Bankrupt Tycoon? No Problem – This Villainess Will Make Him Rich Again

Chapter 142: Chapter 145: Why Should I Believe Her?

"We’re almost at the hospital entrance. Have you figured out how you’re going to bring me to see Felix?"

Renee Sinclair had her hands stuffed in her coat pockets. As she spoke, she nudged Sonia Quincy with her elbow.

Sonia Quincy kept her head down, watching the path beneath her feet. Hearing the question, she mumbled, "I have."

Renee shot her a sidelong glance. "And then? How am I supposed to appear in Felix’s hospital room as if it’s perfectly natural?"

Sonia looked up at her. "It’s simple. You just have to put on an act with me."

"...What kind of act?" Renee recoiled slightly, her eyes filled with distrust as she looked at Sonia. "Is it that same routine as last time? The one where I play the hero coming to your rescue, and to repay me, you bring me into the hospital room?"

"No!" Sonia retorted earnestly. "That last stunt really upset Felix; I definitely can’t use it again. When I say ’put on an act,’ I mean you just follow me to his room. Right when I’m about to open the door, you call out to me. I’ll act surprised, say ’What a coincidence,’ and then let you slip in with me to see Felix."

Renee said, "And what’s my excuse for seeing Felix? Last time I used ’visiting’ as an excuse and he almost threw me out on the spot... I spent a miserable half an hour in that room, and Felix and I exchanged fewer than five sentences in total!"

"Sonia Quincy, is this really fair to me after everything I’ve done to help you?"

"Sigh..." Sonia let out a reluctant sigh. "Don’t worry about it this time. I’ve already figured out an excuse for you."

Renee looked at her dubiously. "What is it?"

Sonia stuffed her hands in her pockets, watching out for uneven patches on the ground as she spoke. "Felix’s studio is hiring. They’ve already filled most of the important positions, but they’re still looking for a 3D modeler."

"Experienced modelers don’t want to join a startup like this, and the portfolios from the inexperienced ones are never up to par. I think if you could recommend a reliable 3D modeler to him right now, he probably wouldn’t kick you out of the room again."

"A 3D modeler..." Renee’s eyelids lowered for a moment, then a flicker of hope ignited in her eyes. "What a coincidence. I actually know a very skilled modeler who happens to be looking for a job right now."

"Perfect." Sonia nodded. "If you can get this modeler an introduction to Felix’s studio, I think he might actually say ten sentences to you this time."

"Let’s go!" Now that she had a legitimate reason to be there, Renee was suddenly in a hurry.

She waited for Sonia to get past the uneven stretch of path, then silently picked up her pace, urging Sonia to get back to the hospital room.

Inside the room, Felix Preston had just finished a video interview and was discussing the candidates with Evan Yates.

Sonia stood outside the door, peeking inside for a moment through the small transparent window. Then, she turned back and gave Renee a meaningful look.

Renee nodded to show she understood, and Sonia immediately twisted the doorknob.

The sound of the door opening caught Felix’s attention. He looked up, and a smile immediately spread across his face when he saw it was Sonia.

"You’re back."

Sonia forced a guilty smile. "I-I’m back."

Felix patted the side of his hospital bed, his gaze soft as he looked at Sonia. "Come here."

Sonia brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek and took one hesitant step forward, then another, dragging it out until Renee’s voice finally rang out.

"Sonia Quincy! Wait a second!"

"Hm?" Sonia stopped in her tracks, turning to look back at Renee with feigned confusion.

"Miss Sinclair, what are you doing here?"

Renee jogged to the doorway, craning her neck to look at Felix before she had even caught her breath.

Felix hadn’t expected her to come again. So, before an expression of irritation could form, his face showed several seconds of pure astonishment.

"What are you doing here again?" The astonishment gave way to annoyance. Felix’s brow lowered, and his gaze on Renee was cold and sharp.

Renee ignored his hostility and stated her purpose directly. "Felix, I heard your studio is looking for a 3D modeler. As it happens, I have a friend who does that for a living, and he’s looking for a job right now. If you’re open to it, I can introduce him to your studio. I even brought his portfolio for you to see!"

To prevent Felix from having a chance to refuse, Renee said all this in a single breath.

Sure enough, the resistance on Felix’s face softened slightly at her words.

"Felix, look." Renee seized the opportunity, walking into the room while pulling up her friend’s portfolio on her phone and holding it out to Felix. "His work is all here."

Felix gave her a cold look but didn’t respond.

"...Sonia." After a moment, he shifted his gaze and smiled at Sonia, who was standing awkwardly by the door. "Come over here."

"Oh." Sonia obediently walked over.

"Sit." Felix took her hand and pulled her down to sit on the edge of his bed. "You smell like hot pot. Did you have hot pot for lunch?"

"...Huh?"

The question had nothing to do with the current topic. Sonia blinked, stunned for a few seconds, her expression puzzled.

Felix knew what she was confused about, but he continued to ignore Renee’s presence, carrying on the conversation as if they were alone.

"What’s wrong?" He reached up and gently pinched Sonia’s cheek, his tone so tender it could drown a person.

The tips of Sonia’s ears turned red. She shook her head blankly. "N-Nothing... Felix, I did have hot pot for lunch."

Felix said, "Are you full? Mom made beef at noon and saved a portion just for you. If you’re still hungry, go get it."

Sonia surreptitiously raised her eyes and glanced guiltily at Renee. "I’m full... I ate a lot for lunch. What about you? Are you full?"

Felix hooked her chin with his finger, the gesture like he was teasing a cat. "I’m full too."

Sonia nodded. "That’s good..."

"..."

Renee was completely ignored the entire time. The hand holding her phone had gone stiff and was starting to ache.

Seeing that Felix still had no intention of acknowledging her, she thought for a moment and decided to put her phone away.

But the very next second, she heard Felix finally turn the topic to her.

"Sonia, what do you think of Miss Sinclair’s proposal?"

Sonia blinked. "I think Miss Sinclair’s proposal is a great idea. Our studio is just starting out, and experienced, talented modelers are reluctant to join. If Miss Sinclair can really introduce you to a modeler who already has a portfolio, that would be for the best."

"Hmm..." Felix seemed to agree at first, but then he let out a soft scoff, his smile turning ice-cold.

"But why on earth should I trust Miss Sinclair?"