The Guest List By Lucy Foley Novels & Stories

"My editor put them on the guest list." ****

It felt like stepping into a dream. Emily walked slowly through the space, taking it all in. After a moment, she turned to Leo with a puzzled look. “It’s gorgeous,”she said.“But…why is it so empty? Where is everyone?” Leo gave a slightly awkward chuckle.“Ah—yeah. About that.” He rubbed the back of his neck.“Yesterday, when I called the investor to confirm his attendance, he said he’d prefer we keep the guest list really small this time. No press, no crowd. Just twenty people max.”

“You’re supposed to familiarize yourself with my schedule, emails, and upcoming events. You’ll be accompanying me to social functions, meetings, and charity events.” I blinked. “You want me to play secretary?” “I want you to play the role of my wife.” His words sent a strange shiver down my spine. I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, the door swung open. A stunning woman with dark hair and piercing blue eyes strode in, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She barely spared me a glance before turning to Lucas with a dazzling smile. “Lucas,” she purred, ignoring my existence. “I was hoping we could discuss the upcoming investor’s gala.”

Hence, every meal had to be rationed carefully. During breakfast, Lexie sat across from me. She fidgeted a bit, playfully nudging my leg with her foot. I froze for a moment, then glanced at Amanda, who was focused on her meal, unaware of what was happening under the table. I exhaled and relaxed, enjoying the softness gliding around my leg. She even made my calf feel ticklish. Above the table, she was enjoying her breakfast, eyeing me with a mischievous look. I awkwardly smiled back.

‘In fact, she did brilliantly. ‘She was a tremendous help.’ Layla’s colour was heightened by his scrutiny and the disturbing reaction of her body to that unashamedly sexual appraisal. Her nipples had prickled into taut sensitivity while a drenching pool of heat settled between her thighs. She was shaken by the intensity of her desire for him to reach out and touch her. ‘My staff...’ Lucas introduced the three men before swiftly dismissing them. The trio swiftly gathered up laptops, briefcases, and jackets and filed out. "I need to have a word with you about the guest list for the wedding," he told her levelly.

*3 Days Before | Carter Holdings, 40th Floor* The invitation was thick. Black card. Gold foil. _BLACKWOOD FOUNDATION GALA THEME: LEGACY HOST: SOPHIA BLACKWOOD_ Elena dropped it on the table. Maya picked it up. “You’re going?” Elena looked at it. she said. “What do you think?.” Ryan stepped forward. “Ma’am. Guest list just came in. 300 people. Blackwood board. City council. Press.”

Lucien personally organized this party. The guest list included classmates and members of the basketball club, around a dozen teenagers in total. Elowen pressed her lips together, holding a tray of fruit juice and wine as she stepped into the middle of the crowd. Lucien had never intended for her to attend as a guest. In truth, he had forced her into the role of a menial server. Elowen bit down hard to keep the tears from spilling over, telling herself that if she just endured a little longer, it would pass.

“She knows things she shouldn’t. Someone’s feeding her information, and I’m willing to bet it’s someone from that meeting before Dad was shot.” Genevieve leaned back in her chair, her lips pursed. “So, what do we do?” “We watch her,” I said firmly. “Every move she makes. And Jacob, too.” Genevieve’s eyes gleamed with determination. “Good. Because I’ve got something that might help.” She pulled a printed list from her bag and slid it across the desk. “The full guest list for the gala. Everyone who's RSVP’d.” I scanned the names quickly, my stomach twisting when I reached the bottom.

"Thank you, Patricia. For being here." "I wouldn't be anywhere else," she said fiercely. The Guest List Back at the penthouse, the mood shifted from celebratory to tense as we tackled the guest list. "West side is easy," Noah said, scrolling through his tablet. "Dad, Patricia, James. A few close friends. Key partners from NeXus. About fifty people." "My side is... smaller," I said, looking at my short list. "Lily. My team from the studio. A few college friends."

I didn’t expect him to talk about wedding preparations. I tossed my purse and keys on top of my dresser. “Not exactly. Lucy just collected ideas and then booked a meeting with the florist and the baker for the cake and desserts. As for the invitations. Lucy will help me design them.” I droned on as I rambled across the room. “The guests, they had written several relatives of mine, which reminds me,” I stopped just before the washroom door and turned to look at him, “I need a list of your guests for the invitation. ASAP,” I supplied, and he nodded his head as he stifled a yawn.