All Chapters of Runway Matrix : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Meanwhile, Eloise walked straight to the kitchen to peek at the stove. “Sue? Are you actually cooking?” Sue swatted her hand away from the pot. “Don’t act so shocked. I do cook sometimes. You’re not the only domestic goddess in the family.” Eloise leaned closer, sniffing dramatically. “Wow, and it even smells good. You must really love Aurelia to be this sweet.” Sue turned, narrowing her eyes with mock offense. “Excuse me? You’re one to talk. Look at you, dragging Max everywhere like a handbag.” Max, who had been standing awkwardly by the door, stiffened. “Hey—” Eloise’s face turned red. “Shut up, Sue.” But Sue was relentless, stirring the pot with exaggerated grace. “Oh please. The way you two are joined at the hip… Don’t tell me you’re not already doing the deed.” Aurelia gasped loudly, covering Kyle’s ears. “Sue!” Eloise smacked Sue's butt. “Don’t you dare—” Max nearly dropped his jacket, face turning beet red. “We—we’re not—! That’s not—!” He stammered, hands fly

“Sis—” Aurelia began, but Eloise had already gasped, her fingers brushing the embossed logo on the lid. “Oh my God… Cartier.” The name alone made Sue squeal and slap her palm against her forehead. Max, even, leaned forward with raised brows. Eloise flipped the lid open carefully, as if she were unveiling treasure, and everyone craned their necks. Inside, cushioned in black velvet, lay a necklace and earrings that seemed to catch the dim light and throw it back like fire. The necklace was simple yet stunning: a delicate platinum chain embroidered with little diamonds holding a single, perfectly cut teardrop diamond, clear and gleaming. Next to it, the earrings—slender tear-drop diamonds, each stone perfectly symmetrical, dangling just enough to sway elegantly without being gaudy. The room fell into a hushed awe for a beat. Sue’s mouth dropped open. “Sweet heavens. That’s not jewelry. That’s… that’s art.” Even Max came closer, crouching a little as though proximity would help him

Inside, the car felt more like a private lounge than a vehicle—smooth white leather seats that reclined at the touch of a button, polished walnut trim, and a soft golden glow spilling from hidden light strips. A flute of chilled champagne sat in a holder, its bubbles rising lazily, as if even the drink knew it had entered a city where time itself seduced. Jake sank into the seat with a dramatic sigh, crossing his legs elegantly as he tugged at the cuff of his tailored blazer. “Paris knows how to welcome royalty, darling. And make no mistake—this week, you are royalty. Coco’s muse. Their golden girl.” His voice bubbled with flamboyant enthusiasm. Aurelia laughed softly, brushing a fiery curl from her face as she settled beside him. “Muse, huh? Don’t exaggerate.” “I never exaggerate,” Jake said with a wicked grin. “Okay, maybe just a little—but only because you deserve it. You’ve no idea the kind of attention you’re about to walk into. The campaign is massive. Billboards, digital spr

That earned another round of laughter. Jake had pulled out his phone. He snapped candid photos of Aurelia sipping champagne, Aurelia laughing, Aurelia looking half-serious while Delphine explained tomorrow’s schedule. Then he leaned across the table for a round of selfies—himself pressed cheek to cheek with Aurelia, then both of them with Delphine, and finally even John, who actually cracked a rare smile.The photos came out beautiful. Aesthetic, golden, effortlessly glamorous. Aurelia stared at Jake’s phone when he showed them, unable to hold back her grin. “These look like we’re in a magazine already. I love them.”Jake airdropped them instantly to her phone. “Then love yourself out loud, darling. Post them. The world deserves to see what Paris looks like tonight.”Later, back at the hotel, Aurelia curled against her pillow, scrolling through the gallery. She added one to her Instagram story: the four of them, glasses raised, with the caption “Paris beginnings ✨”. She lingered a mom

Jake tilted his head, smirking. “Modest as always.” He sipped his champagne. “But honestly, darling, what I want—what I really need—is to meet someone interesting here. Not just pretty. Not just wealthy. Someone who makes me forget New York for a while. I want to fall in love in Paris. Can you imagine? Me, walking the Seine at night, hand in hand, kissing under the Pont Neuf? Ugh. My heart can’t take it.”Aurelia had been rambling about the shade of blush she couldn’t decide on, but at his sudden sincerity, she went quiet. Her brush hovered over her cheekbone.Jake’s sharp eyes caught it instantly. He leaned forward, voice soft but teasing: “And you—don’t think I don’t notice your silence. Babe, you should just fuck a hot male tonight. Blow off some steam. Then on your spare time, sneak Lucas in too. Two for one deal. Paris and New York special."Aurelia whipped her head toward him, cheeks instantly flushed pink. “Jake!” She pressed her hand to her face, laughing into it. “Stop advisi