"Hera, Mr. Andrew, Mr. Christopher, Mr. Mayall, you're here. Come on in. It's hot outside." Linda flashed a smile at the group. "The new security guard is still wet behind his ears. I've always seen Hera as one of us. We're a family. There's no need for family to have an invitation, right?"
By calling Hera her family, she managed to deny that the unsent invitation was intentional in public.
Hera scoffed. "Who says that we're a family?"
Linda gulped, not expecting Hera to be this blunt.
Linda forced a smile. "Bernard only has his eyes on you and will marry no one but only you. Once you get married, we'll be a family."
Without wavering, Hera tried to get back at Linda. "Is that so? Why did I hear that you wanted to introduce Everly to him, then?"
The anger was making it impossible for Linda to keep her smile on. She gritted her teeth. "Who spread such ridiculous rumors? I've always respected Bernard's feelings and personal life. Oh, let's not stand out here. Let's move to the banquet hall."
She quickly averted the topic and urged everyone to come inside.
There was still more to come, so Hera decided to withdraw her fangs. She led everyone into the banquet hall.
Hera's confidence was ticking on Linda's nerves, but Linda convinced herself inwardly, "Calm down. I'll let her win this time. I'll show her what I got when we get to the banquet hall."
…
Once they reached the banquet hall, Hera excused herself from the approaching guests and found a quiet corner to make a phone call.
On the other hand, Stephen was enjoying his holiday at his private beach. He was basking in the sun while drinking from a coconut.
Realizing that it was a call from Hera, he leisurely answered, "Hey, Ms. Youngworth. Have you arrived?"
"Yes, Stephen. Where are you?" She feigned nervousness.
He lazily took a sip of coconut water. "Don't worry. I've got my men geared up over there. Do you see Ms. Linda?"
"Yes, from afar," she lied.
He had no clue what was happening in the Imperial Hotel. "Good. Go up to her. Try to lead her to the broadcast room on the second floor. I'll be waiting for you there. I plan to broadcast the whole process of her arrest to every floor in the hotel so that all the guests can see."
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