CHAPTER 20: Exclusive Privileges

CHAPTER 20: Exclusive Privileges

“What is it?” Sarah asked, with a frown.

Cara was scrolling through the email with a glare. “It's the launch guest list.”

Sarah, still spotting a worried frown, waited for Cara to give more details.

A little moment of silence passed until Cara looked up with an expression of hesitance.

“Edward Van Huxley is on the list,” Cara seethed through clenched teeth.

Sarah’s fingers tightened around the laptop on her lap. She was briefly still–without reaction until what Cara said finally kicked in her head, and her pulse skipped a beat.

“What? How? Why?”

A muscle ticked in Cara’s jaw as she tapped furiously on her phone. “He RSVPed last night.” She took her eyes off her phone to look at Sarah. “Apparently, the airline industry’s most powerful man is gracing us with his presence.” Cara’s voice was tight, but her eyes studied Sarah carefully.

Sarah forced herself to keep a neutral expression. “It’s not surprising. He’s influential in every sector. Why wouldn’t he attend?”

Cara pursed her lips. She did not care if he was the president of the country. She did not like him, and she did not want him at her hotel's opening. It was her event, and she had a right over the people who would be at her event. She did not want him there if he would make her friend uncomfortable or worse—decide not to attend.

“You know what? I'm going to text the events manager to cancel his invitation.”

Cara was about to call the events manager when Sarah quickly stopped her by placing her hand on the phone.

“Don't do that. He's a very influential and powerful figure. It might affect the hotel's image and reputation if he decides to retaliate because of the rescinded invitation.”

Sarah had had a taste of the man's fury, and it was hell.

Cara sighed defeatedly and cussed at the events manager and the director of the hotel that had made the guestlist.

“I just thought you should know,” Cara said quietly, placing the phone down. “Are you still going to attend? I…i mean i can understand if you can't make it anymore.”

Cara was trying to sound normal, but Sarah could hear the disappointment in her voice.

Sarah met her gaze, her stomach twisting uncomfortably. The thought of seeing Edward again, as well as the thought of being in the same space as him outside of work commitments, unsettled her.

But Cara had always been there for her. She was one person who would do anything for Sarah. She had already given her her word, and she would be damned if she let her down because of that man. She wouldn’t back out now.

She met Cara’s anxious but hopeful eyes. “Of course, I’ll come. For you.”

Cara’s face immediately lit up, relief flooding her system. “Good. Now, let’s get pampered before the chaos begins.”

The scent of lavender and eucalyptus filled the air of the modern, tastefully designed lounge area of the luxurious spa, as Sarah and Cara stepped in. The soft, calming music did little to ease Sarah’s tension that was rumbling inside her, but she was determined to go through with everything for Cara’ sake.

They approached the receptionist and were barely through with checking in for the reservation that Cara made when a familiar, very unwelcome voice rang through the space.

“Well, well. Look who it is.”

Veronica.

Sarah didn’t turn immediately. She closed her eyes briefly and curled her hands tightly at her sides, before reopening her eyes and turning to face her half-sister.

Veronica stood near the entrance in an expensive silk robe, her lips curled into a condescending smile.

“Veronica,” Sarah greeted coolly.

Veronica’s hot gaze swept over her before shifting to Cara. “I didn’t realize they let just anyone into this spa now. Pity. It used to be a much more exclusive space.”

Cara scoffed, crossing her arms under her chest. “You’re right, darling— seeing that they now allow la spazzatura in,” she smirked, crossing her arms across her chest. Trash.

Sarah snorted beside Cara. Cara and Veronica had never gotten along. Cara had always hated her for how she treated Sarah. And Veronica, in turn, had always despised Sarah’s sharp mouthed friend.

Veronica’s smile faltered. She opened her mouth and closed it, but she recovered quickly. She suspected that that witch had used an Italian cuss word on her, but she decided not to let them get to her.

“Oh, I was invited. Exclusive privileges. Although I can't say the same for you,” she spat dismissively at Cara before turning her attention back to Sarah, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Though I must say…I’m impressed. You’ve really worked your way up from being a nobody. What’s your secret, dear sister? Sleeping with the right people?,”she added with a tight smile, her hands clenched at her sides.

Veronica was trying so hard not to physically attack Sarah. She hated how she now carried herself with an aura of authority, class, and self-confidence.

Sarah’s face remained impassive. She was not really affected by Veronica’s jab. She was intentionally trying to humiliate and shame her by making assumptions because of what happened with Edward in the past.

But before Sarah could speak, Cara laughed.

“Oh, Veronica, you’re hilarious. You’re talking about ‘working up’ when you’ve been the one leeching off Edward Huxley for years? Is that why you’re here today? To get another desperate attempt at keeping him interested?”

Cara threw her words cruelly at Veronica, not knowing how spot on she was, and how much her words had hit a spot.

Veronica’s nostrils flared. “Edward and I are fine. Unlike Sarah, I don’t have to beg for a man’s attention.” She turned to Sarah with a smirk in a bid to hurt her as well and save her face. “Unlike Sarah some years ago. Remember?”

Sarah smiled, unfazed. “You’re right. You don’t beg—you manipulate. You lie, and you deceive.”

Cara smirked. “And even that’s not working anymore, is it?”

Veronica’s face darkened. “Careful, Cara. Your husband’s new hotel might not be the success you think it will be if you keep siding with the wrong people.”

Sarah stiffened, but Cara only arched a brow. “Are you threatening me?”

Veronica tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Just giving friendly advice, amica,” she replied in a mocking tone. Friend.

Sarah had had enough of Veronica's nonsense. She stepped forward, shielding Cara from Veronica, her voice calm but firm. “Then here’s my own little advice—stay out of my way, Veronica.”

Veronica’s smile vanished, and for a brief moment, something dark flashed in her eyes. She still had not forgotten how Edward had treated her the last time because of Sarah.

She was at the spa to get treatments because he had sent for her. Maybe he was trying to patch things up with her, but she was still going to get her revenge on Sarah.

But before she could respond to Sarah, an attendant arrived to escort her away.

“Enjoy your spa day, ladies,” she said icily before disappearing down the hall.

As soon as she was gone, Cara exhaled. “Well, that was fun. I almost forgot how much I hate her.”

Sarah sighed, rubbing her temples. “She’s not going to stop. She's obsessed.”

Cara’s expression hardened. “Then neither will we.”

Sarah glanced at her, then nodded. She knew that her half-sister would never let her be. She was surely up to something because Sarah knew that Veronica saw her as a threat to her relationship with Edward.

Honestly, Sarah did not care that they were together. She just cared that Edward would not find out about her children.

Anyways, whatever Veronica was planning, she would be ready.

“Come on, love. Don't let that witch affect you. Let's go in for our sessions.” Her eyes suddenly sparkled with mischief. “Actually I have a surprise for you at the event tomorrow.”