Chapter 236: Surprise Celebration!

As the president of Hale-Viv Conglomerate, Luca Hale was already the center of attention wherever he went.

Add to that his striking appearance, and it was almost impossible for employees not to notice him.

So when he walked out of the elevator carrying a woman in his arms, every eye in the lobby turned toward them.

The female employees, in particular, couldn’t hide the envy in their expressions.

More than one of them imagined what it would feel like to be the woman resting safely in President Hale’s embrace.

Meanwhile, Cecelia kept her eyes tightly shut, burying her face against Luca’s chest.

Even without looking, she could feel countless pairs of eyes following them.

For the first time, she understood how the animals at the zoo must feel when crowds gathered around to watch.

It was enough to make her feel restless, awkward, and painfully self-conscious.

Normally, employees would eagerly step forward to greet Luca whenever they crossed paths.

Today was different.

Everyone instinctively gave them space.

They simply stood aside with knowing smiles, waiting until the pair disappeared beyond the company entrance before the whispers finally erupted.

"Was that Secretary Cecelia President Hale was carrying?"

"Who else could it be? She’s gorgeous. Honestly, it’d be stranger if President Hale didn’t fall for her."

"So that’s why no one ever managed to win Secretary Cecelia over."

"Remember when Anthony Bronze from Sales got transferred to the African branch? I wondered why back then."

"Now it all makes sense."

"Wait... doesn’t President Hale already have a girlfriend?"

"He does. I saw her the other day when you were off. Absolutely stunning. She has an incredible presence."

"So... doesn’t that make President Hale a cheating scumbag?"

"A scumbag?"

The woman beside her rolled her eyes.

"If a scumbag buys you villas and lets you spend his money, you’d probably be smiling all the way to the bank. If that’s being a scumbag, then sign me up."

"...Fair point."

"I’m so jealous my teeth are starting to hurt."

The gossip didn’t stop there.

Within minutes, the employees’ private group chat exploded with new messages.

Someone had even secretly snapped photos of Luca carrying Cecelia, eager to share the latest company gossip.

...

Not long after getting into the car, Cecelia’s phone buzzed.

It was a message from Roseline.

Although she’d mentally prepared herself, seeing the flood of messages left her completely speechless.

She slumped back against the passenger seat, looking utterly defeated.

When she caught Luca secretly grinning beside her, her frustration only grew.

"This is all your fault."

She shot him a resentful glare.

"So what if I wore high heels? Did that mean I lost the right to walk by myself?"

"Now everyone in the company knows we’re together."

"How am I supposed to face them tomorrow?"

She could already picture the endless questions waiting for her.

There would be no escaping the interrogation.

Luca, on the other hand, couldn’t stop smiling.

"And you’re still laughing!"

Cecelia was so annoyed she almost wanted to bite him.

How could he still look so carefree?

Didn’t he realize how damaging rumors could be?

If people started spreading stories about the president dating a widow, it could easily tarnish his reputation.

Worse still, someone might deliberately use the situation against him.

Even if they couldn’t hurt Luca directly, they could easily make things difficult for her instead.

The last thing she wanted was to become his weakness.

Deep down, she’d always believed she wasn’t worthy of him.

She was older.

She’d been married before.

From the very beginning, she’d accepted the role of being Luca’s secret lover.

And now...

That secret had been exposed in the most public way imaginable.

"Luca..."

She sighed softly.

"Aren’t you worried about your reputation?"

"So that’s what’s been bothering you."

Understanding finally dawned on him.

He reached over and gently ruffled her hair.

"I’m not married."

"You aren’t married either."

"So what’s wrong with us dating?"

Then he smiled.

"Besides..."

"Gordon Luiz had plenty of lovers in the past, yet no one dared criticize him."

"The difference wasn’t morality."

"It was power."

"Back then, Gordon controlled New Orleans’ overseas trade. Countless companies depended on him to export their products."

"No one was willing to offend the man holding their lifeline."

He shrugged casually.

"Now that position belongs to me."

"So no one will casually point fingers."

"As for you..."

He squeezed her hand.

"If you weren’t already famous enough to attract rich young masters from all over New Orleans, why do you think so many people tried to keep you as their sugar baby before?"

Cecelia couldn’t help lowering her eyes.

"...What about Vivienne and the others?"

"Don’t worry."

"They already know."

"In fact, I’m taking you back to San Fierro with their approval."

Only then did the worry in Cecelia’s heart finally begin to fade.

...

About fifteen minutes later, the Rolls-Royce stopped outside a private restaurant.

Vivienne had brought Luca here twice before, and he’d been impressed with both the food and the atmosphere.

The prices were equally impressive.

After listening to the waiter’s recommendations, he specifically ordered several dishes suitable for pregnant women.

"Luca..."

Cecelia looked down at her feet.

"You should’ve taken me home to change my shoes first."

Her cheeks were still slightly red.

After all...

He’d carried her straight into the restaurant.

Even the waitress serving them had given her an amused look.

Fortunately, they’d reserved a private dining room.

Otherwise, they would undoubtedly have become the center of attention again.

Luca ladled a bowl of soup and gently placed it in front of her.

"I was worried you’d be hungry."

He smiled softly.

"You’re eating for two now."

"Neither you nor our baby should go hungry."

His words warmed her heart.

She picked up the bowl and took a small sip.

Oddly enough, despite being a savory soup, it tasted faintly sweet.

After trying each dish, she smiled.

"The food here is really good."

"You like it?"

She nodded.

"I do."

Luca put down his fork.

"Good."

"Then we’ll celebrate here tonight."

She blinked in confusion.

"Celebrate?"

Before he could explain, someone knocked on the private room door.

"Come in."

The door opened.

An elegant woman in a stylish long dress walked inside.

Several young women in matching uniforms followed behind her, each carrying two neatly packed boxes.

"Good afternoon, President Hale. Madam."

The elegant woman bowed respectfully.

Cecelia looked at Luca in confusion.

"Luca... who is she?"

"This is Director Cristine, general manager of The Grand Paragon Shopping Center."

After making the introduction, Luca smiled helplessly.

"Director Cristine, why did you personally come?"

Originally, he’d only asked her to have someone deliver a couple of comfortable pairs of shoes so Cecelia could change out of her heels.

He hadn’t expected the shopping center’s general manager to personally lead an entire team.

Cristine smiled gracefully.

"It is my honor to serve President Hale and Madam."

She glanced at the staff behind her.

"I was worried someone else might overlook an important detail."

"So I decided it would be better to come myself."