Chapter 19
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Elise’s expression changed. She clicked over in her heels and grabbed Estela’s arm just as she raised her hand to knock.
“Let me guess–you got wind of Mr. Rangel being here and thought whipping up a few home–cooked meals would help you butter him up for a business deal?”
Estela didn’t respond, and Elise took that as confirmation. Her tone sharpened, turning meaner.
“Don’t kid yourself. Just a little friendly warning–women like you, who sleep their way up? Even if you stripped naked in front of Mr. Rangel, he wouldn’t spare you a second glance.”
Estela suddenly let out a soft laugh, like she’d just heard a ridiculous joke.
Elise’s face twisted in anger. “What the hell are you laughing at? Know your place and get lost! He’s way out of your league!”
“Oh?” Estela raised a brow, her smile unreadable. “So he’s not out of your league?”
She leaned in, her voice light but laced with mockery. “I think you’ve misunderstood. I’m not nearly as talented as your dear mom Ronda.”
She said Ronda with pointed emphasis–making it clear she didn’t recognize her as an aunt.
Everyone knew how Elise and Ronda forced their way into the
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family. No one said it out loud, but everyone knew.
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Elise’s face turned all shades of red and purple. Her voice rose to a screech.
“Estela, how dare you talk about my mom like that? You really think you’re innocent? Don’t act like marrying Vance makes you untouchable. Without him, you’re nothing!”
Estela nodded calmly, lips curving into a cool smile. “You’re right. Just like how you stole my spot at the Royal College of Art. only to get kicked out less than three months later. Some things–no matter how hard you force them–just aren’t meant to be.”
Back then, Elise may have taken her place, but the Royal College of Art wasn’t some place you could bluff your way through.
That school was crawling with genius–level talent. Even the worst students there could leave Elise in the dust.
Her clumsy, confused linework and botched sketches had become a joke among the students.
Barely three months in, she’d been expelled–no second chances.
The words hit Elise like a slap. That scandal had been a thorn in her side ever since. A wound that never quite healed.
“Estela! You bitch! You sabotaged me! You couldn’t stand to see me succeed, so you ruined everything! I’ll teach you a lesson today–for your dead parents!”
Elise was shaking with rage, her whole face twisted. She
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raised her hand for a slap.
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But Estela didn’t flinch. She was just about to step aside when-
The door to the hospital room opened behind her.
And then, a warm, familiar hand took hold of her wrist–and gently pulled her inside.
Elise’s slap missed its mark. A flicker of panic flashed in her eyes. “Mr. Mr. Rangel, you’re awake?”
The man stood there in a hospital gown, gauze wrapped around his arm. Despite the casual clothes, the cool glint in his gray eyes and the quiet dominance in his presence made it
hard to breathe.
Spencer’s expression was dark with irritation. “And you are?”
Elise quickly shoved her hand behind her back and forced a bright smile. “I’m Elise–from the design department. I’m new. I heard you weren’t feeling well, so I came to visit on behalf of the team. Sidney said you were resting.”
She’d pulled strings to find out which hospital Spencer was in.
Showed up first thing in the morning, even brought a gift basket of health medicine. Only to be blocked at the door by Sidney, not even allowed a glimpse of him.
She had been about to leave when she bumped into Estela. ‘And now, of all times, Spencer has to walk out? Just my luck,’ she thought.
Spencer gave her a blank look, obviously having no idea who she was. His narrow eyes were half–lidded, and he looked
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Chapter 19
slightly tired. “You knew I was asleep and still made noise outside my room? Trying to finish me off?”
“N–no! Of course not!” Elise stammered.
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His gaze turned sharp. “Since when is the design department this free?”
He wasn’t wearing his glasses, which only highlighted his sharp features–high brow, chiseled lines. The bright hospital lights cast deep shadows on one side of his face, giving him a cool, distant air of effortless superiority.
Elise was so busy admiring him, she didn’t even realize she was in deep trouble. She stepped closer, trying to explain, “I just. I was really worried about your health-”
Sidney moved in smoothly and blocked her path. “Ms. Warren, please leave.”
Elise watched, helpless, as the door shut in her face.
What stung most wasn’t being kicked out. It was seeing Spencer’s hand still resting on Estela’s wrist.
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