Chapter 784

"Um okay, then."

Damian's assistant called Naomi again. Damian assumed it was a celebrity ploy—an attempt to extort more money. He believed he could buy anyone off. He poured himself another drink. His assistant returned shortly afterward, this time carrying Damian's phone.

"Mr. Tanner, I don't think she's making excuses. I told her what you said, and she sent this."

The assistant held the phone closer to Damian's face. When Damian saw the photo, he nearly dropped his glass.

"What the hell?!"

Naomi's message accompanied a picture: "I had an allergic reaction. I'm in the hospital now. If you don't believe me, here's a picture of my face."

Only half her face was visible, but it was flushed and covered in pimples—a terrifying sight. No wonder Damian almost dropped his glass.

"Put that away! That's cursed! Why did you show it to me?!" he growled. "Who cares if she's not coming? I'll send a get-well-soon gift basket. We need to leave a good impression."

He paused, poured another drink, then said, "Get two more things for her. Then call some reporters for photos—to show the company's concern." It seemed like a good idea. His assistant nodded and immediately obeyed.

Another wave of flattery followed. They praised his decisiveness, his strategies, and the company's unprecedented prosperity. It was the happiest night of Damian's twenty-plus years. He felt his humiliating past was buried, and the future was bright.

Meanwhile, Naomi wiped her face with a towel and looked in the mirror. She had a rash, but not as severe as the picture she'd sent Damian. She lightly touched the red spots, her gaze darkening.

"Naomi, you're going through a lot," said Eloise, standing by her hospital bed.

"Eloise, how can you say that? Without your support, I wouldn't be here. This is nothing," Naomi replied, putting down the mirror. The facial rash didn't matter.

"That's a result of both your talent and luck. I guess we're fated. After being out of the industry for so many years, I didn't expect you to become such a big star. Destiny is amazing!" Eloise was emotional. She wondered if her life would have been different if she hadn't left the industry and become a trophy wife. But there were no "ifs." Still, she understood why someone who had lost something might dwell on it.

"You're doing pretty well yourself. You can enjoy life with peace of mind and don't need to work hard like the rest of us," Naomi responded.

"Am I?" Eloise sat on the stool beside the bed, a wry smile on her face. "At this age, I'm still thinking of ways to help my children. Now, I'm here to ask for your help"