Chapter 126

Time couldn't bury talent forever, especially not when she was working so hard. This was a chance to wipe away the dust that had settled on her skills over the past two years. More importantly, it was a chance to earn money quickly and give herself options.

Liliana was quiet for a few seconds before offering a faint smile. "I'll think about it."

She knew it was a good opportunity. But ever since she could remember, she'd felt that fate had dealt her a cruel hand. She was born into a wealthy family, only to be neglected and pushed aside. She didn't believe she had the luck or the skill to make a name for herself in a competition of this scale. Still, Douglas meant well, and she couldn't just flatly refuse.

"Bro, you're still keeping up with the design world?" Juniper asked between bites. "Isn't things busy at the family company?"

Douglas pushed his black-framed glasses up his nose and placed a freshly steamed scallop in Juniper's bowl. "It's busy. I just happened to see the news about it."

Liliana had no idea how Douglas managed to balance his work at the Sewell family business with his responsibilities at Cyan. The fact that she knew his secret made her feel a little guilty, and she couldn't quite meet Juniper's eyes.

"Dad took Mom on a trip, so they've completely checked out of work and left everything to you. And I've bailed on the restaurant. Aren't you going to burn yourself out...?" Juniper launched into family chatter, and Douglas answered her questions sporadically.

Liliana ate quietly until her phone buzzed. She glanced over and saw it was a message from Cedric. He rarely called or texted her. What was with him today?

The moment she opened the message, a series of photos filled the screen, leaving her stunned. It took her a few seconds to realize they were pictures of her and Douglas.

Beneath the photos was a single line of text from Cedric.

[Mrs. Forrest, you'd better have a good explanation.]

He wasn't telling her to come home. Liliana's heart began to race. She put her phone down and picked up her utensils, but she couldn't bring herself to eat.

"What's wrong?" Douglas asked, placing some food on her plate.

"I was just... thinking about the competition," she lied, her eyes flickering.

She lowered her head and forced herself to eat. Douglas's gaze swept over her phone before he turned to the still-chatting Juniper. "It's getting late Finish up so we can get you home."

Juniper nodded quickly. "I know, I know."

Half an hour later, they had finished dinner. Liliana packed a few changes of clothes

into a small suitcase and headed downstairs.

"Liliana, we'll give you a ride," Juniper said, holding the car door open for her.

"It's okay, I've already called a rideshare," Liliana said, standing beside their car. "You two head home. Drive safe."

Even though she and Douglas had done nothing wrong, and Juniper had been there the whole time, she had stilled to Cedric about working late to come here. Her stomach

Was

in knots, there was no way she could let Douglas drive her home now.

Juniper started to protest, but Douglas gently pushed her into the car. "Be safe on your way home, then. Text me and Junie when you get there."

"I will. You two drive carefully, too," Liliana said, walking toward the complex gate with her suitcase.

Juniper pounded on the window, but Douglas had already locked the doors, leaving her fuming.

Liliana had called the car before she'd even finished packing. By the time she reached the gate, it was already waiting for her.

An hour later, she arrived home.

The villa, nestled on the

mountainside, usually stood in dark

silhouette against the hills and trees.

Tonight, however, it glowed.

brightly it it up half the mountain.