Chapter 653
“Look here, Liliana. She’s Hector’s daughter with his second wife. Right now she’s the executive vice president of TGV Perfumes and their chief perfumer. She’s also recognized as the number one socialite in D country. I
know her.”
“You know Liliana?”
“Yes. Seeing her photo reminded me. Back when I competed in Paris, she and I crossed paths. She was easy to talk to, and we got along well. She won runner–up at that competition. Afterward, she even invited me to join TGV Perfumes. Of course, I had no idea at the time that the Jonathan family was connected to Walter.”
Sebastian nodded. “That could work. If you can get her to introduce you, you’ll have a natural way into the Jonathan family.”
“Exactly.”
Caitlin flipped through the file again and found another useful detail. “It says here Liliana’s birthday banquet will be held tomorrow night at the Regalis Grand Hotel. Isn’t that the same hotel you booked for us?”
“Yes.”
“Perfect. Everything’s ready–now we just need the right opportunity.”
With their strategy in mind, Caitlin and Sebastian said their goodbyes to family the next morning and headed to the airport.
There they happened to run into Magnus, who was preparing to fly back home.
“Your Highness, whenever your schedule allows, please come back to the US. We’ll make sure to host you properly. I’m sorry this visit was so rushed,” Caitlin said sincerely.
Magnus smiled. “Not at all. I hope I didn’t interfere with your plans. I’m only leaving now because urgent matters await me at home. You’ll always be welcome in my country.”
“Thank you. And when you arrive safely, could you send me a message?”
“Of course, Mrs. Vanderbilt.”
They shook hands and parted ways, Caitlin’s group boarding a flight to D country while Magnus’s plane headed elsewhere.
After a long flight, they landed in Regalis at 3 p.m. local time,
Their hotel was the Regalis Grand, not far from the venue for the upcoming fragrance competition. As they entered the lobby, suited security guards stopped them.
“Do you have invitations?” one asked.
Everyone froze. Caitlin asked calmly, “Invitations for what?”
18:46 Mon, Sep 22 T
Chapter 653
“Are you
…
55 vouchers
here
for Liliana Jonathan’s banquet? Entry requires an invitation,” the guard explained.
So the rumors were true–the birthday banquet was being held here. But Caitlin and her team hadn’t been invited.
“We’re just hotel guests, not attending the banquet,” Caitlin clarified.
The guard gestured. “Then please use the side entrance.”
They were about to move when a luxury car pulled up at the main entrance.
“Liliana has arrived!”
The guards rushed forward as the car rolled to a stop.
Caitlin hesitated. If Liliana was here, this was her chance to say hello.
The door opened, and a tall, slender woman stepped out, chestnut curls cascading over a crimson floor- length gown. Oversized sunglasses hid her eyes, but her red lips and sparkling diamond bracelet caught every eye. She moved with practiced grace, her presence commanding attention.
The scent that drifted with her was unmistakable–Meo, the flagship perfume of the Jonathan family’s
company.
Behind her emerged a glamorous, youthful–looking woman.
“Careful, Mother,” Liliana said, linking arms with her.
Caitlin took a step forward. “Liliana, hello!”
Liliana stopped at the sound of her voice. Though her eyes were hidden, Caitlin saw the faint flicker of recognition.
“Do you remember me? I’m Odessa. We met in Paris, at the fragrance competition.” Caitlin smiled warmly, waiting for her to respond.
Liliana only stared for a moment, silent.
Her mother asked, “Liliana, is this your friend?”
“Hmph.” Liliana gave a cold laugh. “How could she be my friend? I don’t know them. These days everyone’s desperate to claim connections. Let’s go.”
Her words stung. Caitlin remembered clearly how warm Liliana had been in Paris, how she’d personally invited her to join TCV.
But now, in front of everyone, she dismissed her like a stranger.
Liliana pulled her mother toward the grand entrance, flanked by guards, and soon disappeared from sight.
“That Jonathan princess is pretty arrogant,” Zinnia muttered at Caitlin’s side.
18:46 Mon, Sep 22 T.
…
:
A33
Caitlin said nothing, only gesturing for the group to head inside through the side door.
55 vouchers
They checked in and settled into their rooms. Sitting on the sofa, Caitlin frowned. “Looks like we won’t be getting close through Liliana after all.”
Plans were always fragile–one shift, and the whole strategy had to change.
Sebastian leaned against the wall. “Then we’ll find another way. Worst case, I’ll go with you and we walk right up to their door.”
“Maybe.” Caitlin’s mind was still circling. “I just don’t get it. How can someone change so much? Back then she was genuine, friendly, even wanted to be friends. But today… she called me a stray off the street.”
“Maybe she was just playing a part in Paris. Some people show one face in public and another in private. Don’t take it to heart.”
Caitlin exhaled slowly. Maybe he was right. For now, rest was the only option. Tomorrow was the competition -and the Jonathan family would be there. Plenty of chances would come.
Not long after, Caitlin’s phone buzzed with a message.
\[Trinity, I’ve arrived safely in Sanctis.]
She typed back: \[Good. We just reached Regalis.]
Magnus smiled at her reply as he returned to the royal palace.
When the queen, Heather, heard her son had returned, she immediately summoned him.
Magnus entered her chambers and bowed. “Mother, I’m back.”
Heather’s eyes sharpened. “Well? Was the trip successful? Did you find her?”