Chapter 48 Worshiper
Selena's POV
"He's not my admirer." I put down my water glass. "He's just a smart guy who knows how to weigh the pros and cons."
"Is that so?" He swirled the amber liquid in his glass. "The way he looks at you doesn't seem like he's looking at a business partner."
I couldn't be bothered to argue with him about this.
Just then, my phone vibrated.
It was a new message from an unknown number.
I opened it.
[Astrid, this is Leo Vance. I apologize for those people disturbing you earlier. They were trying to pitch their project to me. I've made it clear to them that my fund will never invest in any company or individual that goes against you. I hope this hasn't caused you any trouble. It was my honor to see you again.]
Looking at this message, I couldn't help but smile.
See.
This is my power.
Not from the Hart family's wealth, and not from the engagement to the Sterling family. This is what I, Selena Hart, or rather Astrid, earned with my own hands.
A power that makes people willingly clear obstacles for me.
"What's making you so happy?" Royce leaned forward, that oppressive feeling coming back as he tried to look at my phone screen.
I casually flipped my phone face down and put it back on the table.
I looked up, meeting his gaze, and for the first time, smiled at him from the heart.
"Just saw some good news." I said, my voice carrying a hint of playful defiance. "Mr. Sterling, looks like those Wall Street tactics of yours don't work every time."
He narrowed his eyes, clearly not understanding what I meant.
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is," I stood up, looking down at him, "not everything in this world can be controlled by you. Some people, some things, they only listen to me."
With that, I didn't bother looking at the expression on his face. I turned around, walked in my heels, and got into Anna's car without looking back.
The car door closed behind me, completely shutting out Royce's face.
I sank back into Anna's leather seat, finally able to breathe.
"Back to the estate, Anna." I closed my eyes, tiredly rubbing my temples.
"Yes, Miss." Anna's voice was steady and reliable.
The car started smoothly. I could feel Anna's worried gaze from the rearview mirror, but she didn't ask anything.
She was always like this, knowing when to stay quiet.
My mind was a complete mess.
Royce Sterling, that damn bastard.
The moment he deleted my contact, I really wanted to punch his nose in.
And the way he put his arm around my waist, using that possessive gesture to talk to those idiots from the Kateson family.
What does he think I am?
His private property?
A weak woman who needs his protection?
Ridiculous.
But... when Leo Vance, that Wall Street genius, called me "Astrid" with that almost worshipful look, I clearly saw the shock on Royce's face.
That feeling of not being able to control or see through me - damn, it felt amazing.
Making him realize that I, Selena Hart, have never been just a jewelry designer who needs to depend on him.
The car returned to our estate in the mountains. As the car passed through the familiar lavender field, my tense nerves finally relaxed.
This is my real home.
As soon as the car stopped, I smelled the aroma of roasted lamb chops.
Uncle Jonathan must be fiddling with his precious grill on the back patio again.
I walked into the living room, and sure enough, Uncle Jonathan, wearing his "Grill King" apron, was carrying a large platter of sizzling lamb chops.
"My little princess is home!" When he saw me, his face immediately lit up with a bright smile. "Come try Uncle's cooking - I tried a new rosemary marinade today!"
I walked over and gave him a big hug. Only here could I take off all my armor.
"Thank you, Uncle Jonathan."
"No need to be formal with Uncle." He patted my back, then sat me down in a chair at the dining table. "Eat up, you look like you've lost weight. Those people out there - they're not giving you trouble, are they?"
I smiled and picked up a lamb chop. "They're not capable of that."