The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 554

Neera was kept in the dark about what these three little kids were up to.

By the end of the day on Friday, she had an urgent task to finish. It kept her from leaving on time.

Isabella called her at the time and asked, "Have you finished your work?"

Neera glanced at the pending files beside her and replied, "Not yet."

Isabella spoke calmly over the phone, assuring her, "It's fine. I was just thinking that since I'm close to the school, I could pick them up on my way and save you the trouble."

"That's very kind of you," Neera agreed, chuckling. "Thanks."

"It's no big deal. I'm just heading out," Isabella replied, then offered, and I'll bring them to the hotel first. Join us there with Jean when you can. We'll wait for you."

Neera thought it was a good idea and agreed. She then called Jean to update him.

Without overthinking it, Jean collected her from Startales after his shift.

Neera rushed out of her office thirty minutes later. She kept apologizing, saying, "Sorry for keeping you waiting. I was held up with work."

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her eyes sparkled as she rushed over. Her apologetics were evident in her eyes.

"It's all right," Jean said, raising an eyebrow. "I was held back too. I just got here."

"That's good," Neera said, sighing in relief.

The car swiftly joined the traffic.

Neera's gaze was drawn to Jean throughout the journey.

Outside, the dim streetlights and dazzling neon lights reflected on the man's flawless face, softening his features and making him even more appealing to her eyes.

"Do I have any gold on my face? The man behind the wheel made an unexpected remark.

Neera, taken aback, responded awkwardly, "No, it's just...seeing you drive the car instead of Ian is new for me."

"There's nothing new about it," Jean chuckled. "I couldn't drive before because of my health, but now I can."

Neera nodded in response.

Two hours later, they finally arrived at the hot spring hotel.

The check-in process was quickened because Isabella had already called to make a reservation.

"Here's your room card, Ms. Garcia," the receptionist said.

Neera took the card and inquired, "Which room is Miss Isabella in?"

"Ms. Lopez hasn't checked in yet," the receptionist responded puzzledly.

"How come she hasn't arrived?"

"No."

Neera called Isabella, perplexed by the receptionist's blank expression.

Isabella quickly responded, apologizing, "Sorry. My car broke down on the way!"

"Are you alright? What happened?" Neera exclaimed in surprise.

"I have no idea, but I have requested a tow truck. We'll have to fix it."

"Should I come and pick you up?" Neera wondered, concerned.

Isabella, on the other hand, refused, saying, "Nah! Don't bother coming back now that you've already arrived. I've got this. We'll be late."

Neera agreed helplessly, "Alright, drive carefully."

"Yep, I got it! Isabella quickly hung up the phone.

Neera put her phone away and informed Jean about the situation before they went to their respective rooms.

After briefly refreshing herself, Neera started to admire the hotel's ambiance. She was more at ease.

Jean knocked on her door a few moments later. He proposed, "Let's have dinner."

Neera agreed, considering Isabella and the kids might arrive late.

They walked into the restaurant and gave their room number. They were about to choose a table by the window.

However, a waiter stepped in, saying, "Sir and ma'am, this way, please."

They exchanged puzzled looks before following the waiter, only to be directed to a private room.

The table arrangement was set up for a couple.

"Mr. Beauvort and Ms. Garcia, Miss Lopez had arranged this especially for you," the waiter explained.

Neera was stupefied.

Why did Bell opt for dinner for the couple? This is odd.

She screamed inwardly but maintained a calm demeanor outside.

"Perhaps Bell thought the meal in the couple's package was delicious," she joked. "You don't mind, do you?"

Jean's eyes twitched with this query. He casually sipped some water and countered, "Why would I?"

That remark took her by surprise. She picked up on an underlying message.

She felt her heart skip a beat as she looked into his deep eyes.

"Then...let's eat," she mumbled, quickly averting her gaze.

Jean smirked and compiled. He picked up the cutlery and began to dine elegantly.

Neera was a little awkward at first, but the food in the couple's package was delicious. She had a good appetite and was completely absorbed in her meal.

Her entire focus was on the food. She had forgotten everything that had happened previously.

After dinner, a waiter enthusiastically informed them, "There's a beach close by. Many guests love taking evening walks there. And tonight, there's going to be a fireworks display!"

"Oh, I see..."

Neera thought it would be a good idea to go for a short walk after dinner. She cast a quick glance at Jean.

"Let's go," Jean suggested before she could say anything else. "We should look into it."

Neera was slightly dumbfounded, then agreed with a smile, "Sure."

When the two reached the beach, she noticed that it was filled exclusively with couples, all holding hands.

She couldn't help but turn her gaze toward Jean.

He was also looking her way at the time.

Their gazes locked. Inexplicably, she felt his gaze burn. She averted her gaze quickly, as if nothing had happened. Her ears, however, remained warm, revealing her embarrassment.

Those fireworks eventually lit up the sky. It erupted brilliantly and captivated everyone's attention.

Neera and Jean came to a halt, looking up to take in the spectacle.

The vibes were muffled despite the lively atmosphere.

A man with a camera approached them and asked cheerfully, "Would you two like to take a photo?"

Neera immediately assumed he was one of those photographers out to take advantage of tourists and declined.

"Miss, please don't misunderstand," that man clarified. "I think you and this gentleman here are the most attractive couple I've seen tonight. All I want to do is capture this lovely moment for you."