Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin) novel Chapter 6

Shane poured her a glass of juice, looking at her in disbelief. "You're clear-headed now? You've finally given up on Jenson?"

"Yeah," Suzanne responded lightly, taking a sip.

She had spent ten years with Jenson—ten long years of her life. Much of Jenson's current success was owed to her.

She had an unmatched eye for scripts, her instincts sharper than anyone else's in the industry. Every film Jenson starred in had been carefully vetted by her, each one turning into a blockbuster. But Jenson had never once acknowledged her contributions. Even when his fans attacked her relentlessly, Jenson never stood up for her.

Shane slapped the table in approval. "Good riddance! A guy who can't publicly acknowledge or stand up for you? He's not worth it."

Suzanne paused, caught off guard, before breaking into a laugh.

He was right. Everyone else had seen it clearly from the start while she had blinded herself for far too long.

Not wanting to dwell on the topic, Suzanne sat up straighter and changed the subject. "So, what's this emergency about?"

Hearing her tone shift, Shane immediately got serious. "You've heard of the Alvarez family's heir, right?"

Suzanne raised an eyebrow. "The Alvarez family? The one just second to the Hall family?"

Shane nodded quickly. "Yep, that Alvarez family. And I'm talking about Alan Alvarez."

Suzanne's interest piqued. "Go on."

The Alvarez family wasn't an enemy of the Hall family. In fact, the two families had a solid business relationship. Helping them out could earn her a valuable favor.

Shane hesitated for a moment, his expression turning a little strange. He cleared his throat. "You might not believe this, but Alan Alvarez has developed some sort of bizarre condition. During severe episodes, he has an uncontrollable urge to drink blood. His temper becomes volatile, almost explosive."

Suzanne frowned. "Drinking blood?"

"Exactly," Shane confirmed with a nod. "It's been going on for a while now, and no one's been able to figure out the cause. The situation is getting worse."

He leaned forward, his voice earnest. "Your reputation precedes you. The Alvarez family has reached out to me dozens of times, begging for your help. They asked you to name any price."

Suzanne tapped her fingers lightly on her knee, thinking it over. After a moment, she said, "I'll visit the hospital and take a look."

Shane's face lit up with relief and excitement. As long as she agreed, the rest would fall into place.

He was confident in her abilities. She was Jane Smith, after all.

He rushed over to his desk. "I'll set it up right away!"

He moved with such urgency as though afraid she might change her mind. Suzanne couldn't help but chuckle softly, shaking her head.

He could never stay serious for more than a few seconds.

…

Meanwhile, a sleek black Maybach waited at a red light at a nearby intersection.

Jenson sat in the driver's seat, one hand resting casually on the wheel. In the passenger seat, Seline glanced at Jenson's handsome profile, her eyes filled with concealed adoration.

She had been in love with Jenson for years, but he had always been Suzanne's boyfriend. Finally, through her persistence and taking advantage of one drunken night, she got her chance.

Seline's lips curled slightly as she lowered her gaze. Whatever methods she had used didn't matter. What mattered was that Jenson now saw her as sweet and harmless, just as she wanted.

Today, Jenson was supposed to be handling business, but after her repeated pleading, he agreed to pick her up and bring her along. She felt like she had finally made her way into his heart.

As for Suzanne, she was old news.

Seline hid the smug glint in her eyes and looked up at Jenson with admiration. "Jenson, how much longer until we get there?"

"About an hour. Getting impatient already?" Jenson turned to her with a fond smile.