hapter 0026 Incredible , he breathes out . If I hadnt known you made this , Id think youd bought it from some high end shop in Paris . Really ? My voice carries a mix of surprise and pride . Knowing Calvins background in fashion retall makes his praise even more meaningful . Serena , youve got a real talent for design and your craftsmanship is excellent , Calvin tells me , making me feel all warm inside . Heres a thought … How about you join my company , Aurelian Luxe ? I bet youd fit right in and impress everyone quickly in the design department . Calvins offer is tempting . Working at his company could give me valuable experience in the jewelry business and help me hone my skills even further . Its enough to make me pause and seriously consider it for a moment . But after thinking it over , I shake my head and reply , Thanks , Calvin , but Ive already made up my mind . I want to experience what its like to start something on my own , something Im truly passionate about . Theres more to my hesitation than just wanting to follow my own path . The truth is , I dont want to become office gossip as the bosss nephews ex wife . I was worried my answer might disappoint Calvin , but instead , he just smiles . You know , you remind me of myself when I was starting my first business , he tells me . I was as bold and passionate as you are now . I barely accepted any help from my father because I wanted to prove I could be successful on my own . Wow , this is the first time Calvin really opened up to me . Well , look at how that turned out , I respond . You seem to have everything you ever wanted now . Not everything yet , Calvin says , his gaze locking onto mine with a sincerity that takes me by surprise . For the first time , I notice the beautiful hazel of his eyes , framed by long lashes . Were so caught up in the moment that we dont even see the waiter bring our desserts until he coughs . That snaps both Calvin and me out of it . Feeling my cheeks heat up , I quickly excuse myself to head to the bathroom , hoping Calvin doesnt notice how much Im blushing . In the bathroom , I try to pull myself together , telling myself to focus on anything but the intense moment we just shared . But no matter how hard I try , my mind keeps circling back to Calvins words , Not everything yet . Could he be talking about me ? As I slide back into my seat , Calvin looks up and quickly says , So , sorry for being off track . Anyway , while you were away , I thought of something . I lean in , curious , Uh uh ? Well , I can really share my insights as a businessman with you , so you can get started on the right foot . Puzzled , I tilt my head slightly , Are you talking about mentoring ? Yes , he nods , his eyes earnest , if youre open to it . Ill think about it , but I wont say no to hearing advice from someone successful , I respond . Ill take that , Calvin replies . Its clear Calvin is willing to go the extra mile to support me . With my knack for jewelry making and his savvy in business , we just might be the perfect team . 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0026 As Calvin and I head back to his cat , my eyes catch a glimpse of something unmistakably familiar a blue and black Lamborghini parked a bit off in the distance . It has to be Bills car . And sure enough , my suspicion is confirmed when I see Billstepping out , phone pressed to his ear . Quickly , I tug at Calvins arm , pulling him to a stop . Calvin , thats Bill over there , I whisper , nodding subtly towards where Bill is . Calvin follows my gaze . Oh ? He might get the wrong idea if he sees us together , he muses . Thats what Im worried about . Maybe its better if he doesnt see us leave together , I suggest But I want to make sure you get home safely , he insists . I give him a reassuring smile . Ill be fine , I promise . Calvin hesitates , starting to protest , But I meet his gaze , my eyes filled with a silent plea . Please , Calvin . Why does Bill always show up when I least expect it ? It feels like I cant escape him no matter how hard I try . I definitely cant let him see me now , not after dinner with his uncle . The last thing I need is for him to cause a scene , throwing around accusations that Calvin is my sugardaddy . Im just trying to start fresh , to rebuild my life away from Bill . Chapter 102 In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.