Chapter 21: The Blind Date Intrigue
452 Words
The first day of school passed in a blur. That evening, Allie returned to the house she now shared with Liam, only to find a sticky note stuck to the fridge.
“Away on business for three days – Melbourne.”
She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Relief, mixed with... something else she couldn’t name.
Her phone buzzed later that night.
"Allie," her father, David, said over the line, "You’ll need to attend the birthday banquet for Mr. Hart in two days."
"Give my invite to Vivian," Allie replied curtly. "I’m not going."
David hesitated, sighed, and then hung up without another word.
Allie stared at the note Liam had left. If the banquet was in two days and he was gone for three, was he dodging the
event? She couldn’t shake the thought that this wasn’t a coincidence.
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For the next two days, Cher worked tirelessly, calling everyone she could to arrange an interview with Liam. Each attempt failed.
During a meeting at the school’s news agency, someone finally spoke up.
"Cher, maybe it’s time to drop Liam Hart as a lead. He’s not going to give us an interview."
Cher’s eyes sparkled with defiance. "Not true. Tomorrow is Mr. Hart’s birthday banquet, and I happen to have an invite.
Liam will be there, and I’ll get what we need."
The room buzzed with surprise.
"Wait," someone whispered. "That’s a private family event, isn’t it? And it’s supposed to be about setting Liam up on a blind date."
Cher shrugged, feigning innocence. "I have my ways. Don’t overthink it."
All eyes turned to Allie.
"Allie, are you going?" someone asked.
"No," she said flatly.
Cher jumped in, her tone dripping with fake sweetness. "Don’t worry, Allie. You’ll be coming with me."
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The next evening, as Allie packed up her things after class, Cher blocked her path.
"Grab the camera equipment. We’re heading to the banquet," Cher ordered.
"I’m not going," Allie shot back. "I don’t have an invite."
Cher smirked, pulling a pristine invitation from her bag and waving it like a trophy. "I’ve got you covered. Stick with me,
and you’ll get in. Besides, this is a joint project. You don’t really have a choice."
Allie didn’t move. "I said, I’m not going."
Cher’s smile vanished. She pulled a small envelope from her bag and fanned out several photos.
"Recognize these?" Cher asked, her tone sharp.
Allie froze, her stomach sinking.
"You still want to stay home?" Cher taunted, her voice low and dangerous.
Allie’s fists clenched at her sides. "What do you want?"
"Just your cooperation," Cher said with a casual shrug. "Now, grab the gear. We’ve got a story to cover."
- Writer
