for a long moment, then reached out and pinched her soft, delicate cheek.
"You look jealous, Ci Ci," he said with a faint smile. "Let this be the last time I see that expression on your face."
He let go and stepped away from the bed.
"If you're not up for it, fine."
Without another word, he left the room.
A moment later, Celia heard the hum of his car engine outside. He had driven off.
They had parted on cold, sour terms tonight.Celia pulled the blanket up over her and closed her eyes.
Later that night, Celia met up with Lin Jiaojiao at Tianshang Lounge, a trendy rooftop bar.
Jiaojiao swirled the cocktail in her hand and sighed. "Let me get this straight. Not only did Mr. Fu not explain the whole Rosalie situation, he lectured you?"
The bartender slid two cocktails across the counter. Celia took a sip. "It was my fault. I overstepped."
"Seriously? Ci Ci, that sounds like a toxic dynamic. You're letting him play you."
Celia smiled faintly. "You could also say I'm the one playing him. Think about it—how much would it cost to book a premium escort at a private gentlemen's club these days?"
Jiaojiao blinked. "Excuse me?"
Celia shrugged, taking another sip. "Nathaniel Fu is basically top-shelf quality. And I'm getting all this for free—plus, he gives me money. He's generous, I'll give him that."
Then she added, voice light but pointed, "As for Rosalie Su? Let her do whatever she wants. If she dares provoke me again, I'll send her a few 'bedside snapshots' of Mr. Fu. Let's see how long she lasts after that."
Jiaojiao snorted. "Ci Ci, I really hope you're being honest when you say you're treating him like your own personal escort."
"Trust me," Celia lifted her glass, "a toast to Top Girl Fu."
Nathaniel Fu, wherever he was, sneezed lightly. "...Has she ever respected me?"
Just then, a familiar voice rang out behind them.
"Ci Ci, what a coincidence. Didn't expect to see you here."
Rosalie Su had arrived—alongside Zhou Yun, daughter of the influential Zhou family.
Jiaojiao turned her head and gave Rosalie a lazy look. "Well, if it isn't Rosalie Su. It's been a while. Still as annoying as ever."
Rosalie's smile faltered slightly. Back in school, she had tried to get on Lin Jiaojiao's good side—after all, the Lin family was powerful—but Jiaojiao had ignored her completely.
Now she realized why: Lin Jiaojiao had always stood with Celia.
"Yunyun, let's go." Rosalie turned on her heel and walked away.
Down the hallway, Zhou Yun sniffed. "Jiaojiao's still just as arrogant. Won't even look at us, but she hangs around with that nobody, Celia? What's that about?"
Rosalie didn't answer immediately. Her gaze shifted forward—and landed on a familiar face walking toward them.
Lynn Lin, Jiaojiao's older brother.
If she remembered correctly, they had met abroad a few times last year. And if her instincts were right… Lynn had been quite fond of her.