Part 5

Lia’s POV:

"Honey, we are home," Max called Alyssa while we entered the living room. Max and Alyssa live in a two-bedroom apartment in central park. I loved their home and spent time with them as much as possible. So Als made the guest bedroom as mine, and I had my spare clothes here if I had to crash on any night. I am so thankful to get such friends. Oh, God! Thinking alike for the second time today. I was so going to jinx me.

I then realized max had settled comfortably on the couch. When I decided to move to the kitchen to help, I saw Als standing at the kitchen door with both hands on her hips. Her eyes narrowed at Max.

"How many times I have to tell you to keep the keys and coat on the place, mister?" Als asked in a dry tone.

"Great. I got an OCD girlfriend." He muttered but immediately got up to pick up the keys from the coffee table and hung in the place.

"One more comment on OCD, I will keep you in your place, which is a trash can. Now Mr. Lazy Bones, you better come to the kitchen and help me."

I could not control my laughter at this exchange. When Max saw me enjoying the scene, he smirked by saying, "Wait till you get a boyfriend."

I shook my head and answered, "Not soon."

We had a fun time cooking and eating together. After dinner, we settled in the living room with our coffee. Max alone took something strong.

Our talks slowly went from general news to today's meeting. I once again disclosed my worries about the contract.

Suddenly Als screeched, "Hey, I forgot to tell you. Lucian Alastair is coming to Mandarin on Thursday."

I shook my head. "I cannot talk to him on any events, Als. I cannot bypass his bodyguards to meet him."

"There is no event planned. A suite is booked for him, and all employees are instructed not to disturb him after 8 pm. If you manage to catch before eight, you might get a chance to talk to him."

"I don't know, Als. I am not having a good feeling about this." Max voiced in a troubled note.

"Come on, Max. You know very well Lia was trying to talk to him. And if I understood, you need to get him convinced by this weekend. I think this is a good plan." Als sounded confident.

Well, till now, I was not able to get Mr. Alastair's appointment. And I knew they are finalizing the deal early next week. What was wrong in trying one more time? Significantly if it helped dad. My determination steeled once I thought about dad.

"Yes, Max. I don't see any harm in trying one more time. And this is for dad."

Max looked as if he was going to object, but after seeing my reaction, he nodded his head after

I mentioned my father.

I did not feel good about this, but I pushed my instincts back.

I later bade night to Alyssa with a tight hug and left home with Max to drop me.

*****

I woke up before my alarm went on and knew why. Today is Thursday, and I was planning to meet the great Lucian Alastair. Still, Dad and Jax did not know about this. I was very much sure, if dad knew about this, he would never approve it. And Max's details on Alastair didn't help me either. The man looked so mysterious in personal life and no details so far.

When I went down for breakfast, dad was looking at me with a frown. "Is everything alright, Baby Girl?"

"Yes, dad. Just zoned out on office thoughts." I smiled back at him; hopefully, he believed me.

"Oh Lia, you are stressing out much. I think you need a break. Why don't you plan for a vacation?"

"Seriously, dad. Nothing to worry about. I am alright." I replied warmly.

Before leaving, I just quoted, "Dad, I am leaving early from office today. I am meeting my friend for dinner."

"You need me to drop you, baby. You don't have your transport yet, remember?"

Crap! If dad had to come with me, then all my plans will be gone. "No, no, dad," I rejected in a hurry. Upon seeing his frown deepen, I waved my hand with a laugh. "My friends and I are meeting together, dad. Max had already offered me to drop."

I ran out before I was bombarded with further questions.

********************

I declined Max's offer to drop me at the hotel. I did not know why he was making a big fuss about this. I was trying to meet Mr. Alastair to convince him that Worth Manufacturers was an excellent choice in this contract. Of course, we had to face a tough time if I failed, but we would overcome slowly than anticipated.

I smiled inwardly at Max's offer on "Just give me a call if you need any help." Having all the pointers ready to stress my point, I checked my watch showing 7:00 pm while entering the main lobby. I reached out to reception.

"Hi, Has Mr. Lucian Alastair had reached? Can you guide me to his room, please?" I managed sweetly with a relaxed posture as if I had an earlier appointment. I mentally crossed my fingers so that the lady did not find my act.

"Good Evening, Madam. I presume your appointment at 8:00 pm. You are early."

Great. She had mistaken for Mr. Alastair's appointment. Luck was on my side today. I smiled back. "Yes, I don't want myself to be late considering the traffic."

She smiled back and gave me the Suite number. I walked towards the lift with as much grace I can, praying that no one finds my act before reaching Mr. Alastair's Suite.

**********************

Receptionist POV

The lady looked sweet. I did not know what the big fuss on this meeting was. But to do my job as instructed. I dialed the number given to us. Whoever was on the other side picked the call in the first ring.

"James," the voice snapped.

"Good evening, sir. As you have instructed, a lady had asked for Mr. Alastair. We have given the suite number. But I should say she was it early than your specified time."

"What the hell? I have clearly instructed to reveal the Suite details only at 8. This is way too early" I tensed when the voice yelled at me.

"But sir, as per your description, a lady came to check on Mr. Alastair's room. She was very confident that he is staying here and she came alone. Also, she clearly explained when I asked about her early arrival." I managed to convey my answer despite the nervousness.

"Leave it. But make sure that no one is reaching Mr. Alastair's room without my permission further today."

And the call got disconnected. So much for doing the job, I grumbled to myself.

"Who's that testing your peace of mind?" Reyna chuckled from my side.

"All about the great Lucian Alastair. I don't know what the big deal all about? So mysterious and secretive."

"Lucian as in THE LUCIAN ALASTAIR? Is he here? Oh, God. Which floor is he in? I want to get a selfie with him." I laughed at Reyna's excitement.

"He is in the Presidential Suite on floor Seventy-Nine. There is strict instruction on not to let anyone to the floor. So don't stress yourself."

Reyna murmured something as Spoilsport to me and turned towards the customer at the desk.

"May I help you, sir?"

But the person smiled as "Thank you. I got the information I need." With that, he turned his heel and walked towards the lift murmuring something on his phone.

We shrugged towards each other and went back to our work.

*********************

Luc's POV

I got settled in the Suite by 7:00 pm. James wants to set all the necessary securities to catch the mysterious woman. I still did not accept this idea. I felt nauseous at meeting the flirt even though this was an act.

Suddenly my phone buzzed, and it was James.

"Yes, James," I asked.

"Change in plans. The lady is already heading towards your room. I am not sure if our plan got leaked."

What the heck in this? "Did you see her?" I asked, stunned due to this change of situation.

"No. I am on the way to the Suite. But be prepared. Bye." With this, he disconnected the call.

My anger raised again to see things going out of my control. Let her come...