Chapter 36 Repairing His Manor
The flower exhibition was a huge success.
To be honest, Aria felt a bit embarrassed about it—the exhibition hadn't taken much effort on her part.
She'd only handled the venue selection and layout. Most of the other work was done by her staff.
Plus, with such a tight deadline, many details hadn't been perfected in time.
But even though it was put together in a rush, the exhibition still drew a large crowd.
Aria knew most people came because of Charles—doing him a favor.
Thanks to Charles's connections, orders flooded in before the exhibition even ended. She could barely keep up.
This time, she really needed to treat Mr. White to a proper meal.
Just as Aria made up her mind, Lucy came over with a tablet, looking a bit strange.
"Aria, we've got a big order."
Aria looked up.
A big order was good news, right? So why did Lucy look like she'd just eaten a chocolate that tasted like shit?
"It's... it's a complete garden renovation and annual maintenance for Grant Corp's estate. Budget: $100,000."
Lucy watched Aria's expression carefully as she continued tentatively, "The other requirements are nothing special, but there's one thing—you must personally oversee it and be on-site yourself."
"Should we take it?"
Aria smiled. "Take it. Why wouldn't we? Only an idiot turns down money."
"But Mr. Grant, he..."
Aria didn't look up. "That estate is in the suburbs, far from downtown, and even farther from his villa—one's on the east side, the other on the west."
"Once we sign the contract, I'll go do the work, he'll pay. Just treat him like any regular client. No need to overthink it."
Lucy thought about it and agreed.
A $100,000 contract! The pure profit would be at least $40,000!
Only an idiot would turn down money!
But the key question was... could Aria really treat him like just another client?
Lucy shook her head quietly.
The studio signed the contract that same day.
Aria spent two days wrapping up other matters, then took just one day to sketch out the preliminary design.
It wasn't that she was being careless—she'd been to that estate before. Though the grounds were large, the original layout had been created by a renowned landscape designer.
There really wasn't much room for changes. She just needed to add and modify some plantings based on what was already there. Of course that wouldn't take much effort.
She sent over the design, and got a reply that same evening.
[Approved. Start work as soon as possible.]
The response was unusually quick.
Aria pursed her lips but didn't think much of it. She packed her tools, picked out a few experienced gardeners from the studio, and hired two temporary workers.
Loading the necessary flowers and equipment onto a truck, they headed to the estate.
The estate really was remote.
After three and a half hours of driving, the roads got narrower and narrower. Finally, they turned onto a tree-lined drive and saw the wrought-iron gates.
The butler was already waiting. He showed them the grounds first, then arranged their accommodations.
A project this big obviously couldn't be finished in one day.
According to Aria's plan, it would take at least ten days to complete.
There was a standalone house by the garden that had been designated as their rest area and overnight lodging.
It had four bedrooms, plus a kitchen and bathroom. Plenty of space.
"The master has instructed us to do our best to meet all your needs. Just let me know if you need anything," the butler said politely.
Aria looked around the accommodations. The environment was nice—nothing to complain about.
She stretched lazily and began directing people to unload the equipment.
The workload was massive. Just clearing out the old plants took three days.
Aria was especially mindful of the baby in her belly. From start to finish, she only supervised and didn't lift a finger.
Fortunately, the staff were cooperative, and the temporary workers were Mexican—famously hardworking—so the project progressed quickly.
While everyone was working, she couldn't really help much, so she wandered around the estate with her blueprints, eventually making her way to the lavender field on the south side.
It was peak blooming season. A vast expanse of purple glowed with golden edges in the sunset.
When the wind blew, the fragrance was overwhelming. Walking beside it, even the most tense emotions could relax.
Aria walked slowly along the field ridge.
Even though she hadn't done any hard work these past few days, the fatigue of early pregnancy kept washing over her in waves. Right now, she felt especially drowsy.
She found a flat spot on the ridge and sat down.
The sunlight was warm and cozy, the scent of lavender enveloping her.
Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier.
She didn't know how much time had passed when she drowsily felt warmth on her body, as if something had been added.
Besides the lavender scent, she faintly detected a woody cedar fragrance at the tip of her nose. Very familiar.
She suddenly opened her eyes.
Arthur had appeared out of nowhere and was sitting in front of her, watching her with a smile.
And his coat was draped over her.
This realization jolted Aria awake. She quickly sat up straight.
Her body tensed.
"You... what are you doing here?" Her voice was still a bit hoarse from just waking up.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "This is my estate. I can't come here?"
"Don't worry, I have no intention of disturbing your work. I'm just taking a walk."
Aria didn't believe him for a second.
This place was so remote, and this was the busiest season for the company. He'd come all this way just to take a walk—was there something wrong with his brain?
He obviously came because of her.
Aria pressed her lips together but didn't call him out. She took the coat off and held it out to him.
"Thanks for the coat."
Arthur didn't take it.
"Keep it on. It's cool in the evening."
Aria's hand froze.
Not giving it back felt wrong, but putting it back on felt even weirder, so she just set it aside.
Looking at the sky, what had been a sunset glow moments ago was now a hazy darkness.
She needed to get back.
Just as she was about to leave, Arthur suddenly spoke.
"Actually, according to the original landscape designer's plan, this area was supposed to be removed. The reason was that such a large expanse of purple didn't quite match the overall design."
"I was the one who insisted on keeping it."
Aria looked at him with some surprise.
Arthur smiled at her. "Because I thought at the time that you would definitely love this place, and when I had time, I could bring you here to see it."
"Turns out I really do understand you. You do like it."
Aria was slightly taken aback.
She didn't understand what he meant by saying all this now.
But whatever this man's intentions were, she just wouldn't engage with him.
Aria said nothing and just walked forward with her head down.
Arthur followed beside her, making small talk the whole way.
First asking where she ordered the plants and turf, then asking how the studio's business was doing.
Aria gave perfunctory responses.
Just as they reached her lodging, Arthur stepped in front of her.
"Have you eaten?"
"Not yet. I'll eat with everyone after we finish work."
"Don't wait." Arthur took her hand. "The butler has already prepared my dinner. Come eat with me."
"No need, I..." Before Aria could finish, her stomach let out a loud growl.
Her face instantly turned red.
Arthur laughed.
"Dinner includes your favorite cream of mushroom soup, plus grilled shrimp and black pepper pasta. You really won't come eat?"