C7 Appointment with Amelia

That loud voice... it was unmistakable.

"Amelia?!"

Emily glanced at the number. "Did you change your number?"

On the other end, Amelia waved at her makeup artist to pause for a moment and sighed.

"I've called you so many times, but you never picked up! If my assistant hadn't seen you this morning, I wouldn't have believed it."

Emily didn't know how to respond, but Amelia continued.

"Emily, four years ago, you left so suddenly without a word. I was so worried about you. Now you're back, and if you don't explain everything to me, don't consider me a friend anymore."

Amelia had no choice but to be harsh with her. Despite Emily's seemingly strong exterior, she always kept her struggles hidden, facing them alone.

"Amelia..."

"Anyway, I'm busy now. Meet me tonight at Night Bar, okay? No excuses."

Amelia didn't give her a chance to refuse and hung up, handing her phone back to her assistant.

Emily sighed and returned to the hospital room, speaking to Isabella.

"Isabella, I'm sorry, but something's come up tonight. Can I ask you to watch Noah for me? I'll treat you to a nice meal another day."

"Of course, don't worry. Leave Noah with me."

Isabella readily agreed.

"Thank you."

By then, Noah had finished his cake and looked up at her with his chubby, bright-eyed face.

"Mami..."

"What is it, sweetie?"

Emily gently stroked his soft cheek.

"I need to use the bathroom."

She laughed and said, "Alright," then picked him up in her arms. Her little boy had lost a bit of weight during his stay in the hospital.

"Mami..."

Noah nestled against her chest.

"I want to go home. And... today, a nurse asked where my dad is..."

Emily froze for a moment, and her son's innocent voice continued.

"I told her that I only need Mami. I love Mami so much. I don't need a dad..."

His words pierced her heart. Emily stroked his soft hair.

"Good boy, Mami loves you very much too."

Noah said nothing more, but Emily knew deep down that her son longed for a father. Yet, there was nothing she could do. Noah's condition required a significant amount of money for surgery, and that was her top priority now. As for that man... she wouldn't think about him anymore!

******

At Night Bar.

This bar was one of the favorite hangouts for the wealthy, with its fine drinks and beautiful women. What man wouldn't love it?

In the VIP room, Lucas was such a man. He simply came to relax. Despite the entranced gazes of the women and the pounding music, Lucas seemed like a cold, perfect deity detached from it all. His shirt was unbuttoned down to the third button, revealing glimpses of his strong, muscular chest. His slender fingers held a glass of liquor, swirling the golden-red liquid inside. His long legs were crossed, his jacket draped over the chair, and his deep, mesmerizing eyes gazed aimlessly.

"Hey!"

Liam, the heir of H Corporation, who had invited Lucas here today, had just finished flirting with a girl and plopped down beside him, facing him.

"Move."

Lucas coldly pushed Liam's face away from his view.

"I thought you were in love with that door? What's so special about it that you keep staring in that direction?"

Ignoring the beautiful women in front of him, that was typical Lucas.

"None of your business."

Lucas took a sip of his drink, his Adam's apple moving in a way that was irresistibly attractive, as if he were starring in a commercial. Even Liam felt a twinge of jealousy.

At a corner of the bar, Ava, a server, kept sneaking glances at Lucas. She had fallen for him, but he never even looked her way.

In another room, Emily had arrived to meet Amelia. Amelia was much more glamorous than before, wearing a body-hugging dress that accentuated her stunning figure. Her face was meticulously made up, and her wavy hair cascaded beautifully.

"Sis!"

Amelia spotted her and called out.

Emily waved back. She was still in the same outfit from her interview earlier that day. She had stayed at the hospital with Noah until he fell asleep before coming here.

"You look even more beautiful than before," Amelia said, pulling her to sit beside her. Years ago, Emily had been the most sought-after model in the agency, with countless men pursuing her. But she had always been too proud to give any of them a second glance. Now, she had shed some of that pride, replaced by the subtle allure of a mature woman.

"You look amazing too," Emily smiled.

Amelia didn't waste any time and went straight to the point.

"Sis, why did you suddenly leave back then?"

Talking about the past made Emily feel a pang in her heart. To outsiders, it had seemed like she had everything, but only she knew that she had lost it all on that fateful day.

She recounted the story to Amelia, who grew increasingly shocked and angry on her behalf.

"So, you've been raising your son alone for the past four years?"

Emily nodded slightly.

"Why didn't you tell me anything? You must be struggling now, right? That rich guy from years ago still has a crush on you. He even asked me for your Facebook."

Emily immediately refused.

"I'm not in the mood for love right now. All I want is for Noah to get his surgery and be healthy."

Amelia didn't push the matter. Emily stood up, wanting to step outside for some fresh air, and Amelia didn't stop her. She walked out into the hallway, pulling a cigarette from her pocket. She couldn't remember when she had started smoking, only that the nicotine calmed her nerves in stressful times. Now, it had become a habit.

The smoke slowly enveloped her face, giving her an ethereal look. Emily held the cigarette between two fingers, her gaze distant. Her sharp profile, high nose, and long lashes framed a face that exuded quiet allure.