The Contract

Chapter 143-The Birth Giver

I stepped out of the car, my heels clicking against the pavement. Today, I wore blue denim pants, a cropped blue blazer, and white heels. My hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail. The cool morning air hit my face, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside me.

I moved toward the building, trying to push everything out of my mind when a loud horn interrupted my thoughts. I froze and turned, my heart skipping a beat. A white SUV was parked right across from me, and there he was-Abel. His eyes locked onto mine, his hand stretched out to stop me.

I paused, a tight knot forming in my chest. I shot him a look, my patience thinning, but the car honked again. Who the hell was this?

"Abel..." I muttered, pushing his hand down as I took a step forward, heading toward the car. I could feel Abel's presence behind me, his every movement tense and deliberate, his hand hovering at his side, ready to strike if needed.

The window rolled down slowly, and there she was-my mother. Her icy gaze met mine. "Would you stop playing around and get in?" she ordered, her voice sharp, almost venomous.

I swallowed my frustration, my shoulders slumping in defeat. You've got to be kidding me. I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to steady my breath before I turned to Abel. "It's okay. Just stay at the office."

"No can do, Mrs. Ferrari," Abel replied firmly, his voice unwavering. "I'll follow behind." And with that, he turned and headed back to the car. I sighed deeply, climbing into the passenger seat.

The driver started the car, and we were off. I glanced out the window and saw Abel's car trailing behind.

"Mom, you didn't make an appointment, I was just getting to the office, and you didn't even let me go inside," I complained, frustration seeping into my voice. She didn't acknowledge me, her eyes fixed on the window as if she was too important to waste time on me.

She wore a red dress, her hair pulled into a tight bun, her sunglasses obscuring her eyes. She looked like she was on a mission, her posture poised, but I could feel the wall between us thickening. I wasn't ready to face her-especially not so early in the day.

"I told you we were going shopping this week," she replied, her voice almost mechanical. "What are your ideas for the event?" she asked, as if she didn't already know the answer.

I sighed heavily, pulling my laptop from my bag. "Alright. The Ivory Circle Gala is gonna be held at the Grand Aurelia Hall," I began, trying to stay professional, despite the tightness in my chest.

"With the theme of Timeless Elegance, it's going to-"

"Timeless Elegance," she repeated slowly, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Yes, the color palette will be gold and ivory, and-" I interrupted her before she could finish.

"Where exactly are we going?" I asked, unable to suppress the annoyance creeping in.

She shot me a look, her eyes narrowing. "Elysian Emporium, Golden Chest, and Fleur et Luxe," she listed off the designer shops, her tone not leaving room for argument.

"Wait, are we going jewelry shopping?" I asked, stunned.

"Yes," she replied, her voice final, as if the matter was settled.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Why do you even need me?" I muttered, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"We are also shopping for decor, and I need to see the items that will be up for the auction," she explained, her tone growing more impatient.

"Auction?" I repeated, my heart racing.

"Yes, there's going to be an auction. Pearl, I don't think you understand the gravity of this event." Her voice held a warning now, but I could only clench my fists to keep my cool.