Chapter 9 An Unexpected Guest
700 Words
Lena was clearly taking this very seriously. She personally stood with me at the entrance of Siren Lounge to wait for Kaelan.
Under her careful arrangements, even the dress I wore and the jewelry I had on came from Lena's private collection of limited-edition pieces.
Looking at myself now, I hardly resembled a nightclub girl. I looked more like a young heiress from one of Harbor City's elite families.
Lena seemed very satisfied with how I looked tonight. "Nancy, it's really a pity," she sighed. "You just happen to have a face that looks like Elara's. Otherwise, with your looks and figure, if you stayed here, I guarantee you'd become our top girl within six months."
I couldn't help laughing. "But if I didn't have Elara's face," I asked lightly, "would I still look this good?"
It was true. Back then, Elara—the only heiress of Vance Holdings—had been the most sought-after woman in Harbor City's social circle. Countless wealthy young men chased after her. But she only had eyes for Kaelan.
Lena gave an awkward chuckle. "Well… lucky for you that you have this face," she said. "If you manage to marry into the Thorn family, that's far better than staying here."
From the way she spoke, it almost seemed as though she wanted me to remain by Kaelan's side even more than I did.
Just then, a Maybach pulled up in front of the entrance. Lena hurried over and opened the door herself.
To my surprise, when the door opened, Kaelan wasn't alone. Fiona stepped out with him.
Her arm was linked with his, and the moment she saw my face, she visibly lost control for a split second.
It made sense. Anyone would panic if someone who was supposed to be dead suddenly appeared alive in front of them.
I walked forward enthusiastically, my face lighting up with excitement. "Wow, Ms. Laurent. You're my idol," I said brightly. "I've been watching your new show Southside Chronicles every day. It's amazing."
As I moved closer, she finally regained her composure and subtly stepped away from me with a look of mild disgust.
"See?" she complained to Kaelan. "I told you not to bring me here. But you insisted. Fans these days are just too enthusiastic."
Kaelan watched me with interest, as if searching my face for any sign of weakness. Was this another one of his tests?
He spoke calmly. "She's nothing more than a lowly woman from the lounge. I brought her here tonight to entertain a guest."
I simply smiled, looking completely unconcerned.
Fiona immediately looked pleased. After all, seeing a former rival reduced to entertaining men in a nightclub was deeply satisfying—even if that woman wasn't truly Elara.
"Hmph," she said coldly. "Women like her only deserve to stay here and serve men."
For a moment, an image flashed through my mind. Five years ago, on the giant screen of the most luxurious shopping mall in the city center, Kaelan had gently slipped the engagement ring onto Fiona's finger while confessing his love.
Lena led us to the luxurious private room that had been prepared in advance. Four or five bodyguards stood outside the door, clearly having already inspected the area.
Aldric stepped forward. "Mr. Thorn," he reported, "the guest hasn't arrived yet."
Kaelan looked slightly surprised. Beside him, Fiona's expression darkened.
"Who exactly are you meeting tonight?" she said impatiently. "He has quite an ego, doesn't he? If he doesn't arrive in ten minutes, I'm leaving."
Hearing this, I couldn't help feeling nervous as well. Whoever I had to accompany tonight—no matter who he was—I had to see it through.
For Kaelan to treat this person with such importance, he was probably a powerful figure in the business world. In my mind, I had already imagined some fat, middle-aged tycoon.
But when Aldric finally brought the guest inside, I saw a tall, straight-backed figure walk in. His build was just as imposing as Kaelan's—and he looked noticeably younger.
As the man stepped closer, I finally saw his face clearly.
The wine glass in my hand nearly slipped from my fingers.
I knew him.
- Writer
