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.

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

her own curiosity was amusing, she shook her head with a smile and decided to leave. She trusted her

VIP.

turned to go, she heard a familiar voice

She was about to vanish

perfectly coiffed. He gestured toward the table, “Our master is calling

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

Simon’s cool voice commanded attention, “Patriot, won’t you come and

“I’m called Patriot because both my mom and dad are super patriotic. It’s a name I got stuck

less intimidated. So, with newfound boldness, she

her. She took a seat, turned to the manager with a smile, and declared, “Put today’s meal on my tab.

visibly stunned, taking a moment to process

“So, this is your way

for me,” Julie replied with a grin. “I have to repay my

by her comment, Simon simply told Kleist, “Then let’s have the menu twice over.”

shook her head at his lack

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

09:38

Chapter 309

“I’m not familiar

continued, “But it doesn’t seem to concern me, since I’m just being

just looked at

Julie, seated across from them, couldn’t make out what they were

Kleist

was just the two of them on the

stood up, “Well, I should be going…”

suddenly said the

Julie froze mid-rise, caught in

dumb, “What’s

he reminded her.

plunked back down, “Of course I know it’s my

personally.” He cut into his steak with elegance and spoke, “I once set up a charity fund

“And?”

Canary are good friends, aren’t you?” he

replied, “What’s your

–

this little fund mix-up, Canary traced it all the way back to me.” He sipped his red wine, “I