Chapter 20 - 94 % X +15 Cecilia's studio in her villa was finally completed . That evening , her first guest arrived as scheduled . Simon stepped out of a Rolls - Royce , seemingly just coming from some social event . He wore a formal black suit , a silver brooch pinned to it , his short black hair slicked back , and his handsome face carried an aloof , indifferent air . However , Simon's eyes and smile were warm . " Ms. Jordan , this is my first time visiting your studio . I brought a gift . " The driver from the Hall family unloaded several potted hydrangeas from the back of the truck . " When I saw the photo of your studio , I noticed there were no flowers in the garden yet . I hope these flowers can brighten your mood while you work , " Simon explained with a smile . Cecilia was momentarily stunned , then delighted . " These hydrangeas are beautiful . This is such a unique gift , thank you . " The driver moved the flowers into the villa's backyard , and Simon had even brought along the gardener from the Hall family to plant them . It was quite thoughtful of him . Cecilia led Simon through the studio , where there were still some pieces she was practicing carving . " Ms. Jordan , you've already started preparing ? " Simon picked up a stone carved with flying birds and gently ran his finger over it . " Looks like my early reservation was a wise choice . " " As an unknown designer , it's an honor that my second piece is being collected by the Hall family , " Cecilia said with a smile . Besides Jacqueline , Simon was one of the few who had recognized her talent . " What kind of piece do you want , Mr. Hall ? " Cecilia asked . " October is my grandfather's 80th birthday , and I want to prepare a gift that he would love , " Simon said while showing her an image of a famous painting on his phone . " My grandfather loves this style . Do you think this painting could be made into a sculpture ? " Simon asked . Cecilia examined the image carefully . " Turning this painting into a sculpture would require a very large piece of material , and the carving process must be flawless , or the entire piece will be ruined . " She felt it was a challenging task , and her expression became serious . " Mr. Hall , are you testing me ? " " I will prepare all the materials , " Simon said , his gaze soft as he looked at her . His tone was firm . " I believe in your ability to complete this carving . " Cecilia took a deep breath , focusing on the painting . After a moment of careful consideration , she replied , " This sculpture is indeed challenging , but since you believe in me , I won't let you down . " " Ms. Jordan , if you can accept my proposal , I'm looking forward to it ," Simon said , his smile gentle . Cecilia knew that being a designer wasn't easy . It was something she had once given up on but now needed to actively pursue . " I'll prepare for this project well ," she said , noticing Simon holding the flying bird stone carving . " Do you like this ? If you do , I'll give it to you . " 1/4 12:47 Tue , Aug 12 GG X +15 Chapter 20 " I'll accept it ," Simon replied , genuinely liking the lifelike carving . At this point , the gardener finished planting all the hydrangeas in the yard . Looking out of the studio's large window , the vibrant flowers outside were a beautiful sight . " Thank you for the flowers , Mr. Hall . I really like them , " Cecilia said , gazing out the window . " It's my honor , " Simon replied , though his gaze was solely focused on her . The view outside seemed to hold no interest for him . As evening approached , Simon checked the time and stood up . " It's getting late , I should go now . I won't disturb you any longer . " " Alright , once I finish the design sketches , I'll send them to you , " Cecilia responded . " Feel free to contact me anytime , " Simon said as he left . *** After Simon left , Cecilia quickly tidied up the studio and went out to throw away the trash . However , she noticed the striking Rolls - Royce still parked outside . Confused , she walked up and knocked on the back window . The window rolled down . Simon was leaning back in his seat , his face slightly furrowed , looking unwell . " Mr. Hall , are you feeling sick ? " Cecilia asked with concern . " I've been busy with work lately , haven't rested well , and I have a slight headache , " Simon replied , his tone weary . Simon had placed the stone carving she gave him on the back seat , next to a bottle of painkillers . Cecilia recognized the medication . " Painkillers shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach , they can be harsh on your stomach . Have you eaten yet ? " Simon paused . " No. " The driver in the front seat looked puzzled , as Simon had just come from a banquet where he must have eaten . " Do you back ? " need to take the medicine now ? " Cecilia asked Simon before turning to the driver . " How long will it take to get " It'll take about an hour to get to the Hall family's residence ," the driver answered , finally understanding why Simon hadn't instructed him to drive . He was waiting to be noticed by Cecilia . Seeing Simon's clear discomfort , Cecilia suggested , " Mr. Hall , if you don't mind , why not come inside and have something to eat first ? " The light inside the car was dim , and Simon's face was partially hidden in the shadows , he managed a brief smile . " Alright , then . Thank you , Ms. Jordan ." Simon got out of the car and followed her back to the villa . " The headache really can be unbearable . Let me make you some croissants . I make really good croissants , " Cecilia offered as she entered the kitchen . " Mr. Hall , do you have any dietary restrictions ? " 2/4 12:47 Tue , Aug 12 G 94 % X Chapter 20 " Everything is fine , " Simon replied , frowning as he endured the headache . His gaze scanned the surroundings before settling back on her . The villa's decor was warm . In the soft light , Cecilia tied on an apron and skillfully made two plates of croissants , which she brought to the dining table . " Ms. Jordan , you cook very efficiently , " Simon complimented . " It's a professional habit . I always make the most of my time . But I'm also learning to slow down now , " Cecilia responded . Simon expressed his gratitude and took a bite of the croissant . The taste was delicious and truly satisfying . " Ms. Jordan , your cooking is wonderful . This is really good ." It was clear that he truly enjoyed the food , finishing it all . Afterwards , Cecilia stood up to clear the dishes . Simon tried to help , but she stopped him . " Mr. Hall , you're a guest . Please rest for ten minutes before taking your medicine . " " Alright ," Simon said . At that moment , the sound of a keypad lock opening echoed from outside . Simon raised an eyebrow in curiosity . " Ms. Jordan , do you live with someone ? " " It's my best friend , " Cecilia replied , just as Chloe walked in , carrying several bags . " Cecilia , there's a party at a bar tonight . I've got a beautiful outfit ready , let's go check out some handsome guys , Chloe began , but stopped when she noticed a man sitting in the living room . all types … " Chloe hadn't fully recognized Simon yet , but the elegance of his aura caught her attention . " Well , I didn't expect you to be with a man . Very charming ." N Cecilia rushed over to try to stop Chloe's careless words . " Take a closer look . Don't you recognize him ? " " Now that you mention it , he does seem familiar , " Chloe said , still walking toward Simon with confusion . Simon squinted slightly and glanced at the black lace dress Chloe was holding . " We've met before , " Simon said , introducing himself and getting straight to the point . " Miss Norris , you're Mr. Grant's ex - wife ." Immediately , Chloe's expression went blank . " So it's you , Mr. Hall . " Without another word , she turned and walked out , still holding the dress . " I'll go out and have fun , darling . Bye ." " Take care ," Cecilia sighed as she watched Chloe leave . " Ms. Jordan , did I say something wrong ? " Simon asked , feigning confusion . " No , it's fine , " Cecilia replied , heading to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water . " Mr. Hall , take your medicine and make sure to rest . " " Thank you for dinner , " Simon said with a smile, secretly relieved that he had stopped Cecilia from going to the bar to meet men . 3/4 12 C G Zak ||| C < 12:47 Tue , Aug 12 Chapter 21