Chapter 6: The First Crack

The morning after the charity banquet, Celeste arrived at Rodriguez Group before eight o'clock.

She wore a tailored navy business suit, her long hair neatly tied back.

As soon as she stepped into the lobby, employees greeted her respectfully.

"Good morning, Ms. Rodriguez."

"Morning."

Her confident smile instantly energized the entire office.

Inside the executive conference room, Mia placed a folder on the table.

"Ms. Rodriguez, the European acquisition is almost finalized. The directors are waiting for your approval."

"Let's begin."

For the next two hours, Celeste analyzed financial reports and negotiated with overseas investors through video conference.

Her sharp decisions impressed even the veteran executives.

"Excellent work, Ms. Rodriguez," one director praised.

"The company's stock has already risen three percent since news of your return spread."

Celeste simply nodded.

"Keep preparing the merger documents."

"Yes, Ms. Rodriguez."

Meanwhile, Trevor remained in the city.

Although his return ticket had been booked for that morning, he canceled it without explanation.

Instead, he drove toward Rodriguez Group once again.

This time, he didn't enter the building.

He simply sat inside his car across the street.

From where he parked, he could see employees walking in and out.

Several executives surrounded Celeste as she exited the building shortly after noon.

She was discussing business while reviewing documents.

Everyone listened carefully whenever she spoke.

Trevor watched silently.

He had never seen this side of her before.

The woman beside him during the past seven years had always smiled gently, spoke softly, and quietly followed him.

Now...

She radiated confidence without needing anyone's approval.

"Mr. Fleming," Ethan said carefully, "should I drive?"

"No."

Trevor's eyes never left Celeste.

Just then, a black luxury sedan stopped beside her.

A tall man stepped out.

"Ms. Rodriguez," he greeted with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon, Adrian."

Trevor narrowed his eyes.

"Who is he?"

Ethan immediately checked his tablet.

"Adrian Hayes. CEO of Hayes International Holdings. He's partnering with Rodriguez Group on the European project."

Trevor continued watching.

Adrian politely opened the car door for Celeste.

She smiled and thanked him before getting inside.

The car slowly drove away.

Trevor's grip tightened around the steering wheel.

He couldn't explain why.

Back in Andostan, Jordyn returned home from school carrying a drawing.

"Hannah! Look what I made!"

"It's beautiful."

The drawing showed a family of four.

Trevor.

Jordyn.

Wynn.

And...

After staring at the paper for several seconds, Jordyn quietly erased one figure.

She replaced it with another woman.

Halfway through coloring, she suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong, Ms. Fleming?" Hannah asked gently.

"Nothing..."

But her small hands no longer continued drawing.

Instead, she remembered the way Celeste had quietly left the villa without saying goodbye.

For the first time, she wondered...

Had she hurt her mother too much?

That evening, Celeste attended a dinner meeting with Adrian and several investors.

"To our future cooperation," Adrian said, raising his glass.

"To success," Celeste replied.

Their conversation remained completely professional.

They discussed market expansion, overseas factories, and investment strategies.

Adrian admired her intelligence.

"I finally understand why everyone calls you the financial genius of Rodriguez Group."

Celeste smiled politely.

"Flattery won't reduce the contract price."

Everyone laughed.

For the first time in years, Celeste found herself genuinely smiling.

Not because she was trying to please someone.

But because she was simply enjoying her work.

Across the street, Trevor had unknowingly followed them to the restaurant.

He remained inside his car as he watched Adrian pull out a chair for Celeste.

His chest suddenly tightened.

"Mr. Fleming," Ethan spoke carefully, "they're discussing business."

"I know."

Yet Trevor couldn't stop watching.

For seven years...

He had never once pulled out a chair for Celeste.

He had never taken her to dinner simply because she liked a restaurant.

He had never noticed the little things.

Now another man was doing them effortlessly.

Later that night, Trevor finally returned to the hotel.

Unable to sleep, he called Andostan.

"Dad!" Jordyn answered excitedly.

"How are you?"

"I'm okay..."

She hesitated before asking quietly,

"Dad... when is Mom coming home?"

Trevor remained silent.

"Did Mom really leave because she's angry with us?"

"...I don't know."

"Can you bring her back?"

Trevor closed his eyes.

"I'll try."

After ending the call, he walked toward the hotel window.

Outside, city lights stretched endlessly across the skyline.

For the first time in his life...

Trevor Fleming wasn't thinking about business.

He wasn't thinking about profits.

He wasn't thinking about work.

His mind was occupied by only one person.

Celeste.

The woman he had ignored for seven years.

And the terrifying possibility...

That another man might eventually treasure everything he had carelessly thrown away.