Chapter 251

Sophia's heart sank at the sight of Orion's guarded demeanor. Susanna had told her last night about seeing Orion leave a bar with a girl, a story Sophia hadn't believed. Finding Orion at a hotel, she'd rushed over, only to confront undeniable truth. Sophia acknowledged her own wishful thinking—pleasing Orion's mother, spreading engagement rumors—all for a chance with him. Deep down, she knew of his indifference.

Orion gave her a cold look, remaining silent. Too intimidated to approach further, Sophia hesitated. A waiter appeared with a cart, which Orion took, glancing at Sophia and murmuring, "Excuse me."

Sophia instinctively retreated, her heart unwilling to surrender. "Orie, I just…"

Orion closed the door without another word, pushing the cart to Lemira's room. Lemira glanced at the door. "Who was that?"

It had sounded like a woman's voice.

Orion's tone was even. "Room service." He handed Lemira a bag of clothes. "Get changed."

Lemira realized she was naked. How could she change?

Orion turned. "Go on, I won't look."

Blushing, Lemira discovered even underwear was included. She quickly changed and coughed, "I'm done."

Orion turned back, pushing the breakfast cart toward her. "Eat something."

Lemira, realizing her hunger, sat and began to eat, stealing glances at him. "Aren't you going to eat?"

Orion's phone rang. "I need to take this call."

Stepping onto the balcony, his voice hardened. "Speak."

"How did things go with Lemon last night?"

Orion stiffened. "Don't ask what you shouldn't. Curiosity killed the cat!"

"Come on, you didn't actually sleep with Lemon, did you?"

"No, I wouldn't touch her."

"Good. She can't be with you. Be aware."

Orion glanced back at Lemira eating, his gaze softening.

His voice held bitterness. "I know." He knew better than anyone. Yet, he felt trapped.

He changed the subject. "How's the investigation from last night?"

"It's connected to the Sinclair family. Evelina, in Sophia's sister's business school class, deliberately stirred trouble, provoking Lemon to offend Susanna, leading to last night's incident."

Orion considered Sophia's earlier appearance. His voice deepened. "Did you handle Susanna's bodyguards? Ensure their silence."

"Already done. But the Sinclairs might know you're seeing someone else, since Susanna saw you leaving with Lemon."

Orion massaged his temples. "We can't let her existence be known; it's not good for her!" He knew Lemira wanted freedom from the Langston family. Exposure would ruin her life.

"Manageable. But about Lemon being set up, what's the plan? Things could have turned ugly without our intervention last night."

"Didn't you say Susanna was a bully in school? Leak her worst incident; let the Sinclairs discipline their daughter!"

Orion knew Lemira wouldn't want his intervention, but he wouldn't do nothing.