Chapter 44
Greta's face went pale in a heartbeat. Her lips quivered as she asked, "Nel, do you really hate me that much?"
Nellie didn't even spare her a glance as she turned and walked away with determination.
Greta still needed Nellie to hand over the mentorship, so she told Cameron, "Cameron, please go bring Nel back." Cameron set off after Nellie.
Nellie began to run, but her legs were short, and her body was frail. Cameron, with his long strides, quickly closed the gap. Just as he was about to catch her, Nellie suddenly darted across the street.
Out of nowhere, a sleek sports car zoomed towards them, causing Cameron's eyes to widen in shock. "Nellie!"
The car unexpectedly slowed, and the window rolled down to reveal a striking face. "Nathalie, hop in."
Nellie was momentarily taken aback. She didn't recognize the girl. Yet, the way she called her name made Nellie think of Nathan.
Without a second thought, Nellie opened the passenger door and got in.
Cameron ran over, but the car shot off like a bolt of lightning.
Nellie was gone.
Cameron watched the car disappear, suspicion brewing as his fists clenched tight.
When did Nellie start hanging with such wealthy folks?
No wonder she had the guts to ditch his credit card when she went abroad. No wonder she could afford to enter the fashion design contest.
The sports car eventually pulled over by the roadside.
Nellie glanced at the young girl next to her, who seemed about eighteen. Her hair was in a high ponytail. She had big eyes and wore a sleek black suit. "Thanks for getting me out of there," Nellie said.
"It was Mr. Rowland who sent me to help you," the girl replied, her voice bright and youthful.
Nellie was surprised.
The girl added, "Mr. Nathan Rowland"
Nellie froze, feeling the warmth spread through her like a cozy fire on a winter's day. Nathan really helped her out this time.
The girl handed Nellie a velvet box from the car. "Mr. Nathan said if you do well, I should give you this congratulatory gift."
Nellie opened it to find a pink diamond necklace inside. The diamonds were surrounded by vibrant green stones. It felt like she was witnessing her own rebirth, and her eyes welled up.
"He really put thought into this," she said, her voice catching.
The girl smiled, "He said you deserve the best things in this world."
Nellie wiped away her tears and beamed. Her gratitude towards Nathan was deeply felt.
"Thank you for bringing me such a precious gift," Nellie said to the girl.
"I'm Lizzy. Mr. Nathan asked me to stick around and help with your daily life from now on."
Nellie paused. She came from humble beginnings and always did the dirty work. As a kid, she had to care for her temperamental mother, and later, she served Cameron, her benefactor, with caution. Now, she was being treated so generously by Nathan and found it hard to adjust. "You don't have to follow me. I can take care of myself," she said firmly.
But Lizzy's eyes filled with tears. "But, if you don't take me in, Mr. Nathan will fire me. Then my dad will probably make me marry the old guy from our town."
Nellie's heart ached. Lizzy was another child without a parent's love, much like her own story. Compassion took over, and she decided to take Lizzy in. "If you don't want to go back, stay with me."
Lizzy let out a quiet sigh of relief.
And just like that, Nellie brought Lizzy home with her.