"But she's not like you. She doesn't hold grudges. She even said she wants to invite you to her birthday party tomorrow. You'd better show up and give her a proper apology."
"Hello? Hello?"
I slowly pushed myself up to a sitting position.
A Maybach sat parked in front of me, silent as a shadow.
Someone stepped out of the car and extended a hand toward me.
I spoke into the phone.
"Sure. I'll bring her a gift tomorrow. Consider it my apology."
Nathan heard this and pulled Bianca close. The two exchanged a knowing smile.
He kissed her deeply before answering.
"Fine. Don't buy anything too expensive. Bianca isn't the materialistic type."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, followed by the soft rustle of fabric. Then a single word.
"Okay."
The call ended. Bianca's eyes glittered with calculation.
"Tilda is so greedy. The second she sees you go bankrupt, she stirs up drama and tries to force a divorce."
"I'm not like that. I genuinely don't care about money or status."
Nathan, thoroughly convinced his broke act was flawless, smiled.
"Don't worry. Once Tilda can't take it anymore and asks for a divorce, I'll marry you."
"What about the baby she's carrying?"
At that, Nathan shifted uncomfortably.
"We'll figure out the kid later."
In his mind, as long as the baby existed, Tilda would never cut ties with him completely, divorce or not. Seven years together. He wasn't ready to let that thread go.
Nathan pretended to borrow money but actually bought Bianca a luxury villa to host her birthday party. He invited everyone in Bianca's circle, sparing no expense to make her feel like royalty.
One of Bianca's friends teased them.
"So when are you two getting married?"
Bianca blushed and looked at Nathan.
But he instinctively glanced away, checking his phone every few seconds.
He hadn't gone home last night either, using some excuse. Tilda hadn't questioned it.
"Let me check where Tilda is. She said yesterday she'd bring a gift to make up for everything."
He didn't mention the unease gnawing at him. Tilda had never been the type to roll over and apologize.
Just then, Nathan's assistant came rushing in, out of breath.
"Mr. Ellison, th-this is bad!"
Nathan frowned.
"What's with the panic? Slow down and spit it out."
The assistant pressed a hand to his chest, gasping, eyes already brimming with tears.
"You need to get back to the office for an emergency meeting. Ellison Group is going under!"
Nathan sucked in a sharp breath.
"Explain. Now."
The assistant wiped his face. The next words out of his mouth nearly knocked Nathan unconscious.
