The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow

Nancy eyed the elegantly dressed man seated at the head of the table, her expression astonished. Not just her and even Baldrick was shocked, having not expected to run into Nancy there.

Equally surprised, Lenard couldn't help but ask, "Lena, you know Mr. Sandro?"

Nancy raised an eyebrow, about to nod, when Baldrick interrupted. "Know her? Nancy and I hail from the same alma mater. I was her senior." Excitement was barely containable in Baldrick's eyes as he

continued, "Nancy, or should I say, the great designer Lena, I never expected it to be you. How should I address you now?"

Listening to Baldrick's teasing, a smile began to form on Nancy's lips. "Whatever you prefer."

Baldrick's smile deepened. "Then, as usual, Nancy."

With that, he stood, being the gentleman he was, and pulled out a chair for Nancy. "Please, take a seat, Nancy."

Nancy didn't refuse and took the offered seat.

Baldrick promptly sat beside her, oblivious to the third person in the room, Lenard.

Feeling neglected, Lenard said, "Mr. Sandro, just because Nancy is your junior, it doesn't mean you can treat me like I'm invisible. Where's your aloof demeanor gone?"

Thinking back to their first dinner invite with the Sandro Group, which got shot down with a quick "no time," and then being totally ignored when they bumped into each other at a restaurant, Lenard felt a bit hurt. Meanwhile, Baldrick was all about Nancy.

Hearing Lenard's complaint, Baldrick remained unfazed. "I can't help but drop the cool act before Nancy." Lenard sneered, "So, it's only me that you can act cool toward, right?"

Baldrick didn't mind what Lenard thought, his gaze fixed on Nancy. "Nancy, I never imagined you'd make such a definitive move. Well..."

He trailed off, glancing at Lenard, then swallowed the rest of his words. "Perhaps it's for the best. At least you've cut ties with the past."

Nancy's expression turned complex at Baldrick's words, memories of Cyrus and Hayley resurfacing before she softly nodded. "Yes, I've cut all ties. It's the best way forward."

"Guess that's why you turned down my offer to leave together. You had made up your mind," Baldrick said, a tinge of regret in his voice. "But that's the Nancy I know."

It was the principled Nancy.noveldrama

But there was also a touch of sadness in Baldrick's words, realizing that Nancy had moved on from Cyrus and even went so far as to wipe away her old identity without telling him.

Nancy remained calm. "Baldrick, it's all in the past now. It doesn't matter anymore."

When seeing Nancy's earnest expression, Baldrick's heart raced. Did it mean Nancy had moved on from Cyrus? Leaving and moving on from Cyrus were two different things.

Before Baldrick could collect his thoughts, Lenard interrupted again: "Mr. Sandro, we're here to discuss a project with Lena, not to dwell on the past."

It was clear to him that Baldrick was alluding to Nancy's past.

Lenard added, "Why dwell on the past when she's left that jerk behind? Isn't focusing on her career much better?"

Understanding Lenard's insinuation, Baldrick immediately refocused. "You're right. Today's meeting is about the project, not reminiscing."

And with that, the past was left where it belonged.

Regaining his composure, Baldrick turned to Nancy. "Lena, I've seen your designs, and they're innovative. Lenard must've mentioned my interest in collaborating with you for the Sandro Group's anniversary show." Changing the subject, he pressed on, "I'm sure you've prepared some concepts. Let's hear them." Everyone, including Baldrick, Nancy, and even Lenard, became more serious when the conversation shifted to professional matters.

Nancy pulled out her portfolio from her briefcase. "The Sandro Group, despite its relatively short existence, has made its mark across the seasons. Here are the jewelry and clothing designs I propose." As Baldrick's gaze fell upon the designs, his eyes widened in amazement, a clear sign of his admiration.