Love's Cunning Ruse novel 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.

The plump manager was in her way, obstructing the view of the man behind him. Julie could only see the high-quality fabric of his navy suit and the top two undone buttons of his dark shirt, revealing exquisite cufflinks, no doubt expensive.

Realizing her own curiosity was amusing, she shook her head with a smile and decided to leave. She trusted her smooth-talking manager to handle the VIP.

But as Julie turned to go, she heard a familiar voice call out, "Patriot."

She froze. Hallucinations, it must be. She was about to vanish quietly when she noticed a pair of gleaming leather shoes.

Looking up, there stood Kleist, his hair perfectly coiffed. He gestured toward the table, "Our master is calling for you, Ms. Patriot."

"Sorry, the boss doesn't dine in with customers," Julie replied with a forced smile. She wasn't in the mood for such encounters, especially not with Kleist, who once had her at gunpoint.

Kleist blocked her path. From the table, Simon's cool voice commanded attention, "Patriot, won't you come and play the gracious host?"

Julie recalled her own words, "I'm called Patriot because both my mom 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."

Now aware of Simon's true identity, Julie felt less intimidated. So, with newfound boldness, she approached the table.

Kleist was gentlemanly, pulling out a chair for her. She took a seat, turned to the manager with a smile, and declared, "Put today's meal on my tab."

The manager was visibly stunned, taking a moment to process her request.

Simon leaned back, his expression indifferent, "So, this is your way of treating me to dinner?"

"It's a small thanks for blocking that snake for me," Julie replied with a grin. "I have to repay my debt before I can square off with you, especially since you've had a gun to my head."

Unfazed by her comment, Simon simply told Kleist, "Then let's have the menu twice over."

Julie just shook her head at his lack of modesty. Such waste, she thought.