Chapter 200

Bella wasn't the same person she used to be; she had no patience for people like this anymore.

"If you're upset, go ask the investors why they didn't let you sing."

The female singer was taken aback by Bella's retort.

Her assistant jumped in, more aggressive. "How dare you talk to my sister like that! You're just an assistant to a third-rate singer, and you think you can act all high and mighty?"

Bella stayed cool. "Yeah, well, seems like people would rather have our third-rate singer than you."

The assistant's face twisted with rage as she glared at Bella's calm expression.

Just then, the sound engineer came out.

Seeing the tension, he snapped, "Who's making all that noise? If you want to argue, take it outside and don't mess up the recording."

Just as the assistant was about to speak up, Bella pointed at her and said, "It was them, saying we don't deserve to be here."

The sound engineer looked over, and the female singer's face soured.

After getting scolded by the sound engineer, the female singer didn't dare say another word.

She wasn't as talented as her assistant claimed. She had been famous once, but her career was on a steep decline, and she was now barely better than a third-rate singer.

Compared to Bella and her team, the female singer couldn't afford to lose this job.

Luckily, the recording went smoothly.

When Simon came out, he looked refreshed.

Seeing him like this, Bella knew it had gone well. "Do we need to come back tomorrow?"

The sound engineer walked over with a big smile. "No need. Mr. Jackson's singing is top-notch. If I had known it would be like this, I would've just hired you guys and saved some money."

""

The last part was clearly aimed at the female singer.

The female singer happened to come out of the recording booth.

She had to sing several times to get it right, and hearing such a clear jab at her made her feel utterly humiliated.

The sound engineer shook hands with Simon warmly, "Let's work together again next time."

On the way back, Simon passed by a record store and suddenly stopped.

"Hold up, I want to check this place out."

Bella watched as he walked in.

The vintage record store had a 1970s vibe, and Simon's eyes lit up as he browsed the records.

Bella wasn't into records, so she sat on a couch outside.

Hearing the doorbell ring, she instinctively looked over.

A man with a lollipop in his mouth walked in, hands in his pockets. "Anyone here?"

Bella was momentarily stunned before recognizing him. "Aren't you..."

The man finally noticed her, his eyes lighting up as he pulled the lollipop from his mouth and pointed at Bella.

"You're the unlucky one I almost hit the other day. I remember you."

The man's voice was cheerful, with a youthful energy that belied his age.

Hearing his words, Bella couldn't help but frown.

The record store owner came out and greeted him warmly, "Mr. Hammond, here to pick up your record?"

The man responded in a deep voice, "Yeah, it's been here for years, hasn't it?"

The store owner brought out a vinyl record, clearly an old one.

He took the record, paused at the entrance, and turned to Bella. "By the way, unlucky one, my name's Keith Hammond. If you want to settle the score, come to Horizon Ventures Group and ask for me."

Bella watched Keith leave, feeling puzzled.

But she remembered what Keith had said.

Because of this strange encounter with Keith, Bella specifically asked Hatty about it when she got back. "Hatty, you know anything about Horizon Ventures Group?"

Hatty thought for a moment. "Horizon Ventures Group? Yeah, I think it's a new company in Seaside City."

"But it has potential. It used to be a foreign company involved in real estate and tech research, and they also dabble in pharmaceuticals. Looks like they're trying to break into the domestic market now."

Bella's expression shifted when she heard that Horizon Ventures Group was involved in real estate.

The real estate industry in Seaside City was dominated by Vanguard Innovations Group.

Was Horizon Ventures Group planning to compete with Vanguard Innovations Group by entering the real estate market in Seaside City?

Hatty also found it intriguing. Such matters were still too distant for them.

That evening, Bella had dinner with Scarlett.

She had almost wrapped up her work and it was time to head back. Tonight's dinner was a farewell for Scarlett.

Bella had booked an outdoor restaurant and opened a bottle of red wine.

The two of them toasted on the outdoor balcony.

Soon, Scarlett was a bit tipsy. "Bella, Ulysses proposed to me."

Bella was surprised. "Did you say yes?"

Scarlett, her cheeks flushed, giggled foolishly.

"He said he wouldn't marry anyone else but me in this lifetime, so I said yes."

Bella thought of her own two failed relationships and felt a bit bitter, but she was genuinely happy for Scarlett.

At least one of them was happy.

Suddenly, a shooting star streaked across the night sky.

Bella was stunned for a moment before clasping her hands together to make a wish. "I wish to be rich for the rest of my life."

...

Vanguard Innovations Group.

Edward pressed his fingers to his temple, his other hand tapping the desk calmly.

His assistant was sweating nervously. "Mr. Mellon, we can't find the person from last night. Maybe you were mistaken..."

Before he could finish, Edward shot him a sharp look. "Do I need you to tell me if I was mistaken?"

Even though he had been drunk last night, he wasn't so out of it that he couldn't recognize someone.

Edward was certain that the woman who got into the wrong car last night was Bella.

But why couldn't he find her?

The assistant's phone rang.

He quickly turned off the alarm and cautiously looked at Edward, who was lounging in his chair. "Mr. Mellon, your meeting with Mr. Rogers is at nine o'clock. It's almost time."

After a moment, Edward moved.

He straightened his jacket, and in an instant, he had composed himself, once again becoming the cold, unapproachable CEO.

The assistant breathed a sigh of relief and called for the driver.

Fifteen minutes later, Edward and a man in his forties arrived at a restaurant.

Harold had a gentle, friendly smile and was curious about the small restaurant. "I often go to those five-star hotels, but I rarely come to places like this."

"Waiter, I heard you have an outdoor balcony here?"

The waiter smiled awkwardly. "Yes, but some guests just arrived."

Harold frowned slightly but didn't ask the waiter to make them leave.

Though disappointed, Harold wasn't the type to throw his weight around, so he turned to Edward. "Maybe we should go somewhere else."

Edward spoke calmly, "No need. Offer them some money."

With that, the assistant tactfully left and headed to the outdoor area.

Harold and Edward followed closely behind.

Soon, they saw Bella and Scarlett drinking under the moonlight.

Harold was taken aback, then smiled. "So it's just two young girls."

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed Edward walking over quickly, his steps urgent.

Harold was stunned.