Chapter 14 Let Him Do You a Favor

• Even though she thought he sounded like Hugo the first time she heard him, she was sure it was just a case of similar voices. There was no way this man was Hugo. "Hi," said Celia.
• "Thanks to you, my son came back to me safe and sound. Thank you," said the man.
• Celia smiled. "It was nothing. You don't have to keep thanking me."
• "Oh, just let him thank you, pretty lady," the boy came closer and shouted.
• Celia chuckled, and the man said, "Do please keep my number in your contacts. Call me if you need anything. I'll be sure to help you."
• Well, he is trying to repay the favor, so I should at least take it. "Sure, I can do that."
• "Do call Daddy if you need anything, pretty lady. He can solve any problem, even if it's a big one," said the boy. He thought his father was invincible.
• "Sure. It's late, so get some sleep, you two." Oh, it's almost ten. Time for the boy to sleep.
• "We'll talk again. It's the boy's bedtime now," said the man.
• "You get some sleep too, miss," the boy said.
• "Sure. Good night." A smile curled Celia's lips, and she ended the call. She heaved a sigh in silence. Even a stranger cares about me more than my own family.
• Back in the master bedroom, Hugo held his phone with a frown. For some reason, that woman's voice reminded him of Celia, but it must just be a coincidence. He knew that that woman had left this city.
• "You have to find some time to thank her personally, Daddy."
• "I will." Hugo wanted to be an example for his son. Gratitude was a virtue everyone should have. Ever since he had Jeremy, life changed for him. Like every father, he did everything he could for his son. He spent all his time outside of work taking care of his son.
• "I really like this lady. Can you wife her up so she can be my mommy?" the boy said.
• Hugo stared at his son in shock. Ever since he was little, Jeremy hated it when women tried to get near Hugo. And now he's asking me to woo someone? But that woman is a mother too. There's no way I can be with her. Besides, I don't have time for romance. Jeremy alone is enough work. Even if this is a return favor, I can always give her something else.
• He smiled and patted the boy's head. "I thought you hated it whenever any woman tried to get near me."
• "Not this one." For some reason, Jeremy felt closely connected to that lady the moment he saw her. She looked just like the mother he dreamed of.
• Hugo hugged the boy and kissed his head. "Let's catch some cartoons later."
• "I love you, Daddy!" The boy hugged his neck and kissed him.
• Every time his son told Hugo he loved him, something tugged at his heartstring wherein he wanted to apologize to him. Jeremy never knew what happened on the day of his birth. Before he was born, Hugo didn't want him. He hated the boy, and right before he was born, Hugo did something evil to his mother and almost killed him.
• Since then, he swore he would give all his love to Jeremy to atone for his sin.
• After Celia returned home, she sat down on the couch, then took out her phone, and added a new contact.
• "What should I name him?" She thought about it and eventually named the new contact 'Cutie's Father'.
• Pansy lost sleep that night. Celia had become her enemy. Varoque Perfume was just starting to establish itself in the domestic market. With Celia helping them, if they could come up with another legendary product, they would dominate the entire market for perfumes. Cruelty flared in Pansy's eyes. I must destroy that woman. I need to make sure she can't work, or better yet, she can't function normally.
• It wasn't the first time Pansy schemed against Celia. Five years ago, she almost destroyed Celia, but for some reason, the man she sent to assault her was beaten up and taken to the hospital right before he could hurt Celia. In the end, someone saved her. Fortunately, Pansy reacted to the crisis fast enough. When Celia came back to snitch on her, she told Yana to put on a show that caused Celia to be exiled and slapped by Callum.
• Since then, she thought Celia wouldn't show up again, but now she came back stronger than ever—she was one of the top perfumers in the world. Damn it. She's every bit a b*tch like her mother was. Pansy held her glass of wine tightly, darkness creeping into her eyes.
• There's going to be a company anniversary dinner next Friday. I'll invite her, and then I'll spike her drink and have her sleep with a random man. The best way to destroy a woman was to ruin her body and mind. That was her go-to tactic. If Callum invites her, she'll come.
• Morning came, and Celia went to work. When Bryce introduced her to everyone, they stared at her with respect in their eyes.
• "Oh my God, she's so young."
• "And beautiful."
• "Pinesnow No. 5 is my favorite."
• Celia had her own office and a lab that was stocked with three thousand ingredients. Bryce prepared everything for her, so she didn't have to worry about her work environment.
• Once she was done touring the lab, Bryce looked at her gently. "So, do you like this?"
• "Very much so." Celia nodded.
• "I think you should find a partner." There was love in Bryce's eyes. "Being alone can be lonely."
• Celia heaved a sigh and smiled at him. "It's all right, Mr. Zamora. I'm used to being alone."
• "I know you're keeping some secrets, but believe me when I say I want to help you overcome your obstacles." He looked at her in earnest.
• She walked to the French window, and the first thing she saw was the building of Spencer Group right before her. Hatred filled her eyes, and with her back facing him, she said, "Thank you, Mr. Zamora, but I'm fine."
• Bryce sighed as he really felt for Celia. She had always been so strong and independent. So alone and lonely, yet so beautiful. "Oh, I need a favor. I need a partner for a ball tonight. Care to put on a show with me?" He looked at her with anticipation.