018 Univited Guest

Lana

I barely made it through today with the heaviness in my chest after getting that message this morning.

I've been conflicted.

I always knew what happened to my mom wasn't a simple robbery, but I convinced myself into believing it.

Now I just can't anymore.

I don't know who this person was or why I was sent that message, but it triggered everything in me.

My hands tapped on the message again, and my grip tightened.

“Your mother was killed. It wasn't a robbery gone wrong”

Who would have thought a few words would reignite something in me?

A black Mercedes stopped in front of me, and Karl stepped out.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, love.” He apologized.

“I won't take much of your time,” I said quickly, eager to end this conversation quickly.

“We won't talk out here, I know a really nice upscale restaurant we can go to,” Karl suggested.

“No need for that,” I turned down the offer, and Karl frowned.

“Then we won’t talk,” he said. “You've been ignoring me, and when you finally decided to speak to me, you prefer to do it here? come on” He complained.

I sighed before walking towards his car and getting in.

Karl smirked before entering the car and driving off. “You'll love it. It's great at night” He smiled at me.

When we got to the upscale restaurant, we were led to our table like he made a reservation beforehand.

Karl pulled out the chair for me, and I stared at him confused before taking my seat.

He looks joyful for someone I ignored throughout yesterday.

Karl sat opposite me and called the waiter. “There’s no need for that” I said immediately.

“We are in a restaurant. We may as well order something” Karl said, and I nodded.

He was right. It would be weird to come to such a nice restaurant and not order anything.

We were given the menu, and I looked through it for something simple, but everything here was expensive.

“I think I would just get water,” I said, dropping the menu.

“No, love,” Karl declined. “At least order something,” he said, and I sighed.

“But everything is so expensive,” I murmured.

“That shouldn't be a problem” Karl said, and I blinked, I had no idea he heard what I said.

Embarrassment clouded me, I had totally forgotten he is literally a billionaire.

“if you won’t then I would. Do you have any allergies or dislikes?” Karl asked, and I swallowed nervously.

“I'm allergic to mushrooms” I said quietly, and he nodded.

He turned to the waiter and ordered some food I hadn’t noticed on the menu.

Their prices were outrageous, and I don't think I can bring myself to eat.

When the waiter left, I cleared my throat. “Let's discuss why we're here” I started.

“I know it's about Ryan and your sister,” Karl said, and I blinked.

“you knew?” I asked in surprise.

“I only found out yesterday when Ryan told me” He shrugged.

“You knew that was what I wanted to speak to you about, so why did you pretend?” I erupted.

“I didn't pretend, you didn't ask if I knew or not” Karl defended, and I sighed.

“Anyway… what your brother did was unacceptable. Was he also drunk? Or did he take advantage of my sister?” I asked seriously.

I know Beatrice told me to drop the matter, but I just can't. The fact that she didn't think to tell me was killing me.

Was I that broken over Ethan?

“Calm down, he didn’t take advantage of her, even Ryan knows better” Karl said.

“Of course you'll defend your brother,” I scoffed.

“My brother or not, if he does something wrong, he will face the consequences,” Karl replied, and I believed him.

Just like that

I don't know if it's the way he spoke or how stern his voice sounded, but I believed him.

“What was his side of the story?” I asked, but before Karl could answer, the waiter came with our food.

He came with such a huge tray, I wondered if Karl ordered some food behind my back.

After he finished setting the food on the table, I blinked. “Why order so much?” I asked.

“I haven't eaten,” Karl replied.

“Just because you haven't eaten dinner doesn't mean you have to order this much,” I scolded.

“I haven't eaten today,” Karl chuckled.

My eyes widened. “What? Why?” I asked.

“worried about me?” He smirked, and my cheeks flushed a little. “I didn't get the time,” he replied.

Wow… has he been working so hard he didn't even get 10 minutes to eat?

Turns out CEOs are that busy.

“Then you should eat,” I said, urging him.

“Ryan was beyond drunk. He was also high. He thought he had sex with one of the girls he met at the bar. He didn’t mean to” Karl explained, and I nodded.

Beatrice was right. None of them was at fault.

I just hope she's okay, though, and I really need to pull myself together.

I shouldn't let Ethan get to me. He isn't worth it at all.

“Aren't you eating?” Karl asked.

“The meal is too expensive, I can't bring myself to eat it,” I murmured, and Karl laughed.

He literally laughed at me. Really?

“Love… that's hardly a reason not to eat” He spoke casually, and I sighed before picking up the spoon.

“So... it's true” I heard someone behind me.

I know that voice. I know that tone.

Karl looked up from his food and frowned when he stared at the person behind me.

I stiffened in my seat as I stared at him, his eyes found mine and remained there.

I was determined to forget about Ethan, but hearing his voice now triggered all my insecurities.

I slowly dropped my spoon and swallowed hard.

Karl watched all my movements calmly.

The figure behind me moved beside me, and I could feel his gaze on me.

I didn't look up, but no one needed to tell me he had a disgusted look on his face.

“Lana, is this what you do now? Going after rich men?” Ethan spoke again, and my lips trembled.