Back then, Eric Jiang was devastated by Nora Yun’s death—he nearly collapsed and never recovered.
If Charles Yin hadn’t intervened, the Jiang Family would have been crushed by their rivals.
With Charles Yin standing guard, who would dare kick them when they’re down?
That’s why when Charles Yin went straight to the Jiang Family and took Cecilia Gu away without greeting Mrs. Jiang, she didn’t dare object.
Later, when Charles Yin openly and secretly dealt with Helen Jiang, Mrs. Jiang kept silent too.
All of this was because Charles Yin had helped the Jiang Family survive those difficult years.
Because of Mrs. Yin’s connection, the Jiang Family and the Yin Family would never break ties easily.
So, even if there were private disagreements, they always presented a united front to outsiders.
That’s why when Charles Yin wanted to bring Eric Jiang back into high society, the Jiang Family was genuinely delighted.
So, when Joe Qi’s invitation arrived at the Grant Estate, the whole household accepted it with great excitement.
Originally, Cecilia Gu was supposed to stay at the hotel with Rona Muir and the rest of the film crew.
But before Cecilia could even say anything, her assistant Wendy was already in tears.
It was as if Wendy would quit on the spot if Cecilia kept staying outside.
Plus, after that night’s tacit understanding with Charles Yin, Cecilia felt awkward about running away from home again, so she obediently returned.
Besides, getting medical checkups outside is really inconvenient.
Now that her belly was getting bigger, the daily checkups were piling up too.
Cecilia really had no choice but to go home.
Still, after every checkup, she’d take her bodyguards, driver, and Wendy to the set to watch the actors film with Director Chen—just for fun.
As long as there was no danger, Charles Yin wouldn’t stop her.
Anyway, there were plenty of bodyguards watching her, both openly and secretly.
Cecilia waddled around with her big belly, surrounded by four space heaters, dressed so thickly she looked like a bear, and hugging a hand warmer.
Even Director Zhao was enjoying the warmth, her cheeks rosy from the heat.
Honestly, maybe it’s because the director is a woman that Charles Yin feels so at ease.
“Sister Zhao, you’re so strict. Do those extras really get your message?” Cecilia couldn’t help but interrupt.
Director Zhao glanced at Cecilia and said, “I heard you’re going to tonight’s fundraising gala?”
Cecilia hugged her hand warmer and nodded, “Of course! I’m the producer—even if I haven’t done a thing. Joe Qi said Charles invested a ton of money, so he gave me the producer title as a reward.”
Director Zhao nodded. “I heard about that too. Mr. Yin really did invest a lot. But producers as self-aware as you are rare.”
Cecilia burst out laughing.
Rona Muir had finished her scenes, walked over in her down jacket, leaned against Cecilia, snatched her hand warmer, and shivered. “I never thought being an actress was this tough! We only see them glamorous on screen, but nobody sees how much they suffer behind the scenes!”
Director Zhao smiled. “It’s their honor to be recognized by Vice President Muir!”
Rona Muir shivered and said, “Sister Zhao, can you not tease me? I really did quit my job! My resignation’s already approved, so from now on I’m going to work hard with you on set. You can’t ditch me!”
Director Zhao waved her hand. “Forget it—I wouldn’t dare take you in. Everyone knows you’ve got a powerful background!”
All three women burst out laughing at once.
Wendy checked the time and said to Cecilia, “Young Madam, it’s time to try on your dress.”
Cecilia waved her hand, “I’m too lazy to move. You know my measurements anyway—just handle it for me.”
Wendy immediately looked to Rona Muir for help. Seeing Wendy’s pleading eyes, Rona could only sigh, “Let’s go. You’re distracting Sister Zhao from her work. Anyway, she’s attending the fundraising gala tonight too. Let’s go get ready.”
Since Rona said so, Cecilia had no objections.
The two of them walked outside. Looking at the weather, Cecilia said, “It’s almost New Year, but it doesn’t feel festive at all.”
Rona sighed, “Yeah, it’s almost New Year.”
Cecilia tilted her head at Rona and asked, “I heard Sean Kerr already sent this year’s bonus to your account?”
Rona Muir just hummed in response, not denying it.
Cecilia didn’t know what else to say.
Instead, Rona comforted Cecilia: “I’m fine, really. I’ve thought it through. What’s between me and Sean Kerr isn’t something you can solve just by being willing or unwilling. There are real issues—he can’t hold onto me just because he wants to, and I can’t let go just because I want to. Maybe some time apart is best for us. If, in these five years, he falls for someone else and gets married, I’ll be relieved. If I fall for someone else first, I’ll take my parents and immigrate abroad, and stay away from him forever. This time apart is a test for us.”
Cecilia sighed helplessly. “Can you really be so carefree?”
“What else can I do?” Rona gave a bitter smile.
“I heard Jay Zhou treats you well?” Cecilia pressed on. “Are you really not going to give him a chance?”
“He’s just an ordinary friend. I don’t have any special feelings for him. Cici, you know, you can force anything except feelings.” Rona said sincerely, “I can’t promise things to a man I don’t feel for.”
“I get it. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.” Cecilia reached out and took Rona’s hand. The two women smiled at each other and walked toward the nearby RV.
Their dresses had already been delivered to the RV, which was fully equipped for Cecilia to rest when she got tired.
See, that’s what confidence looks like.
While Cecilia was changing, Rona Muir exclaimed, “Your belly’s gotten so big so fast! How many days until your due date?”
With Wendy’s help, Cecilia finished changing and replied casually, “Less than two months, I think.”
Wendy answered, “Fifty-eight days left.”
Rona laughed, “Wendy remembers better than you do!”
Cecilia laughed too. “Yeah, I always forget! These days, I have to massage my calves before bed or I get cramps. Last night I was so caught up reading that I forgot, and I cramped up in the middle of the night. Charles freaked out and almost rushed me to the hospital. Turns out it was just a cramp—just needed a massage. He wouldn’t let the doctor do it, so he massaged me himself for over an hour. I thought he’d sleep in, but when I woke up, he was already at work. He’s been so busy lately, like a spinning top—up early, back late, every day.”
Listening to Cecilia’s chatter, Rona was genuinely happy for her.
Setting aside that damn Grant Family Heritage Code, those two are honestly a couple to envy.
Right now, neither of them mentioned anything about the Grant Family.
When Cecilia’s Grant parents called, they only asked about her health—never about the Heritage Code.
They all just wanted Cecilia to enjoy her last months of pregnancy happily.
Everything else can wait until after the baby is born safe and sound.
Rona reached out and fixed Cecilia’s hair. “It’s good that he’s busy. I heard after a board reshuffle, a lot of directors are gone?”
Cecilia nodded. “Yeah, the board is a mess right now—everyone’s on edge! Charles said there’s a traitor in the company, so he’s busy cleaning house. I can’t worry about company business now; I just want a few peaceful days and to wait for the baby.”
“That’s exactly how it should be.” Rona finished fixing Cecilia’s hair. “Okay, the dress fits perfectly. Rest and get your makeup done, then we’ll head out.”
“You should get changed too—let’s go together,” Cecilia said.
“Alright.” Rona didn’t stand on ceremony and went to change.
As usual, Joe Qi’s party was at his mansion.
His mansions are just like his women—he’s got them everywhere, all over the country.
Of course, there’s one in N City too.
So this party was held at his N City mansion.