Chapter 37
Lionel froze mid–step when he caught sight of Simone from across the club.
Amidst the thrumming crowd, she was impossible to miss–rocking a black leather jacket over a white tank dress. Her down her back, giving her an effortless blend of sweetness and a fierce attitude dat screamed. “Don’t mess with me”
Ind been two weeks since he last spotted her at the bakery. He never expected to meet her again.
She stood statue–still, her expression icy enough to frost the champagne bottles yet quite attractive.
She seemed to be arguing with the hostess. To anyone else, she looked indifferent. But Lionel sensed simmering rage beneath. “Problem here?” He strode over before he could stop himself
Simone blinked in surprise. “What are you doing here?” She remembered he used to work at the bakery.
“Just pulling night shifts.” Lionel said.
Her gaze dropped to his Phantom Beats i nametag, and she didn’t press.
Lionel turned to the nervous hostess. “What’s going on here?”
“We tried to enter. Simone cut in flatly. “But she called us chrapo
Lionel’s gaze turned cold. “Il tell our manager. Then he turned to Simone. “Let’s get you seated”
Minutes later, her group settled into a private lounge.
“Order anything” Lionel offered her the menu, voice softening.
Simone pointed at several items and returned the menu quickly. “These.”
“Okay, enjoy your night” He gave Simone one last glance before leaving.
After Lionel left, the group in the private lounge went wild. They’d been nervous earlier, but seeing the hostess panic when Simone flashed her Black Card had smoothed everything
“Simone. I’ve never been anywhere this fancy” Claire snapped selfies for her private Instagram story, squealing
“This is insane.” Lila ran her fingers over everything in the lounge, grinning like she’d won the lottery.
Halle gaped at the big screen. “How is this even real?”
They finally collapsed onto the couches once the excitement faded. Claire leaned forward, eyes sparkling. That guy earlier Tocil hottie. What’s the
deal with you (wo?”
“Yeah, he was so into you,” Lila added.
Hallie nodded. “Spill it, Simone.”
The three crowded around Simone like paparazzi.
Simone sighed, “We’ve met twice. That’s it
“Twice Claire scoffed. Then why’d he look at you like you hung the moon? Quite gentle and intense, you know? Totally different from the way he
looked at the three of thein
“He didn’t,” Simone said, genuinely confused.
The interrogation fizzled out after that. The group’s first time at a luxury chub had them buzzing. Even Simone cracked a smile at their excitement.
They were mid–song when the door slammed open A suited man strode in, trailed by staff carrying towers of snacks and drinks.
The girls set down microphones in unison. The room went dead quiet
“Problem!” Simone asked with annoyance, tune sharp.
The suited man hurried over with an oily grin. “Ms. Irwin, as the manager here, I’m deeply sorry for our staff’s disrespect.”
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Chapter 17
He bowed to low his the stirpt the flour. “This is on sis. Please enjoy these snacks and drinks–all on the house. Phantom Reats treat.” With that, he sigruted to his staff, whoopis kly arranged the offerings on the table before Simone.
“Thanks” Simoor gove a polite smile. Her imitation faded under the sugar–rush temptation.
“Of course. Em glad you accept it, the manager stammered, surprised she wasn’t tearing him apart.
He nearly had a heart attack when he heard a Black Card holder had been disrespected. Then his blood can cold after a call to headquarters–the holder was Cyrus’s daughter.
Hed sprinted over, bracing for a hurricane of rich brat rage as wealthy heiresses were usually nightmares. He’d expected Cyrus’s daughter to be spoiled princess who’d sued him to confetti.
owever, she just took the free snacks. No screaming, no threats. Her chill almost made him want to cry gratitude.
ting “Listen,” he said seriously
They resolved the issue in three minutes. The manager quite relaxed. Once gone, he called an emergency staff meeting. “The girl in the leather jacket, remember? Treat her like royalty today and in the future. Screw up, and you’re fired”
He turned to the trembling hostess coldly. “You’re done,
“But sir” the hostess pleaded. “She looked normal in that basic
Ever heard of stealth weahh?” he snapped. “Real rich people don’t dress like Christmas trees. Use your brain!”
He stormed off, leaving her choking on regret. She knew she had no chance.
Later, the manager pulled Lionel aside. “Lionel, you saved my jobs back there. Thank you so much. Let’s bump your pay. Name your price. Lionel hesitated, Samone’s face flashing in his mind. “No.” Even broke, cashing in on her made his skin crawl.
“Why? You’re flat broke.” The m
manager was puzzles.
“Don’t want it.” Lionel shut it down hand
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