Meanwhile, Ferdinand walked with a sour expression on his face. He didn't bother to hide his jealousy as he clapped his hands together.
"Well, isn't this just delightful?" he drawled. "The big boss has returned with his... big girlfriend. Wow..."
He announced sarcastically.
Bruno clenched his jaw but said nothing, his arm tightening protectively around Beauty's waist.
Ferdinand, clearly enjoying the moment, smirked in his direction, waiting for a reaction.
Beauty, sensing Bruno's restraint, placed a gentle hand on his chest.
"It's okay, babe," she whispered, her voice soothing.
Bruno nodded, exhaling slowly, then forced a smile back at Ferdinand.
"Thanks for taking care of everyone while I'm gone, Mr. Ferdinand."
"I don't work for you. I'm just doing my job as the manager," Ferdinand replied as politely as possible, ensuring Mrs. Lola wouldn't pick up on the tension.
Bruno said nothing, but he knew Ferdinand was trolling.
Ferdinand smirked at his reaction, then turned to the rest of the staff.
"We leave Puerto Rico immediately," he declared, dismissing the F&F staff to get their things ready.
Mrs. Lola Cruz turned to Beauty.
"Can I have a word with him? Just give us a minute."
"Oh... oh... sure. He... is an adult. He gets to choose," she giggled awkwardly.
Mrs. Lola raised an eyebrow, teasing her with a smile.
"What?" Beauty snapped, more embarrassed.
Bruno tried not to laugh, and Beauty noticed. She hit him playfully with her elbow.
"Babe, say something!" she snapped loudly.
Then, realizing she called him babe out loud, she froze.
"Oh my goodness," she gasped.
Mrs. Cruz was shocked but proud. Ferdinand looked like he was expecting it but still surprised. The female staff of Mrs. Cruz blushed on Beauty's behalf. Kathy and Jessie, who stood in the background, had matching 'bitch, what's the big deal?' expressions on their faces.
"I guess she gave her permission, Mrs. Lola. We'll have a minute," Bruno broke the silence.
"No, don't leave me now... not now!" Beauty yelled inside her head as she stood like a statue, her eyes darting nervously.
"I'll get back to you, hon," Bruno said out loud.
Beauty's eyes widened, and just as she was about to lose her breath, Bruno kissed her and whispered,
"They all know... you kissed me in front of everyone at the party."
How could she have forgotten so soon? Bruno thought.
"You are adorable," he whispered again.
Beauty swallowed hard and met his gaze, her heart gradually relaxing.
He kissed her again, and this time she responded, circling his neck.
The rest of the staff watched awkwardly, unsure how to react anymore.
"Enough already!" Jessie snapped, interrupting them.
Bruno and Beauty pulled away, their faces flushed.
Mrs. Lola cleared her throat.
"Oh... yeah... sorry for keeping you waiting." Bruno followed her while Beauty stood there, unable to look up, knowing everyone's eyes were still on her.
Jessie made her way to Beauty, her grin wide and mischievous.
"Well, well, well," she said, drawing out each word. "If it isn't my best friend! Back from her secret love nest, huh?"
Beauty rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile.
"Jessie, don't start."
"Oh, I'm starting," Jessie said with a dramatic nod. She leaned in and whispered,
"Tell me, was it a double king-sized bed? Actually, scratch that—I bet you didn't even notice the bed size. How was the night?"
Beauty shook her head and started walking toward the guest house to pack her things.
"Where are you going? Tell me all about last night! You promised!"
"Jessie," Beauty groaned.
She stopped at their room door and unlocked it. Jessie followed her in.
"Wow, who packed everything up?" She asked surprisingly, seeing their stuff packed.
"Mrs. Lola had her maid do it and got it all ready for the celebrity couple. I'm jealous."
Beauty smiled at her dramatic friend and shook her head.
"So... tell me already. It's just us in the room," Jessie said impatiently.
Beauty nodded.
"First of all... look at these."
She elegantly swept her hair back, exposing the jewelry on her ears.
"It's my first gift ever from a lover! There's a necklace too... bangles... I feel like a princess."
"Oh my goodness!" Jessie snapped loudly, seeing it.
"I know, right? They look so beautiful. I'll always wear them. Though they're heavy, but they're perfect!"
She reached for her bag, took out the small jewelry boxes Bruno had given her, and carefully opened them, revealing the stunning necklace and earrings.
The pearls glimmered under the soft light.
"Whoa," Jessie breathed, leaning in closer.
Beauty handed her the necklace.
"Beautiful, right?" she asked her stunned friend.
"No, not that! Are those real diamonds?"
"Diamonds?" Beauty blinked, shaking her head. "No way. Bruno said they weren't that expensive. I don't care, really. I love them... they're gorgeous."
Jessie gave her a look.
"Girl, I know diamonds when I see them. Trust me, this is the real deal."
Beauty's eyes widened, but she chuckled nervously.
"Wait... what? You're joking, right?"
"Girl, Bruno is a billionaire. Why is this surprising? Besides—"
At that moment, Kathy walked into the room, interrupting them.
Jessie rolled her eyes.
"What the hell are you doing in here? Can't you knock?"
Kathy walked over to Beauty, completely ignoring Jessie.
"Is that diamonds?"
Both Beauty and Jessie exchanged glances.
"You think so?" Beauty said slowly, surprised to see Kathy wanting to get involved. "But how do we know for sure?"
"I will be right back."
Kathy smirked and left the room.
"What the hell was that? She startled me. I was expecting some rude remark or something," Beauty whispered.
"She's been acting weird since last night," Jessie whispered back.
"Weird how?" Beauty replied curiously.
Just then, the door cracked open again. Kathy pulled a device from her pocket.
"Good thing I always carry my diamond tester."
Jessie's jaw dropped.
"You just... carry that around?"
Kathy shrugged.
"Sorry you can't relate."
She replied then grinned at Beauty.
"May I test it for you?"
Beauty hesitated but gave her the box.
Jessie, suspicious, pouted in annoyance.
"She's being way too nice. Is this a trap?" Beauty whispered to Jessie.
"I was just thinking the same thing," Jessie murmured back, narrowing her eyes at Kathy.
Kathy took the earrings first, holding the diamond tester to the stones. A soft beep, followed by a green light, confirmed her suspicion.
"Yep, it's real," Kathy announced, handing the earrings back. "And expensive."
Beauty's eyes widened.
"But Bruno said—"
Kathy snorted.
"Yeah, because he's not about to tell you he dropped a fortune on you. Bruno being Bruno."
Beauty's cheeks flushed again, and she muttered,
"I can't believe it... can you test all of them?" she asked, taking off the ones she was wearing.
Kathy nodded and tested them all.
"Yep... all made of diamonds. At this point, he might get you a diamond castle on an island. Living the dream... congrats." Kathy smiled.
Beauty, still uncomfortable, smiled awkwardly.
"Um... thanks. I appreciate it."
Jessie, on the other hand, was red with anger.
Kathy was clearly trying to steal her bestie.
"Great... you're done. Thanks for your little diamond tester. Now get the hell out of this room."
"Jessie!" Beauty scolded.
"Have you forgotten who this bully really is?" Jessie replied.
"Well... she's right. I bullied you so many times, Beauty, and I regret it. I'm..." Kathy paused. "...sorry."
"Ha!" Jessie snapped in disbelief.
"Apology accepted, Kathy," Beauty said with a smile.
"What!" Jessie exclaimed in shock.
"Just like that?! You never learned from me!"