Love's Change of Heart

Chapter 11

"Exactly. Girls are more or less the same; they tend to keep it to themselves when they're angry sometimes, trying to attract the man's attention through other matters. Perhaps, Madam is waiting for you to comfort her by bringing up a divorce?"

Aidan sniggered upon hearing Jonathan's guess. "In her dreams."

She should know her place and get rid of such a ridiculous idea.

Jonathan continued, "President Pearson, I don't think that Madam is a money-minded person. When her father was making a fuss at the company, she said that your money has nothing to do with her. She even got slapped in the face."

Aidan's brows furrowed unconsciously. "She's hurt?"

"Yeah. It's quite serious. There's even a mark on her face."

After a few seconds of contemplation, Aidan said, "Check how much his debt is. Give him the money and warn him to stay out of my sight from now on."

"Let's head back to the company." It was only 3.10PM when he said that.

Aidan stared at the blue striped shirt, which was hung at the most conspicuous spot in the bedroom. Vexed, he decided to throw both Leanna and the shirt out of the house if she continued her act after he returned from Gerland.

…

Time flew by in a blink of an eye. It was the day where the press conference of Lux Jewelry would be held. Leanna was currently adjusting the length of the necklace around the model's collar backstage.

Harvey came up to her at that moment. "McK, many renowned designers and big names are invited today. I'm sure that your work will take the center stage and many of them will know about you."

She smiled. "The honor belongs to Lux Jewelry. I'm just a nobody."

It was her genuine opinion, for no one would spare their time just to see the work of a small fry if it was not for Lux Jewelry's influence.

Zoe happened to walk by and overheard the conversation. "Leanna, be more confident with yourself! It is our honor, isn't it, Mr. Mancini?"

He nodded with a smile. "You're right. It can't be done without everyone's contribution, anyway."

Once he left the scene, Zoe pulled Leanna's hand and said in undertone, "Leanna, I've something to tell you, but you mustn't freak out."

"What is it?"

"I saw Zayn."

Thud.

The hair clip, which Leanna was going to put on the model, fell onto the ground.

Zoe quickly picked it up. "Actually, he's been searching for you. Since it's your comeback in three years after winning The Emerging Designer Competition, Lux Jewelry has used it to draw the public attention. It's no wonder that he has found all his way here."

It took Leanna a while to gather her thoughts, but she did not know how to respond.

Zoe patted her shoulder in comfort. "There's nothing to worry about. Don't think too much about it. Just go with the flow. You're divorced anyway, so why not start your life anew?"

"That's not it… I'm just thinking about the interview regarding 'First Love'."

It was such a lovely yet sensitive word for anyone.

She had agreed to an interview with the magazine team to discuss the inspiration of her designs as long as there would not be any questions pertaining to her or her first love. Any tactless question might cause the people involved unnecessary trouble.

Forget about her marriage and divorce, it would be a big trouble if Zayn had a girlfriend and she saw the interview.

Zoe smacked her own head at the realization. "Oh, you're right! I'll speak to the media just in case. Don't worry, I got your back!"

In spite of that, Leanna could not focus at all during the rest of the preparation.

…

As Harvey had mentioned, there were a lot of well-known figures attending the press conference, including Oscar and Aidan, who was back from his Gerland business trip.

Even Harvey was confused to see Aidan around. Why is he here?

Oscar smiled while explaining the situation, "Mr. Mancini, I heard that First Love is your main collection and that its designs were stunning. So, President Pearson is here to buy it for his wife."

Harvey let out a wry smile, forsaking the idea of telling the truth that none of the products displayed in the showcase were for sale. After all, there was no need to offend someone influential like Aidan.

However, if Aidan insisted on purchasing it after the press conference, Harvey figured that he could try to persuade the designer.

"Please suit yourselves. The press conference is going to commence soon."

Oscar nodded in return. "Sure. Go ahead."

Now that Harvey had gone off somewhere else, Oscar turned to Aidan. "I thought you didn't like your wife. This series is called 'First Love'. Aren't you afraid that she would misunderstand your intention?"

Aidan replied nonchalantly, "That will only mean that she thinks too highly of herself. I just feel like buying it."

Oscar was at a loss for words, for he was not buying it. If it's true, why did you come all the way here

from the airport without heading home first? You can buy something else like a rocket if you're really in the mood of shopping.

Just as he was going to retaliate, he noticed a familiar figure entering the entrance. "Isn't that Anna? Since when did she return to the country?"

Aidan cast a glimpse on her before answering, "I don't know."

In contrast to Aidan's apathy, Oscar was quite interested in her, who was trailing closely behind a man like his shadow. The ever arrogant and prideful woman was acting so obediently to please the man.

Before long, she saw them too and yanked the man over to greet them. "Aidan, Oscar, why are you guys here?"

"I've got business to do here," replied the taciturn Aidan.

Oscar was grinning. "Anna, long time no see."

"Yeah." She linked arms with the man. "Right, let me introduce him to you guys. He's Zayn. I met him while studying abroad."

Zayn withdrew his arm from hers before stretching it out toward Oscar. "Zayn Barnett."

Oscar naturally shook hands with him. "Ah, we've met before. Mr. Barnett said that you've been out of the country for the past three years. Have you just returned?"

Zayn nodded before looking at Aidan. "President Pearson, I heard so much about you."

After Aidan shook his hand out of courtesy, Anna finally had the chance to join the conversation. "So, you guys know each other. Zayn—"

Suddenly, the lights were turned off when she was halfway through her words. The host announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated as the press conference will be starting soon." Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Noticing the empty seats in front of Aidan and Oscar, Anna pulled Zayn. "Zayn, let's sit over there."

However, his sole purpose of coming here was to find someone and hence the excuse. "I've got something else to do. You can sit there by yourself."

Then, he seated himself somewhere far from her.