Chapter 225
Chapter 225
It was Selene who took her hand and brought her to the Capital.
Compared to Selene, Carmel’s talents had always seemed unremarkable. That first year in the city, Carmel survived on Selene’s
scholarship-Selene paid the bills, made sure she ate, and kept her
afloat.
When Selene was recruited by the Luna Racing Club, she recommended Carmel to her agent as her navigator.
Vincent and the others were high-priced engineers from overseas, and at the start, Carmel couldn’t even communicate with them.
Through all of it, it was Selene who kept hold of her hand, pulling her along, urging her to keep running.
When their paths finally diverged, Selene poured nearly all her money into Carmel’s future, sending her abroad to study.
–
“When I was fourteen, Mr. Leo brought me to the Capital. He made sure I wore the finest clothes, used the best imported stationery, provided me with a car, and gave me a private apartment.
He didn’t do it to spoil me, but to free me from ́exhausting chores and pointless social obligations. That way, I could throw myself completely into my studies.
Now that I’m twenty, I want to give you that same life.
I want you to live in the best apartment in Manhattan, attend the top schools, and have only the best, in everything-from what you eat and wear to where you sleep.
Carrie, I want to see you soar higher, reach farther.”
Selene’s words had echoed in Carmel’s mind for years.
Chapter 225
Carmel rested her head on Selene’s shoulder.
“I listened to you and took classes in all kinds of subjects. I realized I wasn’t cut out for research, so I switched to art, design, and curation.
You shouldered the cost of my ridiculously expensive education, gave me the confidence and freedom to chase my dreams.
Selene, the fashion brand I built has made it to Milan Fashion Week. My jewelry designs are all the rage in Hollywood.
Without your support, I’d never have reached these heights. You made me into someone better.
Now that I’m back, I want to help you become the best version of yourself, too.”
Carmel’s ears flushed pink. She’d held these words in her heart for so long-finally, she had the nerve to say them out loud.
A wave of heat surged through Selene’s chest, leaving her breathless.
She cupped Carmel’s rosy cheeks in her hands, gently rubbing them, her voice soft but sure. “This time, it’s my turn not to let you down.”
*
“Daph, is it a hassle having Carmel stay at your place?”
Daph was sitting in her bedroom when she tapped her smartwatch and played Adrian’s voice message,
She pressed record, her tone sweet and bright. “Mr. Shaw, I’m great! Carrie’s totally at home here. She was so moved by mom’s cooking earlier she nearly cried!”
Adrian listened, his dark eyes smoldering with a jealousy he couldn’t shake.
Chapter 225
He needed to keep tabs on her-constantly.
Daph opened her door, peeked outside, then closed it again before whispering into her watch, “They were just hugging in the living room. Now Carrie’s heading for a shower.”
Adrian froze, thunderstruck. His chest tightened as if he couldn’t breathe.
He shot up from the couch, unable to take it anymore.
