Chapter 8

Unknown to Adam, his legendary junior was Celine, and she had rejected his friend request. Leo entered with coffee, his eyes widening at Adam's phone.

"What? Did someone actually reject Mr. Alvarez's friend request?" he mused. It was unbelievable.

Leo commented, "Mr. Alvarez, your junior is… quite something."

Adam was unconcerned by Celine's rejection. He frowned after a sip of Leo's coffee, prompting Leo to ask, "Mr. Alvarez, is the coffee not to your liking? Should I make another one?"

Adam longed for Celine's coffee. His face remained impassive as he replied, "Write an eight-figure check. That's my divorce settlement for Celine."

He didn't believe her claim of wanting a clean break; he suspected she was angling for more money. After all, a woman from the countryside who dropped out of school at sixteen couldn't possibly support herself. The check would buy her out, erasing the past three years.

Leo nodded. "Understood, Mr. Alvarez."

Leo's phone rang. His face lit up. "Mr. Alvarez, good news! Dr. C has agreed to perform Ms. Tate's heart surgery!"

Dr. C, renowned for her miraculous skills, was a medical legend, sought after by the wealthiest and most influential. Three years prior, she had disappeared, reappearing only now.

Carly had a lifelong heart condition. Despite treatment, it persisted. Adam, using his influence and resources, had arranged for Dr. C to treat her.

Adam relaxed slightly, a smile touching his lips. Carly would finally receive treatment.

The next day, Celine arrived at Haven Hospital. A team of bodyguards burst in, clearing a path for Adam and Carly. Two young women gossiped nearby.

"What's going on?" "Don't you know? That's Carly Tate, a.k.a. Scarlet Rose, the prima ballerina. She felt unwell during her dance, and Mr. Alvarez brought her in." "Mr. Alvarez is here? No wonder there's so much commotion."

Celine was surprised to encounter Adam and Carly.

"Look, here they come! Mr. Alvarez and Carly!" one exclaimed.

Celine saw Adam's elegant figure in a tailored black suit, Carly cradled in his arms. Doctors and nurses surrounded them, ushering them along. The young women swooned.

"Wow, Mr. Alvarez is so handsome. He's the true definition of a CEO." "And Carly is so beautiful… they're the perfect couple!" "Handsome CEO and graceful ballerina… a fairytale!"

Celine and Adam were secretly married, known only to a few. Everyone else was captivated by the Adam-Carly pairing. Adam, oblivious to Celine's presence, focused entirely on Carly.

Celine took a breath, locating her appointment on her phone. She reached VIP room 109, finding Adam, Carly, Hayden, and Lucy. Carly was surrounded by affection, treated like a princess.

Hayden beamed. "Carly, this is wonderful. Mr. Alvarez arranged for Dr. C."

Lucy wiped away a tear. "My poor Carly. You've suffered so much, but Dr. C will make you healthy again. You'll marry Mr. Alvarez and be his bride."

Carly smiled sweetly at Adam, who ruffled her hair. The scene was idyllic, like a family portrait.

Celine, stunned, realized the surgery arranged for her was actually for Carly. Tears welled in her eyes.

Adam, sensing something, turned. His gaze locked onto Celine.

Before she could react, he was before her. "Celine, what are you doing here?"

Celine stammered, "I…"

His voice was dangerously cold. "Celine, are you following me?"

Celine shook her head. "No, I'm not."

Lucy and Hayden scolded her. "Celine, what are you doing here? We brought in Dr. C to treat Carly. Why are you making a scene?"

Hayden's expression hardened. "Celine, you really don't know when to stop. Leave now."

Carly remained silent, her expression haughty and dismissive.

Adam grabbed Celine's arm and pulled her away. "Celine, are you not tired of playing hard to get? Are you following me? Stop wasting your time. Get out of here!"