Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 309

Julie made sure the head chef at Feliz Gastro House had whipped up a nutritious lunch for Amanda. She had just stepped into the restaurant, planning to head to the kitchen, when she noticed the usually bustling dining area was eerily empty.

Grabbing a passing waiter, she asked, “What’s the deal here? Is the joint closing down for a makeover or something?”

Recognizing the boss, the waiter quickly replied, “Oh, the place has been booked for a private event today, at noon.”

Julie nodded. “Alright, carry on then!” Whoever had the cash to book out Feliz Gastro House during prime time must have deep pockets, she thought. Heading to the kitchen to grab the lunch, Julie found the chefs in a frenzy of activity. The head chef handed her the prepared meal, and she grabbed his arm for a quick question, “Is the guest who booked the place hosting a crowd? I don’t see anyone out there, yet the kitchen’s in overdrive.”

“Not sure, but they ordered one of everything from the menu. Could be a spy from the bistro next door,” the head chef joked. “Really?” Julie chuckled at the thought of such an extravagant undercover operation.

She handed the meal to a waiter, instructing, “Take this to room 202 at the Tranquil Care Hospital VIP ward. And get me the manager.” “Manager’s busy with the guests,” the waiter informed her.

“Where are they?” she inquired.

He pointed upstairs. Julie nodded and sent him on his way with the meal. She then headed up.

The staff was clustered on the second floor, enjoying the rare quiet moment. The service crew had almost blocked the staircase, buzzing with excitement.

“He’s so handsome, like an actor, right?”

“Never seen this actor before. But it’s not just about looks, it’s the aura! This gentleman’s refined elegance is just…”

“It’s all about the money. He must be rich!”

“Am I the only one who noticed his broody but devastatingly handsome aide?”

“Is he really that good-looking?” Julie edged closer behind one of the waitresses and asked softly.

“Oh, yes!” they all agreed enthusiastically.

“And compared to Mr. Hernandez?”

“They are different types! You can’t compare their vibes. They’re both handsome in their own way.”

“But Mr. Hernandez is taken, remember… The waitress abruptly stopped as she turned and realized Julie had been the one inquiring. They immediately muted themselves.

Julie sighed, feeling a little helpless.

Why are you all at the stairs? We need this path clear for service, Julie said with a wave of her hand. “Scatter.”

The waitresses dispersed, and Julie sneaked a peek at the table that had captivated her staff. The mysterious guest that had booked the entire place had piqued her interest.

man behind him. Julie could only see the high-quality fabric of his navy suit and the top

a smile and decided to

VIP.

to go, she heard a

vanish quietly when she noticed a pair

hair perfectly coiffed. He gestured toward the table, “Our master is calling for you, Ms. Patriot.”

a forced smile. She wasn’t in the mood for such encounters, especially not with

voice commanded attention, “Patriot,

and dad are super patriotic. It’s a name I got stuck with, and though I think it’s a bit cheesy, my friends just call me Patriot.”

aware of Simon’s true identity, Julie felt less intimidated. So,

to the manager with a smile, and

was visibly stunned, taking a moment to process

expression indifferent, “So, this is your

to repay my debt before I can square off with you, especially since you’ve had a

Kleist, “Then let’s have the menu twice over.”

lack of modesty.

into the food on your plate? Every bite was earned through blood,

09:38

Chapter 309

head, “I’m

he continued, “But it doesn’t seem to concern me,

looked

gestured for Kleist, who leaned in to hear his hushed words. Julie,

Kleist

them on the upper floor of

stood up, “Well, I should be going…”

said the name.

froze mid-rise, caught in an awkward half-squat.

dumb,

sister’s name,” he

I know it’s

into his steak with elegance and spoke, “I once set up a charity fund for special cases, and due to an

“And?”

friends,

replied, “What’s your point?”

–

the way back to me.” He sipped his red wine,