Chapter 2

"Vivienne, why are you being naughty again? Didn't you promise me you'd eat properly?"

Gideon's tone was scolding, yet filled with affection.

"Alright, alright, I'll come and join you right away!"

Gideon's handsome features were brimming with amusement.

But as soon as the call ended, the smile on his lips suddenly dropped.

His face darkened as he walked into the room.

Impatiently, he shoved the pills in his hand into mine.

"Here are your meds. Take them quickly."

"The studio needs me. I've got to go!"

The expected response didn't come.

My gaze lingered on the yellow pills in my hand, a bitter smile playing on my lips.

Gideon's brow furrowed slightly, an odd feeling rising in his chest.

But he quickly dismissed it, turning to leave without hesitation.

As the sound of the closing door echoed, I raised my hand and tossed the pills into the trash can.

All along, the medicine I'd been taking was special medication Gideon had procured through his connections.

He wasn't unaware of what those pills looked like.

Yet he had given me the wrong ones.

I closed my eyes, letting tears flow from my eyes to my pillow.

Without realizing it, I had fallen asleep.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already the next morning.I reached for my phone on the bedside table, only to find it flooded with messages and missed calls.

I quickly got up, changed into some fresh clothes, and hailed a cab to the studio.

"Elise, you're finally here!"

My assistant Myra rushed over, pointing to a pile of debris not far away.

"Elise, that Vivienne broke the sculpture a client had ordered."

"The client's demanding a refund!"

Taking a deep breath, I plastered on a smile and approached the fuming customer.

"Mr. Bryce, please don't be upset."

"This is entirely our fault. We'll give you a full refund."

My words successfully calmed the client. He let out a cold huff.

As he was turning to follow me to the office for further discussion, Vivienne suddenly burst into tears.

"But that was Gideon's blood, sweat, and tears!"

"He spent so long perfecting that sculpture. How can you just not pay for it?!"

The customer's anger, which had just subsided, flared up again at her words.

I was already irritated.

Now, with my temper flaring, I turned to Vivienne and spoke coldly.

"If you care so much about Gideon, then why don't you buy the sculpture yourself?"

"After all, I have witnesses and evidence. You can't wriggle out of this!"Vivienne was broke.

A flash of resentment passed through her eyes, quickly replaced by her usual pitiful expression.

"Gideon, I'm just standing up for you!"

"Isn't Miss Frost your manager? Why is she siding with outsiders?"

Vivienne's attempt to sow discord was successful.

Gideon's face instantly darkened. He quietly reassured Vivienne with a few words.

Under everyone's gaze, he crouched down and picked up all the broken pieces of the sculpture from the ground.

"Vivienne is right."

"My hard work shouldn't be disrespected."

"Since you bought my piece, all the damages should be your sole responsibility."

Gideon's words caused an immediate hush to fall over the crowd.

My pupils dilated slightly as I turned to try and pacify the client.

But by now, the client wasn't willing to listen to a single word.

He angrily pointed at Gideon.

"Some renowned sculptor you are, my ass!"

"This isn't over!"

With that, he turned and stormed off.

No matter how I tried to persuade or console him, it was to no avail.

Years of work experience told me that Gideon had just stirred up big trouble.

Sure enough.The next day, a trending topic hit the charts about the studio selling defective products and refusing refunds.