CHAPTER 23

This is an old neighborhood in the suburbs of the city, with apartment buildings that were built in the late 90s, next to a deserted large chemical factory. James once worked in this chemical factory and got a staff house here. Ten years ago, the chemical factory went bankrupt, and Coleman Co. bought it. But it hasn't been renovated yet because there's no specific development plan. Once there is, all the nearby buildings will be demolished. Damon is a profit-first businessman. The compensation he offered to the residents for the demolition was completely based on the lowest standard, he wouldn't give a penny more. But no one would have guessed that he would change for Ariel and become a generous person. James, as the negotiator, thought there would be a lot of conflict. But Damon was very friendly to him and raised the compensation standard, so every family got much more than the standard compensation. This act made Ariel both angry and moved. She was angry because this issue was originally caused by Damon, but moved by how much he had done for her! I sat in my car, looking up at the lights in the neighborhood, sighing inside. During my past life, I found that Damon's demolition compensation plan had changed, so I let my dad check it out and got to know some inside stories. But I didn't know that Damon did all this for a woman. Looking back, Damon had been crazy about Ariel for half a year. I didn't know the exact building and room number where Ariel lived, so I drove slowly around this small neighborhood. Since there were no fences or guards, it was perfect for me to wander around. Just after a round, I spotted a familiar Bugatti. Damon, dressed in black, was leaning against the front of the car, his long legs casually resting against the car, his head slightly lowered, lighting a cigarette. Luxury car, a handsome man, the night and the cigarette… Watching this movie-like scene, I put myself in Ariel's shoes. A man high above, crazy about me, investing continuously, sweeping all obstacles like a charming prince, only paying attention to me, while I didn't have anything outstanding except for being pretty.

I suddenly understood that if it was me, I would fall for him too! Ariel is just innocent, not st upid. I followed Damon's gaze and located Ariel's window. Besides the light on the first floor, only the fifth floor was lit up. I dialed Damon's cell phone. "What's up?" As soon as the call got through, Damon's indifferent voice came through. "Nothing, just wanted to see if you would pick up." I looked at him not far away through the car window. As expected, he hung up. I was a bit surprised. He could still pick up a call from his dissatisfied wife while he was deeply gazing at another woman's building thinking about how to win her over? I sighed and drove away. When I got home, the servants had just finished cleaning. Cherry was the last one, it seemed like she was waiting for me. "Madam!" Cherry seemed a bit nervous when she saw me. I put the left-over food on the table and asked, "cherry, what happened?" Cherry looked at me nervously, her face full of wrinkles, she seemed really distressed, "I accidentally broke a bottle of your skincare product when I was cleaning your room today, but I can pay you." "Which one?" I asked. She took a packet out of her pocket, opened it, and it was filled with the fragments of the bottle. It was a luxury brand toner, costing nearly 9000 yuan a bottle. This single product would cause her half a month 's salary. Looking at her humble appearance, I felt a strange feeling. This ordinary woman would be Damon's future mother-in-law. She was now making a meager salary every month with hard work, but might become a noblewoman in the future, all because she gave birth to a beautiful daughter.

In comparison, my family and the Coleman family, three generations in politics and business respectively, have accumulated our current wealth and status generation by generation. "It's alright, I've used more than half of that bottle. Just be careful next time." I felt very tired, recalling Damon's silent gaze at Ariel's house just now, I felt even more that this world was unreal. Cherry was very grateful and kept thanking me, but I didn't say anything, I got up and went upstairs to rest. After taking a shower, I was lying on the bed with a face mask on, playing with my phone. Suddenly, the bedroom door opened, Damon was back. "Your parents have left, you don't have to pretend anymore." I looked at Damon approaching and reminded him in a low voice. "I know." Damon took his pajamas out of the closet and left. I sighed deeply, took off my face mask, and got ready to sleep. But Sofia's call woke me up, I picked up the phone in a daze, "Sofia, what's up?" "I told you about a commercial performance that needs a cellist, do you want to go?" Sofia's voice came from the phone. I suddenly remembered this matter and became fully awake, "Of course I'll go!" Even if it's for free, I want to go. My purpose is not to make money, but to fulfill myself and pursue my dreams. Sofia said happily, "Great, I'll send you the time and location later. Make sure you get there on time!" "Okay." I agreed. Aftek hanging up, I quickly received a message from Sofia. The location was my old school, the concert hall of the city College, and the time was in three days. I haven't been back to the city College since I graduated, nor have I donated anything. I've been busy dealing with Damon every day. Is this a new beginning? I'm actually looking forward to it. In order not to let the school down, I started a three-day intensive training. Since Damon often came home

late, I devoted all my time to practicing the cello, staying in the music room. I got lost in the music, spending a fulfilling three days. As I played various pieces, memories of the past flooded back, filling the notes with a mix of emotions. Come evening, I took a good long bath before dialing Joshua's number. "Eliana!" It was a bit rowdy on Joshua's end, like he was in a bar. "Joshua, where are you?" I asked, worried about lacing my voice like a big sister. "School starts tomorrow, why are you still in a bar?" His voice was drowned out by the loud music, I could barely hear him say, "Eliana, I'm working, can't really talk, I can't hear you clearly!" I hung up and opted to text him. I asked him, "Are you still short on tuition? Did you spend the money I gave for medical expenses?" Joshua's reply was swift, "My dad's medical expenses fell short, I already transferred the money to him." Without another word, I wired him two grand. I have confidence in my ability to chase him. After all, Damon had once personally demonstrated to me how it's done.