Célise rushed back to the dormitory and found Hailey, who had hurt her ankle.

“Céline, I’m fine. I just twisted my ankle walking today. It’s swollen, but I’ve already applied some medicated oil. It’ll be fine soon. Why did Nikki call back in such a panic? It’s really not a big deal.”

So it was just a twisted ankle. Céline exhaled, realizing how much Nikki’s vague phone call had startled her. “You stay here and rest. Don’t move around,” Hailey said.

Céline checked Hailey’s ankle. Once she was sure Hailey was okay, she grabbed her pajamas and headed to the bathroom to shower. The hot water washed away the aches and soreness from her body, but it couldn’t erase the hickeys left behind from last night.

Her mind drifted back to the previous night’s events. His intense gaze burned into her, so raw and unguarded.

“Don’t look at me like that,” she murmured, her hands reaching up to cover his eyes.

Adam caught her wrists, pulling them away as he pressed a searing kiss to her lips. “Linny, you’re beautiful.” She felt like she was melting in his arms.

Céline snapped her eyes shut, shaking the memory away. Was he awake now? Would he come looking for her?

After finishing her shower, she climbed into bed for a nap. The exhaustion from the previous night had taken its toll, and she drifted off quickly. When she woke up, it was already afternoon. She grabbed her phone and checked it. It was empty. No calls, no messages, not a single word from him. Her chest tightened; a flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes.

She got out of bed just as a knock sounded at the door. Hailey opened it to find a group of strangers standing there. “Who are you?”

“Does Nikki stay here? We’re here to help her move out,” one of them replied.

“Move out?” Céline and Hailey exchanged confused glances. “Where is she moving to?”

“She’s relocating to Grand Island. She’s not going to stay here anymore,” the man replied.

Grand Island? That was one of the most exclusive and expensive residential areas in Mercity. Celebrities and billionaires lived there, where every square foot cost a fortune.

“Are you sure you’ve got the right person?” Hailey asked incredulously.

“We’re certain. Nikki signed a contract with Universal Entertainment. She’ll be managed by Diana herself.”

Diana was the legendary talent manager who had created countless stars.

The group entered the dorm, taking only Nikki’s identification documents and a few books. They discarded the rest of her belongings without a second thought.

Hailey was still in shock. “Céline, what just happened? Nikki’s suddenly rich?”

Nikki’s situation was no secret to them. Just yesterday, she was juggling several part-time jobs to make ends meet. Yet today, she was moving into an upscale neighborhood, personally signed under Diana for her debut.

What was more, Nikki hadn’t even bothered returning to the dorm. Instead, she had sent people to collect her belongings. Hailey and Céline frowned slightly as they watched the group leave. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but judging by those people, it seems like Nikki’s doing well. We’re utterly baffled.”

Hailey nodded. “I hope so. We’ve always wanted her to do well.” Life had never been easy. Coming from a humble background, she had always worked tirelessly just to make ends meet. Her struggles and insecurities were things both Céline and Hailey had witnessed firsthand. They had genuinely wanted to help her and wished for her success.

Just then, Céline’s phone rang. It was Nathan. “Céline, I’m getting discharged today. If you don’t come pick me up, I’ll just…” Céline smacked her forehead. She had completely forgotten he was being discharged that day.