Chapter 4

When Jacqueline saw me, she waved from a distance. "Noah, are we late?"

I smiled. "No, y'all arrived just in time."

I then introduced Bob and Annie to Maya's colleagues. "Bob and Annie, these are colleagues from Maya's department."

"Didn't I say we have a surprise today? This is part of the surprise."

When Bob and Annie heard that these were people from Maya's department, their expressions changed right away. "No wonder they look so proper and promising. It turns out they are Maya's colleagues. If they were small vendors, they would not look so commanding."

After some small talk, Jacqueline asked first. "Noah, which private room shall we go to? Don't worry, we haven't told Maya about anything today."

"Then I will thank y'all and also thank y'all on Maya's behalf."

After thanking them, I looked at Bob and Annie awkwardly. "How about we do as the manager said and go to the reception lounge to wait first?"

Neither party knew what I was planning.

Jacqueline looked puzzled. She did not understand why I was giving Maya a surprise but had not booked a room. However, she did not ask.

My in‑laws cared deeply about appearances, especially in front of Maya's colleagues.

They would not ask why Maya's colleagues were joining us for the holidays or agree to let them wait in the reception lounge.

Sure enough, Annie rolled her eyes at me. "Why go to the reception lounge? Let us go upstairs. Maya's colleagues are here today, so we need to make sure they are properly looked after."

Bob stepped away from the crowd and pulled out his phone to make a call.

I knew Bob had ways to get Maya's room number, though it would inconvenience someone else.

This hotel actually belonged to a friend of mine. I could have called him to get the room number. However, it would drag my friend into the mess and possibly cause him trouble if things blew up.

It was a different story with her parents getting the room number, though.

Before long, Bob walked over with a smile. "Come on; let us go upstairs. Maya is waiting for us on the 24th floor."

The group headed toward the elevators.

Jacqueline finally could not hold back and whispered to me, "Noah, you booked the presidential suite for Maya. It wouldn't be appropriate for us to go there."

The 24th floor of this hotel housed a luxurious presidential suite.

I suddenly recalled the credit card charge notification I had received a couple of days ago.

Maya was used to spending lavishly, so I had never paid much attention to those expenses.

It turned out she used my money to fool around with someone else.

I replied with a meaningful undertone, "It is appropriate. It is the most appropriate for y'all to go."

The elevator rose to the 24th floor. This was the only room on the entire level.

"Bob, Annie, and friends, be silent for a moment. The surprise is about to be revealed."

Instantly, everyone fell silent, waiting for the surprise I had promised.

I walked up to the door, my heart pounding, and pressed the doorbell. "Hello, room service here with your drinks."

There was a moment of silence inside. Meanwhile, Jacqueline and the others positioned themselves on either side of the doorway, ready with party poppers in hand.

The door opened a crack, and I gave it a firm push to swing it wide.

From both sides, Maya's colleagues triggered their party poppers in unison and shouted together, "Happy Thanksgiving, Maya!"