Chapter 23
This is an old neighborhood in the suburbs of Rosemont, with apartment buildings that were built in the late 90s, next to a deserted large chemical factory.
Dean Tueley once worked in this chemical factory and got a staff house here.
Ten years ago, the chemical factory went bankrupt, and Whitmore 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.
Neil 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 Bonnie and become a generous pérson.
Dean, as the negotiator, thought there would be a lot of conflict. But Neil was very friendly to him and raised the compensation standard, so every family got much more than the standard compensation.
This act made Bonnie both angry and moved. She was angry because this issue was originally caused by Neil, 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 Neil’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 Neil did all this for a woman.
Looking back, Neil had been crazy about Bonnie for half a year.
1
I didn’t know the exact building and room number where Bonnie 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, ‘spotted a familiar Bugatti.
Neil, 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 Bonnie’s shoes. A man high above, crazy about me, investing continuously, sweeping all obstacles like a prince charming, 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!
Bonnie is just innocent, not stupid.
-followed Neil’s gaze and located Bonnie’s window. Besides the light on the first floor, only the fifth floor was lit up.
I dialed Neil’s cell phone.
“What’s up?” As soon as the call got through, Neil’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. Ada was the last one, it seemed like she was waiting for me.
“Madam!” Ada seemed a bit nervous when she saw me.
I put the left–over food on the table and asked, “Ada, what happened?”
Ada 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 900 dollars a bottle.
This single product would cause her half month salary.
Looking at her humble appearance, I felt a strange feeling. This ordinary woman would be Neil’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 Whitmore 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 Neil’s silent gaze at Bonnie’s house just now, I felt even more that this world was unreal.
Ada 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, Neil was back.
Your parents have left, you don’t have to pretend anymore.” I looked at Neil approaching and reminded him in a low voice.
“I know.” Neil took his pajamas out of the closet and left.
I sighed deeply, took off my face mask, and got ready to sleep.
But Barbara’s call woke me up, I picked up the phone in a daze, “Barbara, what’s up?”
“I told you about a commercial performance that needs a cellist, do you want to go?” Barbara’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.
Barbara said happily, “Great, I’ll send you the time and location later. Make sure you get there on time!”
“Okay.” I agreed.
After hanging up, I quickly received a message from Barbara. The location was my old school, the concert hall of Rosemont College, and the time was in three days.
That would be the first day of school. This performance was actually organized by the music department of Rosemont College. Only graduates from the music department could participate. The purpose was to welcome the new students, let them feel the charm of music through the performance of the graduates, and start their college life.
I haven’t been back to Rosemont College since I graduated, nor have I donated anything. I’ve been busy dealing with Neil 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 Neil 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 Oscar’s number.
“Irene!” It was a bit rowdy on Oscar’s end, like he was in a bar.
“Oscar, where are you?” I asked, worry 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, “Irene, 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?”
Oscar’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, Neil had once personally demonstrated to me how it’s done.
