Chapter 4

Mr Carter was the man who saved her years ago on the reef, he was also the chairman of the Carter Group with strong influence abroad.

When Elena arrived at the garden, Mr Carter was sitting in a wheelchair, a sixty-five year old man with white hair.

He lost his leg in a fatal accident ten years ago, and his wife died in the same accident. He saved Elena because he said facially she reminded him of his late wife, which brought back many memories of her.

Elena was grateful for his kindness in saving her life, so she worked at the Carter Group and eventually rose to the position of vice president.

Elena approached him and respectfully said. “Mr. Carter, you asked to see me.”

Mr. Carter gestured toward the seat opposite him and asked her to sit. “Have you packed all you will need for the trip? You're leaving for New York tomorrow right?”

"Yes sir, I've packed everything.”

“I have something to show you.”

He picked up his phone from the table and turned the screen toward her. "Do you remember this?”

Elena looked at the screen and was shocked.

"This is the fashion design you left four years ago. It has now become part of Rogue Thread's new summer collection, the biggest luxury brand in the country. Isn't that amazing?”

Elena's expression changed a little. Although she studied Business Administration in New York, she learnt fashion after moving abroad and has now become a respected name in the fashion industry.

The design she had discarded was originally uploaded online for fun, simply to see what netizens thought of it, but her designs got stolen.

Rogue Thread is one of the leading brands under the Hudson Group, and their new collection is launching tomorrow night. 

“Elena, I know how much resentment you hold toward Nathan Hudson. And I also know that your decision to return to New York isn't just about helping me grow the company, you also want to get revenge on Nathan. I won't stop you, but I also hope you won't end up causing more pain to yourself in the process.”

A slight uneasiness stirred inside Elena as she glanced at Mr. Carter. Of course, she wanted revenge against Nathan. She couldn't let all the suffering she had endured be for nothing, and she wouldn't let Daniel's death be in vain. He has to pay for it.

"I understand, don't worry sir, I won't hurt myself, I'll take care of the company and I won't let my revenge against Hudson affect my work.”

***

The flight was scheduled for 5pm, the trip back to New York was very important, Elena couldn't take her son with her and had to leave him behind for the time being.

He accompanied her to the airport, to say goodbye.

"Mummy, promise you'll take care of yourself, and think about me, don't forget me."

Elena smiled and gently kissed his foreheads, promising warmly, "I will never forget you and will always, always think about you.”

Elena chose not to take her son with her, not only because things were still uncertain in New York, but also because she didn't want Nathan to find out about Ethan, that she had a child for him.

She gave the security who brought them to the airport a few instructions for Ethan before saying goodbye to him.

After settling into her seat, she gazed out at the familiar scenery through the plane window, a bitter feeling stirring inside her.

“Nathan, after seven years being away, I'm finally back. I wonder how you'll react when you see me again.”

***

In New York. Everyone was busy getting ready for tonight's big event.

Normally, a small product launch wouldn't have been important enough to bring in Nathan Hudson, the group's CEO, but the brand manager was Aurora Moretti.

Aurora had been by Nathan's side for since Elena left. She had no official title or status, but in everyone's eyes, she was clearly his girlfriend.

As Aurora showed Nathan around, she smiled and introduced him to several guests.

"There are plenty of local and international media outlets here tonight, so the publicity is quite strong. I don't think we need to worry about the new season's sales. After all, this is a luxury brand, and our target customers are..."

Nathan listened without much expression, occasionally giving a slight nod. Just then, her assistant Vanessa approached them.

"Mr Hudson, Director Aurora , is it time for the guests to come in?

Aurora glanced at her wristwatch and replied, "Yes"

"Then I'll go and let them know.”

After her assistant left, Aurora was about to speak when Nathan's phone suddenly rang.

His brows drew together as he answered in a low voice, "I need to take this call outside."

“But what about the event?”

Before Aurora could finish, he had already turned and walked away. “You handle it.” without even looking back.

After a minute, Vanessa returned and leaned closer, winking as she said, "Director Aurora, you're incredible. How did you convince Mr Hudson, who is usually so distant, to come all the way for this launch?"

Aurora frowned and scolded her, "Stop talking nonsense. Get back to work!" The assistant reluctantly walked away.

Nathan had promised to marry her seven years ago, she couldn't understand why he had never brought it up again. He had grown colder toward her over the past three years, and sometimes she couldn't help wondering if he had already fallen for someone else.

But she couldn't think of anyone who he could have fallen in love with, which left her confused. Now that Elena was finally out of the way, she couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip through her fingers.

Meanwhile, outside the fashion show, Nathan's expression remained cold as he listened silently to his mother's scolding over the phone.

"You need to make things official with Aurora soon. You're already thirty-five, do you still think you're young? If you don't get married and have children now, when will you? Are you planning to remain single forever?”

"This isn't the old days mum, so why are you still holding on to such outdated ideas?” 

“Her brother once saved your life, and marrying her would also be good for our family's reputation. You're a businessman, so I don't need to explain the advantages this marriage could bring, right? Anyway, as long as she can be a good wife to you, that's enough.”

Nathan replied coldly, "I know, Mum.”

"You always say that, but I need to see you actually do something about it. I need actions not just words." Mrs. Hudson ended the call angrily.

Nathan wasn't surprised. He slipped his phone back into his pocket. Waited a little longer before returning inside when a familiar figure suddenly caught his attention.

His whole body stiffened.

Elena?