Chapter 426

Part 1:

Scarface Lorenzo lowered his head and said ingratiatingly, "I'm your bodyguard. The butler recruited me to protect you, effective today."

Alexia Harper looked at him disdainfully, pursing her lips. "Really? I wasn't informed. Is the butler blind? He hired someone as ugly as you to protect me? I'll lose my appetite looking at you every day!" She gestured to the discolored scar on his chin, which made him appear menacing.

Scarface Lorenzo's head shot up; killing intent flashed in his eyes. He hated being mocked about his scar, especially condescendingly, as Alexia had done. However, the anger quickly subsided. He smiled ingratiatingly. "If you prefer, I'll walk behind you. Your safety is paramount, Miss."

He bowed deeply, his head almost touching his knees. Alexia, pampered and naturally arrogant, thrived on adoration. Though puzzled by the butler's silence about her bodyguard, she saw his compliance and waved dismissively. "Fine. Your obedience earns you this privilege." Her tone was haughty, implying it was an honor for him.

Scarface Lorenzo bowed. "Thank you, Miss." He'd tolerate her; later, at the Harper family estate, he'd exact his revenge during his planned theft of the treasure box.

Thus, Scarface Lorenzo and his gang followed Alexia into the hotel. Fate's hand is unpredictable; seemingly insignificant events can trigger unforeseen consequences. A critical lapse can derail even the most foolproof plan, potentially leading to disaster.

While Lorenzo used Alexia to gain entry, he couldn't access the engagement party's grand hall. All guest bodyguards waited in a designated lounge, regardless of status. This didn't matter; his goal was simply infiltration. Lorenzo and two accomplices slipped into the staff room and stole three waiters' uniforms.

Part 2:

The engagement party hall was elegantly arranged: neatly placed tables and chairs, flower-petal-strewn entryways – a romantic, surreal scene. Pink, blue, and white balloons formed an arch over the entrance, highlighting the meticulous decorations.

Charlie and Thalia Kelley were immediately surrounded by well-wishers: some offered congratulations, others sought favor, and some merely engaged in polite conversation. The Kelley family's status had skyrocketed thanks to their connection to the Hamptons via this engagement, putting them in a completely different league. Even former enemies sought reconciliation. While Charlie could manage a few, the sheer number overwhelmed him.

He maintained a clear distinction between gratitude and grudges, returning kindness and ignoring past offenses. He smiled perfunctorily, waving at those seeking favor before leading Thalia away, nagging, "Stomach aching again? I told you not to drink that cold beverage!" His nagging faded with distance.

The remaining guests continued their flattery: "Charlie Kelley dotes on his wife – a devoted family man." Charlie, however, was leading Thalia to a rest lounge, ordering soup and drinks. He produced stomach medicine. "Soup first, then medicine."

"Okay," Thalia replied, smiling blissfully.

Suddenly, a waiter rushed up anxiously. "Mr. Kelley, Mrs. Kelley! Your son fell into the pool! Please come quickly!"

The couple panicked. Eric had gone to find his sister; they'd assumed the hotel's security was sufficient. How had he fallen into a pool? Despite their doubts, they urgently followed the waiter.

Their confusion grew as they moved further from the public areas. There was no pool in the guest room block. Charlie stopped, frowning warily. "Wait." Sensing something amiss, he pulled Thalia back.

A handsome man blocked their path, exuding an enigmatic, almost treacherous aura. The waiter deferentially addressed him as "Master."

Felix Quaid smiled faintly. "Forgive me."

Part 3:

Upon arrival, Tiffany Kelley touched up her makeup; a vigorous car kiss had smudged her lipstick. She blushed as a makeup artist stifled laughter.

Richard Hampton, impeccably dressed, entered her suite. Tall, broad-shouldered, and elegantly dressed, he possessed a seductive allure bordering on forbidden desire. He was aloof yet charming, seemingly unattainable. Tiffany's styling team stared in awe.

Richard’s attention, however, remained solely on Tiffany. The team tactfully left. Leaning against the dressing table, he examined her lipstick, chuckling. "What flavor this time?"

Tiffany shielded her mouth. "You still want to lick it? It's toxic!"

Richard raised an eyebrow. His voice, low and seductive, purred, "Then I'll try it later tonight."

Tiffany glared, then punched him. "Scum!"