Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 13

Elliot?

Julie immediately flashed a smile at the man, then quickly took a step to the side, seizing this rare opportunity. She gestured to Manuel, who was beside her, to snap a few clear front–facing pictures of Elliot.

She wasn’t sure if she was imagining it, but the moment she moved to her new position, she noticed a slight tremor at the corner of Elliot’s lips.

The photo session went smoothly and concluded after the dinner. Julie carefully examined the photos in Manuel’s and Hasan’s cameras.

Afraid that there might be issues, Julie made copies of the photos before parting ways with them. Then she smiled at Manuel and Hasan, saying, “That’s it for now. Tomorrow is Raymon’s official birthday banquet, so I’ll bring the invitations tomorrow. So, let’s meet at the hotel entrance tomorrow, alright?”

After seeing them nod, Julie smiled. Just as she turned around, a familiar voice came from behind, “Satisfied with the photos?”

“Kind of.” Julie instinctively replied before realizing who it was.

When she looked back, she saw Elliot standing under a streetlight in a white shirt with a light–colored blazer casually draped over his wrist. His tall figure was elongated, his shirt sleeves were slightly rolled up, and his outfit was paired with a black waistcoat. He looked effortlessly casual and gentlemanly.

smiled at Elliot, then seemingly ignored him and

eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he briskly walked up to Julie, positioning his tall frame in front of her. With a hint of disappointment, he furrowed his brow, “You really don’t

naturally smiled, nodding,

due to his odd behavior just now, took a cautious step back, furrowing her brows. She maintained her distance, looking at him as if he were a stranger, a bit like she was observing

hand froze in mid–air, and he looked at Julie in displeasure, asking, “What’s wrong? Can’t I touch you?”

of sweat appeared

guy a little off? They just met tonight, and now

Sanches, do you have a peculiar habit of randomly patting people’s heads? Julie combed through her hair, looking unamused.

Mr. Sanches?

slightly, and he took a step closer to Julie. He was about to say something when she instantly jumped back

darker, and he watched Julie, who was desperately trying to hail a taxi in the distance.

a

a clear puzzlement in the woman’s eyes. Julie thought,

was an accident, not intentional.

she keep addressing him as Mr. Sanches? Why was she being so formal? He