Chapter 110
Elle’s POV
୪
23
There was a pause on the other end, and I could practically hear Raymond putting the pieces together. “Vanessa Morrison… yes, she’s been trying to get a meeting with me for months. Something about a business proposal. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, no particular reason,” I said sweetly. “She’s just here making quite a scene about how important this lunch is to her career. I was
curious about what kind of business relationship you two have.”
Vanessa’s face had gone completely white. She was staring at the phone like it might bite her.
“Business relationship?” Raymond’s voice carried clear amusement now. “Elle, I’ve never met this woman in my life. My assistant set up the meeting as a courtesy, but honestly, I was planning to send one of my junior associates to handle it. I have better things to do than listen to pitch meetings from people who can’t even get a proper introduction.”
The silence that followed was so complete I could hear the air conditioning humming.
“You’re where? I’ll be right there!” Raymond’s voice was sharp with concern.
“Lunaris,” I replied simply.
“I’ll be there immediately,” Raymond said without hesitation, and the line went dead.
The entire room stared at me in stunned silence. Vanessa looked like she might faint, and even Amy seemed shocked by the influence I apparently wielded over someone as powerful as Raymond Carter. The fact that a human could make someone like Raymond drop everything and rush over was clearly beyond everyone’s comprehension.
I slipped my phone back into my purse and smiled sweetly at Vanessa. “Well, this should be interesting.”
By the time we left the salon, my phone was ringing again. Raymond’s name appeared on the screen.
“Elle, I’m so sorry,‘ he said immediately when I answered. “I had no idea something like this would happen.”
“It’s fine,” I said, my anger having cooled somewhat. “Sorry for calling you when I was upset. I probably overreacted.”
“No, I’m glad you called me,” Raymond said, and there was something in his voice that made me pause. “I’m happy that you felt comfortable enough to reach out.”
He was happy about a complaint call?
1/4
17:41 Sat, Dec 13
Chapter 110
“The plans are already canceled,” he said firmly. “Someone like that isn’t worth my time.” His voice softened. “I heard your mother is visiting. Do you need company? I could make up for the trouble somehow.”
“No, thank you,” I said quickly. “I can handle things myself.”
“If you run into any problems, don’t hesitate to call me,” Raymond said, and I could hear the genuine concern in his voice.
After hanging up, Mom looked at me with worried eyes. “What exactly happened back there?”
“Nothing much,” I said lightly. “That woman was supposed to meet someone I happen to know, that’s all.”
23
I changed the subject quickly. “Come on, let’s focus on shopping. You need the right styling before we can pick out the perfect clothes!”
For the rest of the morning, I bought Mom over a dozen outfits and several pairs of shoes, all perfect for life in Moonshade Bay. But when
I reached for yet another dress, Mom firmly shook her head.
“No more,” she said. “I can’t use all these things by myself.”
“But Mom-”
“If you keep this up, I’m going home!” she threatened.
I laughed and held up my hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. No more shopping. It’s getting late anyway–how about I take you to lunch?
As we walked through the shopping center, I enthusiastically told Mom about Moonshade Bay’s food scene. “The restaurants here are amazing. You can find cuisine from all over the country. Elizabeth loves Northern dishes, so the Rayne family’s cook makes the most
authentic Northern food you’ve ever tasted.”
Mom smiled at my excitement, and I felt a warm glow seeing her happy. But I noticed the security team following us with all our shopping bags was drawing attention and camera phones.
“Amy,” I called to my assistant. “Have them put everything in the car, then find us somewhere to eat.”
Amy hesitated. “Mrs. Rayne, perhaps we should-
“We’re just having lunch, not going into battle,” I said firmly. “Besides, my mom’s here.”
The security team reluctantly agreed but insisted one person follow us from a distance while the others dealt with our purchases.
I chose a restaurant with window seating and quickly ordered a variety of dishes. “I’ll just be a minute,” I told Mom, standing up. “I need
to use the restroom.”
“I’ll come with you,” Amy offered.
2/4
17:41 Sat, Dec 13
Chapter 110
“It’s fine,” I said. “The restroom’s right there. I can manage.”
Amy stayed behind, pouring tea for Mom while I made my way to the ladies‘ room.
After washing my hands, I was reaching for a paper towel when I accidentally bumped into someone.
“Oh, I’m sorry!” I said immediately. “I didn’t mean to–are you okay?”
A
23
The woman–middle–aged with kind but tired eyes–was staring at me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. She seemed transfixed by
something about my face.
“Oh my…” she said softly, her voice trembling. “How… how far along are you, dear? Are you feeling well?”
“Four months,” I replied, feeling increasingly uncomfortable under her intense gaze. “I’m fine, thank you.”
There was something familiar about her, but I couldn’t place what it was. The way she looked at me made my skin crawl, and I forced a
smile before turning to leave.
But the feeling that I’d seen her somewhere before lingered as I walked back to our table.
“What’s wrong?” Mom asked as soon as I sat down, clearly noticing my expression.
“Nothing,” I said, shaking my head. “Let’s eat.”
I enthusiastically recommended dishes to Mom, and Amy helpfully moved plates closer to her. Watching Mom taste everything and seeing her genuine enjoyment made my heart warm.
“Mrs Rayne,” Amy said suddenly, “that lady over there–why is she staring at you like that?”
I looked up to see the woman from the restroom sitting at a corner table, her eyes fixed on me. When our gazes met, she quickly looked away, but not before I saw tears streaming down her face.
Great. Did I really look so frightening that I could make strangers cry?
“It’s nothing,” I said, feeling unsettled. “Let’s just eat.”
粵辭
When I went to pay the bill, the server told me it had already been taken care of.
“Did you pay?” I asked Amy, confused.
“No,” Amy said, looking just as puzzled. “I didn’t pay anything.”
3/4
17:41 Sat, Dec 13 m
Chapter 110
She said she’s your mother, the server explained. She paid for your table.”
I looked toward Mom, who shook her head. I’ve been sitting here the whole time. How could I have paid?
The server confirmed that someone had indeed paid for our meal, though she didn’t know the woman’s name.
“Well, I said, still confused, “I guess I’ll have to repay the favor someday,”
Comments
R Visitor
1 Comments >
I love Ella foster mom but we got to admit the family that she came from they was shady as I don’t know what I know she gave her some lame story abou… More
7 days ago
3
SHARE
1
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
