Chapter 496
“Sorry, miss, but this ballroom isn’t open to the public tonight. Are you sure you’re in the right place?” the security guard explained politely
“What are you talking about? I’m in the wrong place?” Reese was completely baffled.
Her friends suggested, “Reese, maybe we should ask the front desk. Just to double–check.”
Left with no better option, Reese and her group approached the lobby manager, who explained that her birthday event was actually set to take place in Florence Hall–not Vienna Hall as she’d expected.
Florence Hall was noticeably smaller and less prestigious than Vienna Hall, and the moment Reese heard this, she exploded. “What the hell o going on? 1 clearly said I wanted Vienna Hall for my birthday! Why did you switch it to Florence?”
“We actually spoke to Mr. Quick and got his approval for explained.
is change. If you have questions, I’d recommend contacting him directly, the manager
As it turned out, when Thomas originally helped book Reese’s birthday venue, Vienna Hall was already reserved. With his schedule so packed, he had no time to tell her the change, and now they were dealing with the fallout.
“Reese, why don’t we just check out Florence Hall first? Maybe your uncle already set it up nicely for you?”
“You go. I’ll wait here until my uncle gets here. I want to hear from him why this happened.”
She tried calling him, but no one picked up.
Meanwhile, her coworkers went to check out Florence Hall and came back excited. “Reese, you’ve got to come see it. It’s gorgeous!”
As they buzzed around her, the hotel entrance suddenly opened, and a group of elegantly dressed people entered carrying musical instruments.
“Wait a minute–is that… the Royal European Orchestra?”
“I think so! I’ve seen them perform on TV before! What are they doing here tonight?”
Then someone gasped. “Could they be here to perform for Reese’s birthday? They’re heading this way!”
“If that’s true, we are so lucky! I heard the famous Piano Prince is one of their members!”
The crowd watched the musicians in awe, even Reese was thrilled–until the hotel manager rushed over to intercept the orchestra and led them toward Vienna Hall instead.
“What? So they’re not here for us?”
“Oh my god, false alarm. They’re headed to Vienna Hall.”
“Now I’m seriously curious–who booked Vienna Hall tonight? That’s a big move!”
Reese wasn’t the only one burning with curiosity. Just then, more guests arrived. Among them were Nolan and his sister Jillian.
Seeing them walk in, Reese assumed Jillian had invited her brother to attend her birthday party. She waved. “Jillian! Over here!”
Jillian ran over. “Reese! Happy birthday! But I won’t be staying for your party tonight.”
“What? Why not?”
“I’m going with my brother to see the orchestra’s performance. I’ve been waiting for this forever!”
Reese’s face darkened. “Wait–you’re going to Vienna Hall? I’ve been wondering who booked it. Who’s it for?”
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“Oh, Sebastian booked it for his girlfriend’s birthday,” Jillian answered matter–of–factly.
“What?! You mean Caitlin? It’s her birthday too?”
“Yup!”
Just then, Nolan called for Jillian, and she waved goodbye. “See you later, Reese! Bye!”
Watching them head to Vienna Hall, Reese nearly exploded. Caitlin’s birthday was on the same day as hers?
And worse was yet to come.
More high–profile guests began arriving–people with serious clout. And they were all heading into Vienna Hall. Even Yates, who had appeared on the massive screen earlier, showed up in person with a few celebrity friends. Members of the VX boy band came too, heading straight for Vienna Hall.
“Jesus. How much money does it take to invite all of them?”
At last, it clicked. The broadcasted birthday wish from Yates? That hadn’t been for her–it was for Caitlin.
The realization stung. Big time.
“Reese, maybe we should just head to your party,” one of her friends suggested, trying to defuse the tension.
Reese was about to follow them–until a sleek, luxury limo pulled up at the entrance.
“That’s my uncle’s car! He’s here!” she cried, pointing excitedly.
The group stopped in their tracks, eager to finally see the legendary Thomas in person.
When he stepped out, tall and refined, the women around Reese gasped.
“Reese, your uncle is so handsome!”
“He’s insanely good–looking! So charismatic!”
Reese was watching too, her heart lightening–until she saw her uncle walk around to the other side of the car and personally open the door for a
woman.
“Wait–is he on a date? Did he bring a plus one?”
Her coworkers sounded crushed, but Reese froze completely the second she recognized the woman stepping out.
“That’s… Caitlin? What the hell is she doing with my uncle?”
Reese blinked, thinking she had to be hallucinating. But no–Thomas had his hand on Caitlin’s back, gently escorting her into the hotel.
That wasn’t possible!
She’d already arranged for Talon Quarters to intercept Caitlin’s car and teach her a lesson. So how was she here, safe and unharmed?
Reese stared at them, her expression crumbling.
“Uncle!” she called out sharply.
Thomas turned at the sound of her voice. His brows furrowed slightly. He turned to Caitlin and said, “Go ahead wi wish you a happy birthday properly.”
“Okay, I’ll see you inside.”
- me. I’ll come find you in a bit to
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Chapter 496
Caitlin gave Reese and her group a cool glance before walking off with James toward Vienna Frall
Ax Thomas walked over, Reese stormed up to him, face flushed with anger. “Why are you with her?”
