The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 354

"Jocelyn, you're amazing," Chloe said with genuine awe. "You locked down a massive deal so effortlessly."

Jocelyn chuckled. "It wasn't that effortless. I was talking the entire time, and my jaw is exhausted."

Admiration shone in Chloe's eyes.

"If I could be even half as capable as you, I'd be thrilled."

Jocelyn patted her arm encouragingly. "You will be. Take it one step at a time and put in the work. Hard work always pays off in the end."

Chloe silently cheered herself on.

"What was it you asked me to do earlier?"

"I need you to book two suites at a five-star hotel," Jocelyn explained. "Mr. Charlie and his friend are staying for two days to check out the city. I promised to act as their tour guide and show them around."

"Got it. I'll book them right away," Chloe said.

"Also, reserve a private dining room at Aurelia. I'm taking them out for dinner tonight."

Chloe hesitated. "But private rooms at Aurelia need to be booked days in advance. If I try to get one now, they probably won't have any availability."

Jocelyn smiled knowingly.

"Just drop Julian's or Liam's name. Even if they're fully booked, they'll make room for you."

After all, if the big bosses wanted a table, the restaurant wasn't going to refuse.

"Chloe, I'm going to need you to stick with me for the next two days. There are a few things I might not be able to handle entirely on my own."

Given her pregnancy, she worried that too much running around would drain her energy.

Chloe nodded enthusiastically.

"Don't worry, Jocelyn. Julian already gave me strict orders to assist you with whatever you need. He specifically told me not to let you get tired out."

Jocelyn couldn't help but laugh, both amused and touched.

"Alright, go get those reservations sorted out. Once the hotel is booked, make sure the clients get settled in so they can rest."

Jocelyn returned to her office. She had barely sat down when her phone pinged with a text message.

It was from an unknown number.

She opened it to find a single, accusatory line:

[Was this your doing?]

Jocelyn frowned in confusion.

It was probably a wrong number.

"Idea about what—"

Then it hit her.

She had almost forgotten about Sarah sending that photo to Audrey the day before.

Did Sarah use overnight shipping? How did Adrian find out so quickly?

Jocelyn decided to play dumb.

"Adrian, can you act like a rational adult for once? If you have something to say, spit it out normally instead of screaming into the phone like a lunatic."

Miraculously, Adrian actually reined himself in, and his voice dropped to a tense murmur.

"That photograph. Did you take it and mail it to Audrey?"

The reason Ethan had seen Adrian rushing out of the expo in such a panic was because Eleanor had called, ordering him to return home immediately.

Eleanor hadn't given any details over the phone, and Adrian hadn't dared to defy her. After hastily wrapping up his duties at the expo, he had raced back as fast as possible.

The moment he walked through the door, Eleanor threw the photograph right at his chest.

It was a good thing it only hit his chest. If she had thrown it in his face, the rage Adrian had been suppressing for years might have finally exploded.