Chapter 47
"Drive me home, will you? I had a bit to drink, can't drive."
Ophelia finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded. "Okay."
They walked out of The Velvet Room. Night had fallen, and the evening breeze carried a hint of coolness.
Ophelia's car was parked right at the entrance. Just as Ophelia was about to get in, William grabbed her wrist.
His fingers were warm, his grip just right, with a reassuring strength.
"Ophelia." His voice was low and serious. "Don't take Jeffrey too seriously. He's not worth it."
Ophelia turned to look at him. Moonlight fell on his face, outlining his clear features, his eyes full of genuine concern.
"I know." She pulled her wrist back, though her fingertips still held his warmth. "I just want closure."
William said nothing more and opened the passenger door.
The car drove smoothly through the night. The cabin was quiet, with only the occasional sound of the engine and the wind rushing past the windows.
The light and shadow from the streetlamps flickered across Ophelia's face as her mind churned in confusion.
William's earlier closeness, that straightforward "I'm jealous"—it was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that spread outward.
She admitted it—she had feelings for William. He always appeared when she needed him, backing her up, getting her out of tight spots. That steadiness and gentleness made her heart flutter.
But after Jeffrey's betrayal, she didn't dare give her heart easily, afraid of getting hurt again.
William seemed to sense her thoughts. He said nothing more, just quietly turned the music in the car softer, as if giving her space to sort through her feelings.
The atmosphere in the car gradually became intimate, that indescribable emotion spreading through the air, wrapping around them both.
When they reached William's villa, Ophelia stopped the car. "We're here."
William didn't get out right away. He turned to look at her, his eyes holding a hint of expectation. "Want to come in for coffee?"
Ophelia hesitated, then shook her head. "No, it's too late. I should head back."
"Okay." William didn't push. He opened the car door, then turned back to say, "Take care of yourself. If anything comes up, call me anytime."
Ophelia nodded. "You too."
Watching William walk into the villa, Ophelia finally started the car and left.
Back home, lying in bed, her mind was filled with images of William leaning close, and her cheeks started burning again.
She pulled out her phone and found William's messages. Her finger hovered over the screen for a long time before she finally sent: "Got home safe. You should rest early, too."
William's reply came almost instantly: "Good night."
Looking at that reply, Ophelia couldn't help but smile, a sweet feeling in her heart. She tossed and turned for a while before finally falling asleep.
The next day, the Smith Group held a high-level meeting about the resort.
The conference room was packed with shareholders and executives, with Mireille sitting at the head of the table, sharp and energetic.
As soon as Ophelia walked in, everyone's eyes focused on her—some admiring, some in awe, and some trying to curry favor.
"Ophelia's here, come sit." Mireille smiled and waved, pointing to the empty seat beside her.
As soon as Ophelia sat down, Robbie Ellis, who was in charge of finance, stood up to report: "Mrs. Smith, shareholders, the resort has been in trial operation for one month. Revenue has exceeded expectations, online reviews are at ninety-eight percent positive, and it's boosted attention to the Smith Group's other businesses as well."
As soon as he finished, applause filled the conference room.
"This is all thanks to Ms. Blake," said an elderly shareholder with graying hair, smiling. "I was worried she was too young to handle this project, but she turned out to be so capable—better than us old-timers."
"Yes, Ms. Blake not only has vision but strong execution. She's done a great job with the resort. The Smith Group has a bright future." Another shareholder chimed in.
Mireille's smile grew wider. She raised her hand to quiet the applause. "Ophelia truly hasn't disappointed me."
"Starting today, I'm appointing Ophelia as Vice President of the Smith Group, with full responsibility for the cultural tourism sector, including the resort's ongoing operations and new project development."
When this appointment was announced, no one objected. Instead, they all congratulated Ophelia.
Everyone knew in their hearts that Mireille was paving the way—Ophelia would eventually be the Smith Group's heir.
Ophelia stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Grandma. Thank you all for your trust. I'll do my best."
After the meeting, Mireille asked Ophelia to join her for dinner at the Smith Mansion.
In the car, Mireille looked out at the scenery and suddenly asked, "Ophelia, what are your plans for the future?"
"First, run the resort well, then see if there are suitable cultural tourism projects to gradually expand," Ophelia answered honestly. "I want to make the Smith Group's cultural tourism sector an industry leader."
"Ambition is good." Mireille nodded. "You're steady and practical in your work, much better than those peers who only know how to have fun."
"But no matter how busy work gets, don't neglect your personal life." Mireille changed the subject, her eyes probing. "How are things going with you and William?"
Ophelia's cheeks instantly flushed. Her mind involuntarily flashed back to that night at The Velvet Room—William leaning close, that straightforward "I'm jealous" still echoing in her ears.
"We just have a working relationship, nothing special." She avoided Mireille's gaze, her voice a bit unnatural.
Mireille saw through it but didn't say so, just smiled. "William's good, capable, and he cares about you. Make the most of it."
"There's an auction in Emerald City in three days. I'm not feeling well, so go in my place. It'll be a good experience for you."
Ophelia quickly nodded. "Okay, I'll handle it."
Three days later, following Mireille's instructions, Ophelia dressed appropriately and arrived at the auction venue.
The event was held in the ballroom of Emerald City's most luxurious hotel, filled with elegantly dressed people and celebrities.
She had just found a seat when a man in a floral shirt sidled up to her, his eyes brazenly looking her up and down.
"Haven't seen you around before, miss. Which boss brought you here?" The man's tone was sleazy. "How about coming with me instead? More fun than following those old guys around. I can buy you whatever you want."
Ophelia frowned, her tone icy. "Show some respect."
"Respect?" The man scoffed and reached out to touch her shoulder. "Why the act? Women who come to places like this are just looking for a sugar daddy, aren't they?"