News that Damian Hawthorne had invested tens of millions in a music show spread quickly.
The investment moves of the Hawthorne Group's CEO had always been a bellwether for the industry, as no project Damian Hawthorne invested in had ever lost money.
He was a legend in Korsyth's investment circles. Many people could make a fortune just by following his lead.
Cecilia Nathan looked at the news on her phone and found it laughable.
This time, the investors following Damian Hawthorne's lead were in for a disappointment.
'Who would have thought that Damian Hawthorne wasn't just an investment prodigy, but also a complete love-struck fool?'
However, she hadn't expected Damian Hawthorne to be so dead set on making her go to the Hawthorne residence.
When she went downstairs and saw the familiar black Maybach, Cecilia Nathan's brow furrowed.
"Miss Cecilia Nathan..." Damian Hawthorne's assistant stood by the car, opening the door for her like a gentleman. Beside them, a line of bodyguards blocked the path completely.
As she got into the car, a heavy weight settled in Cecilia Nathan's chest. "Where's Damian Hawthorne?"
"Mr. Hawthorne went to pick up Miss Hughes," the assistant told her frankly.
Cecilia Nathan scoffed, her stomach churning. "I don't feel well. Take me to the hospital."
"I'm sorry, Miss Cecilia Nathan, but these are Mr. Hawthorne's orders. You can only go to the Hawthorne residence for now."
Suppressing her discomfort, Cecilia Nathan quietly leaned back against the seat, her eyes filled with exhaustion.
...
Hawthorne Manor was situated on the mountain closest to the city. With water before it and mountains behind, it was warm in winter and cool in summer, boasting magnificent scenery.
Inside the villa, Frances Bennett had just finished reading the latest entertainment news.
"Mrs. Bennett, I heard your son invested thirty million to promote someone."
"Who could possibly be worth him throwing away thirty million? Don't tell me he's been bewitched by some vixen."
The other ladies sitting with Frances Bennett exchanged gossip.
Their purpose for coming today wasn't just to celebrate Frances Bennett's birthday; they also wanted to find out if Damian Hawthorne had really invested thirty million in the show.
Frances Bennett's expression darkened.
She also knew about Damian Hawthorne investing thirty million in a show.
If it were purely a business investment, that would be one thing, but this was for a specific person.
"I heard Cecilia Nathan also signed up for this show..."
Just then, the butler knocked on the door. "Madam, Miss Cecilia Nathan has arrived."
A silence fell over the room.
A moment later, Cecilia Nathan entered.
She carried a gift, her posture elegant, looking stunning and poised.
The eyes of the wealthy ladies all fell upon Cecilia Nathan, filled with stunned admiration.
Cecilia Nathan wore a form-fitting, modern-style cheongsam, her hair coiled up simply. The dress showcased her curvaceous figure, its simple elegance imbued with a hint of sensuality.
Yet her features were strikingly beautiful; from her skin to her bone structure, she was flawless.
A beauty like hers was rare enough in daily life, let alone in the entertainment industry.
'What a pity she was such a love-struck fool.'
"You're here." Upon seeing her, Frances Bennett's expression softened slightly.
Cecilia Nathan handed her the gift. "Auntie, a birthday present for you."
Frances Bennett accepted the gift nonchalantly. "The ingredients are all prepped in the kitchen."
Cecilia Nathan lowered her gaze, her long lashes fluttering. "I've already sent the recipes to Mrs. Ford. I'm sure she'll do a wonderful job."
Her clear voice resonated throughout the living room.
"You're not going to cook?" Frances Bennett frowned, not comprehending for a moment.
She could clearly sense that something about Cecilia Nathan was different.
In the past, Cecilia Nathan would never have defied her.
Never mind a planned dinner; even if Frances felt hungry in the middle of the night, Cecilia would get up to cook for her without a moment's hesitation.
"Cecilia, are you not feeling well?" Frances Bennett's voice softened.
Although she looked down on Cecilia Nathan, she was very fond of her cooking.
She had seen all of Cecilia's efforts over the years. If only Cecilia's family background were a little better, she might not have been completely against her marrying into the Hawthorne family.
But Cecilia's family background was just too poor...
Cecilia Nathan saw the look of pity in Frances Bennett's eyes, and her own heart clenched.
She knew what Frances Bennett was thinking.
She used to cherish the hope that she could cross the class divide to be with Damian Hawthorne, but now she saw things clearly.
'Someone might be able to cross that class divide to be with him, but that person would never be me.'
"I heard Damian invested thirty million in a certain music show." Frances Bennett smiled. "Cecilia, do you know anything about that?"
The corner of Cecilia Nathan's mouth twitched.
'What else could it be? Damian Hawthorne wants to promote Serena Hughes, and who could possibly stop him?'
"I know you're also participating in this show." Frances Bennett gave her a pointed look. "Was it you who asked Damian to invest that money?"
"You're a beautiful girl; there are plenty of ways to get into the entertainment industry. But having Damian throw money around for you before you've even started... even with the Hawthorne family's wealth, there isn't enough for you to squander like that."
"Frances is right, Miss Cecilia Nathan. You aren't even married into the Hawthorne family yet, and you're already spending their money like this. It wouldn't look good if word of this got out."
"That's right. When people find out, they'll think you have no manners."
...
The ladies around Frances Bennett chimed in one after another, their words direct and unpleasant.
When it came down to it, they all looked down on Cecilia Nathan.
A woman who had shamelessly chased after a man for years... forget the Hawthorne family, no respectable wealthy family in Korsyth would accept her.
Frances Bennett walked up to Cecilia Nathan, her tone as condescending as ever. "My friends are all here today, and they'd like to try your cooking. Go to the kitchen and get things started. We can have a proper talk about the investment matter when Damian gets here."
Frances Bennett figured Cecilia was probably just throwing a tantrum, but that it wouldn't last long.
A smile played on Cecilia Nathan's lips, her eyes gleaming. "I'm sorry, Auntie. I don't want to. And I won't be doing it in the future, either."
Frances Bennett's brow furrowed tightly. She studied Cecilia carefully, as if seeing her for the very first time.
'She really is different now.'
But she couldn't quite put her finger on how.
It was her birthday. At the very least, Cecilia should have shown her some respect. But today, Cecilia seemed dead set on not giving anyone an ounce of face.
If Cecilia refused to cook today, it would be a complete slap in the face to her.
Frances Bennett was about to reprimand her when she was interrupted by a deep, magnetic voice calling out, "Mom."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Damian Hawthorne strode in, his gait casual and confident.
He was tall, with sharp, well-defined features. His shirt was only partially buttoned, revealing a hint of his abs. He exuded an air of languid flamboyance.
"What's wrong? Who's gotten you upset now?" Damian Hawthorne's smile never faded as he glanced at the young woman behind him.
Serena Hughes took a deep breath before daring to step out from behind him.
"Auntie... Happy birthday. This is a gift I brought for you..." Serena Hughes offered the present, mustering the courage to look at Frances Bennett. As she did, her gaze immediately fell upon Cecilia Nathan as well.
Serena Hughes's expression froze instantly. "Cecilia Nathan, didn't you say you weren't coming?"
Cecilia Nathan remained expressionless.
"Damian, who is she?" Frances Bennett ignored the gift, her sharp gaze fixed on Serena Hughes.