The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 387

Mia nodded, her face the picture of pure confusion.

Suzie checked the time and slowly stood up. "I won't. Let's focus on work for now. When we officially leave, I'll explain everything. Just follow my lead."

"Okay. You've got a shoot in Studio 3 this afternoon. I'll go make your coffee."

Mia still didn't understand, but she decided to drop it. She had committed to following Suzie, and she trusted her judgment implicitly.

***

That evening.

Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, Chester paced near the entrance of the gala. Even though it was twenty minutes before their agreed time of seven o'clock, he was already practically vibrating with anticipation.

Every time a valet opened a car door, he craned his neck, worried Suzie might arrive in a different vehicle than expected.

After a few minutes, a commotion near the entrance caught his attention.

Always a fan of drama, Chester edged closer to the crowd.

A woman in a sleek evening gown was aggressively pointing a finger at a group of security guards. "I'll say it again! I'm an invited guest! How dare you say my invitation is fake?! Do you want to lose your jobs?!"

One of the guards remained stone-faced. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but your invitation does not have the required authenticity hologram. Tonight is extremely exclusive. Please step aside and do not disturb the other guests."

Feeling humiliated and cornered, the woman flew into a rage, screaming insults and dropping a few choice curse words.

Chester watched her throw her tantrum, clutching her card like her life depended on it. She looked genuinely furious, as if the guards were the ones in the wrong. But he had heard the guard clearly—no hologram. She had obviously bought a fake ticket from a scalper trying to sneak in.

As Stella walked around the car to join Suzie, she eyed Chester up and down. The man's eyes were practically glued to Suzie.

"Hey, buddy. You want to dial back the staring?" Stella remarked bluntly.

She linked her arm through Suzie's, ready to head inside.

Chester quickly hurried after them, offering an apologetic laugh. "Hello, hello! You must be Suzie's friend. A pleasure to meet you. And your name is?"

Stella shot him a sideways glance. "Stella."

Just then, the woman who had been dragged away by security tried to aggressively push her way back toward the entrance.