Chapter 42
Before Mikayla walked to the spot, a blossoming orchid caught her attention.
She stooped down to indulge in the sweet scent it emitted. Her expression loosened, and her lips curled up.
Bathed in sunlight, she leaned in closer to the beautiful flower. Jerome
watched her. He couldn’t decide which was more enchanting–the flower or the
woman herself.
He retrieved his phone on impulse and captured that fleeting moment.
After the leisure time in the afternoon, the banquet commenced. About 20 friends gathered around a table. It created a harmonious atmosphere.
Being older, Wanda and another elderly person found it challenging to keep up
with the energy of the youngsters present. Thus, they departed earlier than the
rest.
As Mikayla assisted Wanda into the car, Jerome was halted by a group of older
acquaintances.
Mikayla watched as the car faded into the distance. She was reluctant to rejoin
Jerome and continue their romantic charade. So, she took a stroll around the
area instead.
With dusk settling in, the garden brightened with an array of colorful lights. The atmosphere was ethereal.
Mikayla wandered around a serene corner near a bamboo forest. She found herself at a place that was away from the bustle. It was quiet and secretive.
Outside the room, two men who looked like bodyguards were standing watch.
Mikayla tactfully halted her steps. As she turned to leave, she caught sight of a slender man heading toward a chamber. He was accompanied by a few young,
nalve–looking women.
The man sternly instructed, “We have an important guest arriving today. You had better play your parts well or face the consequences.”
“I’m feeling a bit unwell. Can I skip the alcohol?” a girl with a good physique. asked cautiously.
“Cut it with your crap! What’s wrong with a drink? Do you think you can afford such an expensive phone or those nice clothes on your own? Where do you think the money came from? Play nice with Mr. Lane today, and your
prosperous days will continue!”
At the mention of “Mr. Lane“, Mikayla instinctively glanced toward the room the group was entering.
As the door opened, about three men could be spotted. Inside, they were all respectfully pouring drinks for the slightly overweight man seated at the center.
The man seemed familiar. Mikayla had seen his pictures a number of times recently. It was Johnny Lane, the director of Ansoft Enterprise.
The skinny man then guided the women into the chamber. The girl with a well-
proportioned figure was shoved and seated on Johnny’s lap..
“Be good!”
“Uncle Johnny,” the girl called out coquettishly, nestling in his arms.
“It’s been a while, sweetheart. You’ve gotten even more beautiful. Have your
missed me?”
As Johnny spoke, he kissed the girl on the cheeks.
The few individuals chuckled and teased as though it was a common
occurrence.
The door was then shut, leaving Mikayla clueless about the ongoings inside.
Mikayla was shocked.
She thought Johnny Lane was known for his fervent charities, and his devotion to his wife.
She wondered why he would hang around deviously and mingle with a young
woman.
Mikayla suspected this wasn’t the first time it had happened based on how he
had behaved.
“Who’s there?” the bodyguard outside shouted.
Not daring to linger any longer, Mikayla swiftly left the scene.
As she dashed back into the garden, she glanced over her shoulder. Ensuring
no one trailed behind, she let out a breath of relief.
Mikayla intended to return to her own room. However, as soon as she lifted her
feet, she bumped into a sturdy chest.
“Ouch!”
Startled, Mikayla clutched her nose in pain.
“Are you okay?” Jerome asked.
He reached his hand out to check Mikayla’s nose.
Mikayla cautiously took a step back.
Jerome, perhaps due to the alcohol, had a flushed countenance. His dark eyes shimmered. It appeared somewhat captivating in the night.
He had removed his coat, and a few buttons of his shirt were undone. His
sleeves were rolled up. It revealed his fair skin and strong muscular arms. Mikayla abruptly stopped herself from continuing to check him out.
