Chapter 8

Unbeknownst to Adam that legendary junior of his was Celine. And she had rejected his request to connect. At that moment, Leo walked in with a cup of coffee. When he saw Adam's phone, his eyes widened. "What? Did someone actually reject Mr. Alvarez's friend request?" he thought. That was quite unbelievable. Leo commented, "Mr. Alvarez, your junior is… quite something." It was totally fine for Adam that Celine didn't want to get in touch with him. He furrowed his brow after just one sip of Leo's coffee. Leo asked, "Mr. Alvarez, is the coffee not to your liking? Should I make another one?" Adam suddenly found himself longing for the coffee Celine used to make for him. It was perfect, just how he liked it. His face remained impassive as he replied, "Write an eight-figure check. That's my divorce settlement for Celine." She said she wanted a clean break, but he didn't believe it. He thought she was just playing games to get more money from him. After all, a woman from the countryside who dropped out of school at 16 couldn't possibly make a living. This eight-figure check would buy her out and wipe out the past three years. After that, neither of them would owe anything to the other. Leo nodded. "Understood, Mr. Alvarez." At that moment, Leo's phone rang. He answered, and his face lit up. "Mr. Alvarez, I have good news! Dr. C has agreed to take on the heart surgery for Ms. Tate!" Dr. C, renowned for her miraculous medical skills, had become a legend in the medical world. The wealthiest and most influential people waited in line for her services. But three years ago, Dr. C had suddenly disappeared. No one knew where she had gone. Now, three years later, Dr. C had returned. Carly had suffered from a heart condition since childhood. She had been hospitalized and treated, but the illness never truly went away. Thanks to Adam's influence and resources, he had successfully arranged for Dr. C to treat Carly's condition. Adam's expression relaxed a little, and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Carly was finally going to be treated. … The next day, Celine arrived at Haven Hospital. Suddenly, a team of bodyguards in black suits stormed in, parting the crowd with impressive force. People were shoved aside as Adam and Carly made their entrance. Two young women nearby were gossiping. "What's going on?" "You don't know? That's Carly Tate, a.k.a Scarlet Rose, the prima ballerina. She felt unwell during her dance today, and Mr. Alvarez Adam brought her in for treatment." "Mr. Alvarez is here? No wonder there's so much commotion." Celine couldn't believe her luck. She hadn't expected to run into Adam and Carly here at the hospital. "Look, here they come! Mr. Alvarez and Carly!" one of the young women exclaimed. Celine looked up just as Adam's tall, handsome figure came into view. He was wearing a tailored black suit, radiating elegance and authority. Carly was cradled in his arms, held close as he walked confidently through the hospital. A few doctors and nurses from the hospital gathered around them, leading them like they were the center of attention. "Mr. Alvarez, please this way." Adam kept walking, holding Carly tightly, unfazed by the attention. The young women around them were practically swooning. "Wow, Mr. Alvarez is so handsome. He's the true definition of a CEO." "And Carly is so beautiful, with flawless skin and grace in her dancing. Of course, she and Mr. Alvarez make the perfect couple." Another woman said, "Handsome CEO and the graceful ballerina. Wow, it's like something out of a fairytale!" Celine and Adam were secretly married, known only to a few acquaintances. Everyone else was obsessed with the idea of Adam and Carly together. Celine watched as Adam disappeared from view. He hadn't noticed her; his attention had been on Carly the whole time. She was just a bystander in their fairytale romance. She took a deep breath and refocused, finding the room number for her appointment on her phone. She soon arrived at the VIP room 109, where she saw Adam, Carly, Hayden, and Lucy. Carly was already sitting on the bed, with Hayden and Lucy flanking her. They showered her with affection, just like when she was a child. They treated her like a little princess. Hayden beamed. "Carly, this is wonderful. Mr. Alvarez has arranged for Dr. C to treat you." Lucy, overwhelmed with emotion, wiped away a tear. "My poor Carly. You've suffered so much, but soon, Dr. C will make you healthy again. You'll be able to happily marry Mr. Alvarez and be his bride." Carly flashed a sweet smile at Adam. Adam stood tall next to her, gently ruffling her hair. The scene looked so warm, so perfect—like a family portrait. Celine stood frozen at the door, stunned. She really hadn't expected the world to be this small. The heart surgery Perry arranged for her was actually for Carly. The sight of their happy family made her eyes well up with unshed tears. It was then that Adam, who had been talking with the others, seemed to sense something. He turned his head, and his cold, sharp gaze locked onto her. Celine didn't have time to react before their eyes met. Adam's eyes narrowed, and in a few long strides, he was right in front of her. "Celine, what are you doing here?" Celine stammered, "I…" His voice dropped dangerously cold. "Celine, are you following me?" Celine quickly shook her head. "No, I'm not." Lucy and Hayden noticed her and immediately scolded her. "Celine, what are you doing here? We've brought in the renowned Dr. C, the medical prodigy, to treat Carly. Why are you making a scene?" Hayden's expression hardened. "Celine, you really don't know when to stop. You should leave now." Carly didn't say a word. She just glanced at her from the bed, her expression haughty and dismissive. At that moment, Adam stepped forward, his tall figure looming as he grabbed Celine's slender arm and yanked her away. "Celine, are you not tired of playing hard to get?" he asked. "Are you following me around now? Stop wasting your time on me. Get out of here!"