Chapter 352
Carla was in a good mood so instead of going straight home, she treated Renzo and Maria to dinner and drinks at a private bar owned by one of her friends. They had their own secluded room for privacy.
“Your interview is the trending topic right now, but I have a feeling it might backfire on you soon,” Renzo remarked, eyeing her carefully.
“Backfire? I didn’t say anything negative about their marriage. I simply expressed my opinion, and I made sure to choose my words carefully. The host asked me a question, and I answered it honestly,” Carla replied with a confident smirk.
She glanced at the flood of positive comments online, which only made her feel more satisfied. Most people were on her side, fueling her confidence p>
“But do you know who leaked that contract?” Renzo asked, his tone curious.
Carla merely shrugged at her manager’s question. She knew Renzo was her father’s eyes and ears, and while he managed her career, Maria, her personal assistant, was the one she truly trusted. Renzo took care of her, but he always reported everything to her father.
Renzo took a sip of his drink, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed Carla. “It’s interesting, isn’t it? How the contract just mysteriously leaked, and then suddenly you’re requested for an interview. Don’t you think that’s a bit too convenient p>
Carla leaned back, fingers tracing the rim of her glass thoughtfully. “Convenient? Yes. But I don’t mind. If it forces Alexander to make a move… all the better for me,” she said, her lips curling into a sly, confident smile. “I’ve already made it clear that I have no intention of fading into the background quietly. If people want to believe the contract signals the end of their marriage, that’s their problem, not mine p>
Her tone was sharp, almost defiant, and Renzo studied her for a moment before speaking again. “You’re playing with fire, Carla. This could backfire if you’re not careful p>
Carla’s smile didn’t falter. “Fire? I’m not afraid of a little heat. Alexander will make his choice soon enough. And when he does, I’ll be right here, waiting p>
Renzo’s expression tightened as he leaned back, his eyes never leaving Carla. “Can’t you just give it up already? That contract… You don’t even know if it still stands. You might think you have a chance now because Alexander has no memories of his wife, but don’t underestimate their bond. His memory loss doesn’t mean his feelings for her are gone p>
Carla’s jaw clenched, her frustration rising. “Didn’t you hear me, Renzo?” she snapped. “I said I’m just waiting. It’s not like I’m going to crawl into Alexander’s bed and snatch him away p>
She could feel her irritation building. Every word out of Renzo’s mouth seemed to hit a nerve. L
ately, it seemed like he was doing more to push her buttons than help her. She’d been considering finding a new manager, one that her father didn’t control. Maybe someone who could actually understand her ambition without constantly reminding her of the risks.
At Cartier’s Mansion
Summer sat at her vanity, gently applying moisturizer to her face. “Have you seen Carla’s interview?” she asked Arlan, glancing at him through the mirror.
“I did, and it’s concerning,” Arlan replied, his tone grim. “I’ve already instructed Renzo to strictly monitor all of Carla’s moves and keep me informed. Our daughter… she doesn’t seem ready to let go of Alexander, especially after that contract leaked p>
Summer sighed deeply, setting down her jar of moisturizer. “That contract may have been real once, but it’s clear how much Alexander and Rain love each other now. Divorce seems unlikely. I’m truly worried about Carla. We thought she had moved on, but seeing her act like this p>
“It’s disappointing,” Arlan admitted, leaning back in his chair. “I don’t even know how to face Rock. The men wanted to proceed with the hunting event, and I thought it could be an opportunity to mend the relationship between Carla and Alexander, even if they were just friends. But He shook his head, his frustration palpable.
Summer turned toward him, her expression thoughtful. “I’ll talk to Carla tomorrow. I’ll try to convince her to move on. As for the hunting event, let’s still proceed. It’s a cherished tradition for the family, and everyone looks forward to the island retreat. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to guide Carla and remind her of what’s important. I’m confident she’ll come around eventually p>
She hesitated before adding, “If only I’d been able to have another child after the twins… maybe a sibling could have helped Carla feel less p>
“Enough, Summer,” Arlan interrupted gently but firmly, standing to approach her. “Carla is enough, and I’m thankful at least one of the twins survived. Don’t dwell on the past. You’re the most important person in my life, and you alone are more than enough for me p>
Summer’s lips curved into a soft smile as she rose to join him in bed. His words, as always, were her solace. She was making her way to bed when her legs suddenly gave out, and she collapsed to the floor. “Summer!” Arlan shouted, jumping out of bed and rushing to her side.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice tight with concern as he carefully scooped her up and carried her to the bed.
“I… I don’t know,” Summer murmured, her voice shaky. “My knees just gave out. Arlan, something’s wrong with me. Lately, I’ve been feeling nauseous, weak, and so easily exhausted. But the doctor said nothing’s wrong with my body.” Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped his arm, her fear evident.
Arlan’s jaw tightened as he gently laid her down, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “That doesn’t sound like nothing,” he said firmly. “We’re going to get this checked again. I’ll find the best doctor, someone who won’t brush this off. I promise p>
Tears welled up in Summer’s eyes as she whispered, “What if it’s something serious p>
Arlan cupped her face, his gaze steady and filled with determination. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together. You’re not going through this alone, Summer. I won’t let anything happen to you p>