Chapter 367: Deeply Cherished by Adrian Law
Cecilia Vaughn silently tightened her grip on the velvet box holding the earrings.
The young man with the surname Zeng...
Not knowing his relationship with her mother yet, it’s better not to act rashly. Cecilia decided to go back and discuss it with Adrian Law.
...
Just as Cecilia was deep in thought, someone suddenly hugged her from behind and covered her eyes.
"Cecilia, the beautiful girl, guess who I am?"
A cheerful and bold female voice came from next to her ear, abruptly pulling Cecilia back to reality from her chaotic thoughts.
Cecilia sighed helplessly.
"Mona Summers, I knew it was you as soon as I heard your voice. You should at least try to disguise it."
"I can’t fake my voice."
Mona cheerfully let go of her hands from Cecilia’s face. Her face was full of smiles, but she suddenly noticed Cecilia’s slightly red eyes.
Although there were no traces of tears, her friend’s gloomy expression made it clear she wasn’t feeling her best.
"Cecilia, are you okay? Why do you look so pale?"
Mona thought about how the group at Stellerton University spread rumors about Cecilia being someone’s kept woman and forced her to drop out, and immediately misunderstood Cecilia’s distress. She clenched her fists in anger.
"Cecilia, don’t be afraid. The people online say these things because they don’t know you. Many are just losers who take out their frustrations with harsh words. Don’t take those jerks seriously."
The past wounds not only get dug up but also are salted to fester.
This was the thing Mona felt most sorry for Cecilia about.
Accidentally killing that damn director’s son, her friend had already served three years in prison. Now she still had to face the world’s scorn and scrutiny—how could one bear it?
...
Seeing Mona’s ready-to-fight expression on her behalf, the dark clouds in Cecilia’s heart dissipated a bit.
Having a best friend like Mona was one of the luckiest things in her life.
During her darkest days, no one else believed in her, but Mona never abandoned her. During the three years of her imprisonment, Mona also took care of her younger brother and grandmother.
"Alright, alright, what’s really on my mind is not this. Let’s talk in the private room at the Splendid Pavilion."
A warm feeling surged in Cecilia’s heart, and she quickly grabbed Mona’s arm.
"Are you hungry? I’ve already ordered the dishes, including your favorite salted egg yolk chicken wings."
By mealtime, there was already a long line outside Splendid Pavilion. This famous retro-style restaurant was one of Adrian Law’s businesses, where regular people needed to queue for a number to dine.
But as the lady boss, Cecilia had some privileges.
Hearing about delicious food, Mona’s eyes lit up, and her previous anger turned into a strong appetite.
"Alright, let’s talk inside!"
...
Inside the private room, with painted screens and flowing water, Cecilia sat cross-legged. After much deliberation, she still didn’t mention the earrings belonging to her mother.
The idea that Wendy Sutton might be alive was also just speculation. Cecilia really didn’t want Mona to worry unnecessarily; it wouldn’t be too late to tell her friend once things were settled.
"Cecilia, you really look pale. Are you sure you’re okay?"
Mona picked up a piece of salted egg yolk chicken wing and, seeing her friend’s solemn expression, couldn’t help but ask again with concern.
Cecilia smiled and shook her head.
"It’s alright. Those online trolls are just clowns. I’m too busy making money to bother with them."
"Exactly!"
Mona nodded with a smile, her cat-like eyes sparkling.
"Director Chapman’s contract for the rights has been finalized. Besides the originally agreed basic fee, Director Chapman said there would be a small share of the movie box office. Cecilia, you’re really going to make it big now!"
Seeing Cecilia break out of her predicament, she was genuinely happy for her friend.
Upon hearing this, Cecilia suddenly remembered something important.
She reached out and grasped Mona’s hand.
Mona looked at her inexplicably: "Why are you grabbing my hand?"
Cecilia’s expression was sincere.
"Mona... no matter how much I get from the movie’s box office, I want to split it with you half and half."
"..."
Mona was immediately stunned, and her chopsticks clattered to the floor.
"Gosh, do you know how well Director Chapman’s films sell globally?!"
"Even if you only get a percentage, it would still be quite substantial. Are you sure you want to give me half? Cecilia, are you crazy? Even close siblings keep clear accounts!"
Seeing Mona’s look of despising her stupidity, Cecilia instead smiled.
"I know."
"You were the one who encouraged me to create that comic. Although the inspiration mainly came from myself, you contributed a lot. And back when I was in prison, Mona... if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have held on."
Even the kind female guard who later took care of Cecilia was a distant relative of Mona’s, indirectly arranged by her.
If Mona hadn’t been helping her and telling her about her grandmother and brother’s situations, Cecilia might have chosen suicide long ago in prison.
How fortunate to have such a soul-friend in life?
...
"I’m getting goosebumps..."
Seeing Cecilia speak so movingly, Mona’s lips pretended to tremble, hiding her urge to cry.
She felt wronged for Cecilia—three years in prison—no outsider could understand her suffering.
Mona had no habit of taking advantage of others. But looking into Cecilia’s bright eyes, she finally relented.
"Well, Cecilia, half is too much. Give me 20%, and I’ll be very happy and grateful."
She knew this was just Cecilia seeking peace of mind.
Her dear Cecilia, the kinder she was, the more it pained her heart.
Cecilia beamed a smile: "Thirty-seven, at least that much, alright? No refusing—deal."
"You, really..."
Mona smiled helplessly, but her heart felt warm. She got up and hugged Cecilia tightly.
"Never seen anyone so eager to lose money."
Cecilia earnestly retorted: "It’s not losing—it’s worth it."
These six simple words made even Mona, a strong-willed woman, choke up with emotion.
"If only we both didn’t happen to like men, Cecilia, I would’ve married you long ago. Really, Cecilia, you need to be happy."
"We’ll both be happy."
...
After the meal with Mona ended, Cecilia sent Adrian a message about buying the Black Pearl Earrings and her speculations about her mother possibly being alive.
—Including the seller’s contact information.
Adrian’s connections were far broader than hers, making him much more efficient in investigating these matters.
However, the development of the situation went far beyond Cecilia’s expectations.
...
As soon as Adrian returned to Starfall Bay, Cecilia rushed to him.
"Did you find anything on that guy named Zeng?"
Adrian looked at her with deep compassion and took her into his arms.
"I found out, Cecilia. You’ve met this person before. It’s best to be mentally prepared and promise me to stay calm no matter what you hear..."