Arianne went down the stairs, she wore a casual blouse and trousers from her old wardrobe. On her right hand was a paper bag containing the long silver mermaid mesh dress and a matching silver heel full of dust from her old collection, and on her left was a purse. The notes she crumpled were hidden in the pocket of her pants.
She passed by the kitchen and ignited the stove. Under the blazing blue flame, the scented papers became gray ashes. Its powdery cinders stained the stainless edges, marble top, and tiled floors.
The kitchen maids didn't question her actions and pretended to be dumb. However, the hidden pinhole camera still captured her suspicious behavior.
After erasing the evidence, Arianne called the chauffeur.
Five minutes later, a regal silver Jaguar XJ slid down the pathway and parked in front of the villa entrance. The driver seat opened, and the chauffeur opened the backseat door for her. She hopped in, placed the bag and purse on the leather cushion, and ordered the driver to head to a boutique near the Astor Hotel.
"Yes Miss."
To her confusion, the driver didn't return to his post and remained clutching the handle of the backseat door. Arianne turned her neck and the scenery outside was covered by a figure. Under her astonished gaze, Carlisle barged in and sat beside her comfortably and without any intention of leaving the car.
The chauffeur closed the door and started the engine, even with her silent protest.
"What are you doing?" Arianne flared at his uninvited behavior.
"I should ask you that. Your brother would be very upset if he knew you'd be going out with the man without telling him." Carlisle didn't look at her and fixated his gaze on the road.
"It's not your turn to be concerned. Get out." Arianne's soft voice hardened, and her voice pierced with impatience.
"The lass had really changed. From a meek cat to a wild tigress. Is your brother aware?" Carlisle didn't like her tone and attempted to tame her sudden aggressiveness.
"Your actions are clearly violating my privacy, and I'm merely pointing it out, and my brother said I can go out with a chauffeur." Arianne still didn't condone him.
Carlisle didn't take her words into heart. His sight still observed the surroundings. Soon enough, there was an inconspicuous car tailing them. The driver was unaware of it, but Carlisle was expecting this arrangement. "You really love Mr. Rothschild, even risking offending your brother, you still wanted to meet him secretly."
"How do you know?" Arianne backs away from him in vigilance. Her gestures were within his expectation.
"You need to put an effort to increase your height." Carlisle lifted the corner of his lips, her tone etched with a trickle of teasing.
Arianne clenched her fists. "Are you going to call my brother now?"
"Don't worry. Your brother is busy at the moment. He intends to finance a major project. I need to wait for his call before reporting your behavior today. Or does the lass prefer to call his brother personally and admit her mistakes?"
Arianne didn't answer at all. Clearly she had no intentions of following his advice. If it were the past life, she would have stopped her plans and returned home at, but now she had no time to dwell on his attempt to intercept her plans. If she wanted Laurence dead, she needed to meet him and take away his favorability. "Suit yourself. I'll have an extra seat prepared for you at the dinner table."
His lips titled downwards. Arianne's nonchalance astounded him. She really had changed, even her brother's name was not that impactful anymore. "That's not necessary. I'll just wait for your rendezvous to finish. Mr. Cromwell will hold me accountable if I let you be, when he asked me to keep you under surveillance."
The car arrived in front of the Astor Hotel.
"Anything you want." Arianne didn't wait for the driver to open the car. She went ahead and left Carlisle inside.
Carlisle watched her figure in the reception while talking to the female customer service and gradually disappeared from his sight. A few seconds later, three well-build men, obviously trained, inquired something from the same female customer service and headed towards Arianne's direction.
Carlisle finally decided to do the same, not before instructing the chauffeur to wait.
Arianne searched for the boutique the lady mentioned.
After going several circles, she finally found it and immediately checked the time on her phone.
'6:30'
Half an hour left to prepare may leave other girls in despair, but she had no qualms. If she can, even a pair of pajamas would suffice, but the basic information shown below Laurence Rothschild's pulsating golden name had emphasized one word-pervert.
It was not shocking to her. It was just disgusting and troublesome.
She ordered her hair and makeup done. The stylist had difficulty deciding what kind of coiffure to do. Basically, even without her help, the female customer was good to go. The same thought is swirling inside the makeup artist's head. Her moisturize skin so tender, unblemished and without pores made her helpless. Even her cheeks were rosy, and her double eyelids had a natural tinted hue. There's nothing more to do. But, they still needed to do something to earn commission.
After pondering, the stylist opted for a soft beachy wave, an effortless look matching the loose curls at the ends of the customer's luscious hair.
The other also started drawing her brows with a darker shade of mocha to compliment her hair color. Two ruddy cheeks were painted with pink blush and finally a pair of lips with a suave red undertone enhancing the lips' natural pigment.
When the two were done, they found themselves very satisfied with the results.
The customer's face that was already beautiful became even more gorgeous. There was a sensual air radiating from her. Even if they were female, they couldn't help but blush.
Arianne checked the time again. Another fifteen minutes had gone by, there was only another fifteen left.
She quickly paid for their services and used their dressing room to change into the dress. She sought their help in zipping up and finally finished the preparation.
'6:55'
Arianne left her things in their boutique and only brought her purse. She already knew the location of the restaurant Laurence mentioned. It was on the 20th floor. The boutique was on the 10th floor. She slid inside the elevator with slightly wobbly legs. She had not worn heels for a long time.
Carlisle followed her quietly and rode the adjacent elevator. There were only a handful of five stars restaurants in this hotel, since the owner valued quality and finesse. If he isn't wrong that Rothschild will pick the new restaurant launched on the 20th floor. Carlisle pressed the '20' button on the wall. His mind occupied with too many thoughts. A huge part of it was about Arianne's ravishing looks.
The elevator arrived on the 20th floor. Arianne slowly lifted her feet. In the large hall leading towards different destinations, Arianne spotted the sign of restaurant. She headed for it while looking for Laurence's presence.
Amidst her search, she didn't notice an entourage coming her way. She bumped into someone's chest. Her body tilted and she lost her balance. Although her physique has improved, she hasn't adjusted to walking in heels. So unlucky!
The pain she was expecting didn't arrive, instead a muscular arm had wrapped around her waist prevented her from falling.
Unfamiliar faces encircled them. Worries evident in their expressions.
"Mr. Carter, are you alright?" Someone asked.
Arianne heard the name, and found it a little familiar.
The system silently looked at the five stars target enveloped with large mass of dark clouds. It was immediately disinterested.
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If you're a dog owner, please be aware!
Have a blessed weekdays!
And I hope your days will be filled with abundance!