Chapter 966: Invitation

Bessie didn't respond; she barely remembered the man, knowing him only as Northfield's chief commander.

"What? Do you think he's handsome?" Doyle asked, irritated. He always acted childish around her, despite his public demeanor of experienced maturity.

"Nope. I can't recall what he looks like," Bessie said.

"Didn't we meet tonight?"

"My attention wasn't on him," Bessie replied bluntly. She didn't readily remember everyone from a single encounter.

Doyle's mood brightened instantly. He lacked confidence compared to Oscar Wells, whose "divine face" had been widely publicized. Yet, in person, Doyle found Oscar even more attractive than he'd imagined. Oscar's excessive attention to Bessie that evening had also created a sense of unease.

Bessie's disinterest in Oscar, however, eased his mind considerably. Yawning, he said, "I'm heading to my room. Go to bed early, Besse."

"Uh-huh."

"If you change your mind, feel free to come next door. I'll leave the door unlocked," Doyle added with a suggestive smile.

Bessie ignored him. Doyle closed the door and left.

Feeling relieved, Bessie rose from the sofa and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, admiring the capital's nighttime beauty. She inexplicably felt familiar with the country, its people—particularly a young boy and a woman named Susan Johnson. She'd even chosen Little Bunny as their spokesperson due to this strange familiarity. It made no sense; she'd never been to Northfield before.

She mentally retraced her steps, reliving significant memories, but everything remained unfamiliar, as if she were living another person's life. Only Northfield felt different.

Her heart quickened. She dismissed the bolder thoughts that flitted through her mind as absurd, unwilling to believe Doyle was deceiving her. Perhaps it was a misinterpretation.

The next day, exhaustion and sleeplessness led to a late awakening. Bessie opened her eyes to an afternoon sun. She opened the electric curtains, content with the bright sky.

After rising to freshen up, she messaged Doyle, "Are you awake?"

"Awaiting Lady Besse's summons," he replied.

Besse smiled. "Have you eaten yet?"

"Waiting for you."

"Order something, have it sent to your room while I get ready. Then we can go for a walk."

"Yes, ma'am."

After washing and dressing casually, Bessie opened the door to find a man in a suit.

"Are you looking for me?" she asked, surprised.

He bowed. "The Commander sent me to invite Lady Besse and Mr. George to dinner tonight."

"We may be late returning; we plan to go sightseeing."

"The Commander will wait at the restaurant, regardless of the time."

Bessie frowned. Northfield's chief commander seemed insistent.

"Dinner will be at the hotel restaurant after your sightseeing. Staff will wait outside your room."

Bessie felt Oscar had left her little choice but to comply.

He produced a box. "This is outdoor equipment from the Commander, especially for you, Lady Besse. It contains mosquito repellent, heatstroke prevention medication, sunscreen, etc., as Northfield has many mosquitoes and strong UV rays in summer."

Confused, Bessie accepted it silently.

"The Commander wishes you both a pleasant time in Northfield," the man said, bowing deeply before leaving. Besse watched him go, then looked at the box, feeling slightly bewildered.

"Besse." The door beside her opened.

She started.

"Why didn't you come in?" Doyle asked impatiently.

"The Commander's people just arrived."

"Who?"

"One of his subordinates," Besse explained. "They brought supplies and invited us to dinner."

"You agreed?" Doyle's displeasure was evident. He disliked Oscar, finding him irritating, even though Bessie wasn't interested.

"I didn't agree, but I didn't refuse either."

Doyle frowned.

"They said they'd wait, no matter how late."

"Let's see how long he waits," Doyle said pointedly.

Bessie worried; Oscar was Northfield's chief commander, deserving of politeness.

"Forget him. Come in, let's eat; I'm starving," Doyle said.

Bessie nodded.

After eating, they left for their sightseeing. Bessie had researched popular tourist spots. Under the relentless sun and mosquito attacks, their excursion proved challenging. Besse persevered, but Doyle's impatience led to an early return around 8 PM.

Four employees stood bowing as they entered the hotel.

"Mr. George, Lady Besse."

Bessie frowned; Doyle looked annoyed. An employee announced, "Mr. Commander awaits you both in the restaurant."

The invitation had slipped their minds.

"This way, please."

"We're tired. Please tell Mr. Commander we'll have to decline," Doyle refused directly, unafraid to offend Northfield's leader.

"Mr. Commander said you might want food after your trip. If you prefer, it can be sent to your room, and he'll dine with you there."