Chapter 609
“Jillian!”
Voucher
Caitlin spun around just in time to see her slipping, a cry escaping her lips. Julie and Zinnia both gasped, eyes wide with horror.
They were too far away. None of them could reach her in time.
Just as Jillian was about to plunge headfirst into the pond, a strong hand shot out and seized her wrist.
Hayden.
He had moved like lightning, striding forward in three powerful steps, yanking her back with a firm pull.
Jillian tumbled straight into his chest, her face pale as paper, her heart pounding so violently it hurt.
The others finally exhaled in relief. Jillian lifted her head from Hayden’s embrace, her lips trembling as she whispered. “Thank you.”
“Idiot. Watch where you’re going,” Hayden said, his voice laced with reproach–but under it was something softer, warmer, protective.
“I got it.”
Instead of getting angry at being called an idiot, Jillian’s cheeks flushed scarlet. She quickly pulled away and hurried ahead to catch up with Caitlin and the others.
At the lotus pond, Hayden led them into a workshop he oversaw, where older women were busy at work.
“What are they doing?” Jillian asked curiously.
“Extracting lotus fibers,” Caitlin explained.
Jillian’s eyes lit up. She had studied textiles before and remembered how rare lotus thread was. “Wow! Workshops like this barely exist anymore.”
“That’s right. Most natural fabrics are silk or cotton. Lotus fiber is one of the rarest materials in the world. It’s indispensable for crafting the high–end Fragrance Garments at Fragrance & Dye Studio. Only a handful of skilled artisans even know how to extract it.”
Caitlin spoke with such passion and depth that it was obvious how much heart she had poured into this work.
Jillian nodded thoughtfully. “I see. Just the cost of extracting lotus fiber must be enormous. By the time a Fragrance Garment is completed, every stitch would carry months of painstaking effort. No wonder it’s considered a royal treasure.”
“Exactly,” Caitlin said with a smile. “Do you know how long it takes to make even a single lotus–silk scarf?”
The others shook their heads.
> 55 vouchers?
“Two months,” Caitlin explained. “And it can only be harvested from April to October. Fibers must be extracted and spun within 24 hours or they’ll snap. It’s ten times more expensive than silk, and every step has to be done by hand. Rare things are always precious–and expensive.”“
Everyone listened in awe, realizing just how difficult it was to produce such garments.
When the inspection ended, Caitlin walked back with the group, discussing next steps with Julie and Jillian. First, they needed to dye the fabrics using traditional methods. Then, the real challenge would begin: turning them into designs that could stun the world.
Both girls offered ideas, their inspirations colliding in a flurry of creativity. Caitlin felt reassured–Fragrance & Dye Studio was in good hands.
That evening, after dinner, Hayden drove Caitlin and Jillian back to the villa.
As soon as Caitlin opened the door, she froze.
The room was filled with flowers. And in the middle of it all stood Sebastian.
“Sebastian?” Caitlin breathed, stunned.
He turned slowly, his gaze soft and warm. “My love.”
Jillian instantly understood. Smiling, she said, “Caitlin, Sebastian came for you. You two talk. I’ll stay at Julie’s tonight.” She slipped out and closed the door behind her, giving them privacy.
“When did you get back? I called and texted you–you never answered. Do you know how worried I was?” Caitlin’s eyes shimmered with tears as she looked at him.
“Forgive me,” Sebastian said gently. “I only wanted to surprise you.”
“You nearly scared me to death,” she muttered, stepping closer, her hands instinchaking him for
injuries. Only when she confirmed he was unhurt did her shoulders relax.
“You really were worried,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms, lowering his forehead to rest Their eyes met, sparks igniting.
“You’re my man. Of course I was worried.”
His lips curved. “I’m sorry for that. Punish me then. Punish me by kissing me a hundred times.”
against hers.
His grip tightened around her waist, pulling her close. Then words disappeared, replaced by a searing kiss that drowned her completely.
With Jillian gone, the villa belonged to them alone. Tonight, they could lose themselves in each other.
Outside, Hayden’s car still hadn’t moved.
When Jillian came out, intending to call a cab, she noticed his vehicle still idling by the curb.
“You didn’t leave?” she asked.
Hayden flicked ash from his cigarette, his tone casual. “Just finished a smoke. About to go. Where are you headed?”
In truth, he’d been waiting, knowing Sebastian’s return meant Jillian wouldn’t stay.
She admitted softly, “Caitlin’s with Sebastian now. I thought I’d stay at Julie’s tonight”
“Get in. I’ll arrange a place for you,” Hayden said, opening the passenger door for her.
Jillian slipped inside, stealing a shy glance at him. “Thanks.”
Suddenly, he leaned across the seat. Jillian startled, heart pounding, eyes wide. “Hayden?”
His face brushed so close she could smell the faint smoke and masculine scent of him, dizzying her senses.
Then–click. The seatbelt locked into place.
She froze, realizing he’d only been fastening her seatbelt.
By the time she came back to herself, he was upright again, starting the car as if nothing had happened. Jillian, however, couldn’t stop her cheeks from burning. She turned her face away, too flustered to meet his
eyes.
He drove her to his own estate. When the car stopped, he leaned over. “We’re here. Get out.”
But lit
didn’t move.
Thinking she’d fallen asleep, Hayden bent closer to check. Just then, she turned her head.
Their eyes locked.
Breath mingled. A strange, heated energy pulsed between them, sharp enough to cut. Hayden’s heart shifted. Before he could think better of it, he leaned toward her lips.
And Jillian’s heart nearly gave out
Was he… about to kiss her?