She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 119

"Lyra, what's wrong?" Caleb turned, noticing his sister's pale complexion.

"Caleb, I don't feel so good..."

Lyra's chest tightened in panic as she took a step back.

She had completely forgotten about Josie's existence. Seeing her so suddenly sent a jolt of pure shock through her system.

Caleb followed her gaze to the front desk but didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

"Caleb, just go pay the deposit yourself," Lyra blurted out, her composure cracking. "My stomach is killing me. I need to find a restroom."

Acting entirely on instinct, she spun on her heel and bolted before he could respond.

Using the lobby's massive marble pillars for cover, she quickly ducked around the corner.

Only when she was safely hidden in a dimly lit alcove behind some tall potted plants did she let out a shaky breath.

Back at that seaside motel, she had been so desperately focused on getting Josie to take the credit with Rowan that she had completely forgotten she might actually run into her again and expose herself.

It had been nearly two years. Josie had clearly worked her way up to hotel manager.

Lyra knew the woman had talent. Rowan would eventually launch her into the spotlight, making her an absolute superstar whose name was known across the nation.

Even Jasmine had eaten her heart out with jealousy over Josie, let alone how miserable it had made Lyra in her past life.

But honestly, whether it was Josie or Jasmine, Rowan treated both of them infinitely better than he had ever treated her.

Leaning against the wall, Lyra waited for her racing heartbeat to slow down.

Pressing her back against the cold tile, she cautiously peeked out.

Josie was speaking with Caleb.

Rowan had already called down to the front desk, so Josie showed absolutely no surprise at Caleb's arrival.

Caleb paid the deposit.

While filling out the registration forms, he drummed his fingers against the marble counter and glanced back toward the restrooms, clearly worried about his sister.

Josie instinctively followed his gaze.

Lyra violently jerked back behind the wall.

She had only sent Josie to Rowan back then to stop Jasmine from taking the easy credit. Looking back, she had practically planted a landmine for herself.

Lyra deeply regretted it.

If she had known Jasmine was going to steal the credit anyway, she would have never said a word to Josie.

Lyra had zero interest in talking to him, but she didn't dare step out into the lobby either, so she just stood there awkwardly.

"Are you not leaving?" Lucas asked.

Lyra leaned back against the wall, refusing to answer.

Rowan's expression remained entirely impassive, and he didn't move a muscle either.

"What, are you trying to become a permanent pillar in a Jameson property?" Lucas teased, opening his mouth to run it some more...

Right then, Caleb found them. He paused in surprise at the sight of the two men, then offered a polite nod. "Mr. Jameson. Mr. Chavez."

"Caleb," Lucas pivoted effortlessly. "You're getting married so soon, but you haven't even brought your gorgeous bride out to meet the boys. What, keeping her all to yourself?"

Before Caleb could even respond, Lyra fiercely jumped to Kayla's defense. "Do you honestly think just anyone gets an audience with Kayla? Caleb, let's go."

Lyra hooked her arm through Caleb's and pressed close to his side.

Caleb seamlessly played along, shifting to block her from their view as he bid Rowan and Lucas farewell.

"Hey..." Lucas pointed a finger at her retreating back. "That girl has zero manners."

As they walked out, Lyra subtly maneuvered Caleb so he was walking on her other side, perfectly shielding her from the front desk. She didn't let out a breath until they were completely out the revolving doors.