Hailey winked ambiguously at Celine and said, "Celine, your husband is pretty amazing."

Nikki was shocked. "Celine, is Mr. Alvarez really your husband? Are you married to him?"

Hailey nodded. "Yes, she is."

Nikki was astonished. Grabbing Celine's arm, she exclaimed, with a hint of jealousy, "Celine, you're so lucky!"

Celine's smile masked a whirlwind of emotions as she considered her happiness. Lying on her bed, she opened her WhatsApp and went to the "Honey" chat. After hesitating, she sent a short message: "Thank you."

After a while, her phone buzzed. Adam's reply was equally brief: "How do you want to thank me?"

Celine curled her fingers, leaving the message unanswered. She placed her phone under her pillow and closed her eyes.

The next day, Nikki arrived at the Alvarez Group, located in Mercity's most affluent district. The company's towering building dominated the skyline, a breathtaking emblem of wealth, prestige, and influence.

She approached the receptionist. "Hi, I'd like to see Mr. Alvarez."

The receptionist politely inquired, "Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but Mr. Alvarez knows me."

"I'm sorry, you need an appointment to see Mr. Alvarez."

Nikki's disappointment was palpable as she turned to leave. Just then, Adam approached, walking with senior executives, each wearing a blue badge. He was reviewing a document as he spoke with them.

She rushed over excitedly. "Hi, Mr. Alvarez."

Adam paused, looking at Nikki without recognition. "Who are you?"

"Hello, Mr. Alvarez. I'm Celine's classmate. Thank you for helping us last night."

Adam looked at her, slowly remembering. Nikki looked stunning in a beautiful dress that elegantly showcased her legs. "Mr. Alvarez, I can't thank you enough for rescuing me and Celine. Please accept this as a token of my gratitude." She presented him with a gift bag.

Adam, tall and leggy, asked, "Did Celine send you?"

"No, I came alone. Celine went to the hospital this morning to visit Mr. Lynch," Nikki replied innocently.

Adam was momentarily stunned.

"Mr. Alvarez, I handmade this…"

Adam's expression turned cold. "Don't come back." He left. Nikki froze.

The receptionist promptly approached. "Madam, please leave immediately."

Tears welled in Nikki's eyes as she clutched her bag, containing a handmade knitted scarf—a scarf Adam didn't even glance at. Pressed by the receptionist, she left.

As Nikki stepped outside, she saw an MPV pull up. Emma Brown, a renowned celebrity, made a grand entrance into the Alvarez Group, surrounded by assistants and bodyguards.

Two female employees inside were chatting. One exclaimed, "Is that Emma Brown? She's the latest celebrity Universal Entertainment—a subsidiary of Alvarez Group—is promoting."

"Once she joins Universal, she's guaranteed fame."

"Let's just say she'll own everything if she marries Mr. Alvarez."