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Novel Catalog
Chapter_34
Landon sat across from Vanessa at the Trivedian restaurant in the hotel, his patience already wearing thin. As Vanessa snapped pictures of the elaborate dishes, he couldn’t suppress his irritation. “What’s with the photos? Haven’t you seen food before?” he muttered under his breath.
Vanessa, clearly embarrassed, reluctantly put her phone away and quietly began to eat. The meal was nearing its end when the restaurant manager approached, eager to ensure Landon’s satisfaction. “Mr. Harper, are you pleased with our food today?”
“Not bad. The meat was pretty tender. I quite like it,” Landon replied smoothly, his refined manners evident despite his questionable personal life.
Vanessa, however, was quick to disagree. “What are you talking about? The meat was so chewy. It didn’t taste good at all.” She slammed her utensils on the table in frustration.
Landon’s expression darkened in an instant, his eyes narrowing with annoyance. The manager, ever polite, bowed deeply. “We sincerely appreciate your feedback, and we will strive to serve you better next time. Our apologies!”
Landon, not missing a beat, shot back with a sardonic grin, “Don’t listen to her. She didn’t wear her dentures today. She’ll say it’s chewy even if it’s a piece of cheese.” His words were dripping with ridicule, leaving Vanessa frozen and unable to retort.
With a smirk, Landon pulled a stack of banknotes from his pocket—cash, an old-fashioned move in a world dominated by e-wallets. “This is your tip,” he said, placing the money in front of the manager. “I’d like to inquire about someone. Is there an employee named Alice working here?”
The manager, unfazed, bowed once more. “Mr. Harper, at KS World Hotel, we adhere to the principle of rewarding employees based on their efforts. We don’t accept tips, and there is no one by the name of Alice working here.”
Landon’s patience began to fray. “That’s impossible! I saw her unloading goods at the unloading bay when I arrived. Go check it out for me.”
The manager shook his head, unruffled. “I’ve been working here for 15 years. I know all the employees. The person you’re looking for isn’t one of them.” With that, he turned and walked away.
Frustrated, Landon sat back, his mind racing. Just as confusion started to settle in, his attention was suddenly caught by a figure walking into the restaurant. Alyssa entered, her presence commanding the room. The moment their eyes met, Alyssa’s composure remained intact, though she was clearly surprised by the encounter.
Jasper had always kept her at arm’s length throughout their marriage, never once bringing her to social events or introducing her to his friends. Yet, she knew that Landon was his best friend. Despite their stark personality differences, she was certain of the depth of their bond.
Luckily, there were no employees around to call her by name—she didn’t want to attract attention and risk exposing herself.
Landon’s gaze, however, remained locked on Alyssa. He was struck by something he hadn’t expected—a mixture of awe and curiosity. Vanessa, noticing the shift in his attention, seethed with jealousy. She recognized the change in Landon’s demeanor—he was looking at Alyssa differently, as if there was a spark of affection brewing.
Alyssa, unfazed, ordered a coffee and pulled out her phone. Landon’s eyebrow arched in intrigue, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew she worked here, but her directness surprised him. She wasn’t the kind of woman who flaunted vanity.
“Hey, what a coincidence. Are you here for a meal too?” she asked casually, her tone devoid of pretension.
Landon was taken aback by her bluntness. “I did expect a little more… flair. But I guess that’s what I like about you,” he admitted, his eyes scanning her, intrigued. “Jonah doesn’t know how to cherish a woman like you. Instead of letting you work here, he should have treated you like a treasure, kept you away from all this.” His voice was tinged with sympathy, but Alyssa wasn’t having any of it.
“Kept me away?” Alyssa chuckled bitterly, a sharp edge to her words. “I’ve been hidden by Jasper for three years. I’ve had enough of those days. Are you asking me to go through that again, Mr. Harper?”
Landon was momentarily speechless, caught off guard by her candidness. Alyssa’s smile was cold, and it made him uncomfortable. She continued, her words deliberate. “After leaving Jasper, I vowed to be an independent woman, even if it’s hard. I won’t be a wife confined to the shadows anymore. Jonah has respected my choice. So please, don’t speak ill of him.”
Landon was at a loss for words. His smile faded, replaced by a sheepish expression. He hadn’t expected such a response. Before he could say anything more, Alyssa lowered her eyes, signaling that the conversation was over.
“Mr. Harper,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “Your girlfriend is still waiting for you. It wouldn’t be appropriate to keep chatting with another woman.”
Landon’s eyes flicked back to Vanessa, and he sighed. “How is she my girlfriend? Just because I’m having a meal with her? If that’s the case, does it mean I’ve married her if I kiss her?” He smiled, but there was an unmistakable glint in his eyes as he looked back at Alyssa.