Chapter 427

The receptionist flushed and subconsciously lowered her head.

“H–How can I help you, sir?”

Julian’s face remained blank, but the indifference in his eyes increased. He retreated a little, putting more distance between the two as he said, “I’m looking for someone.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t help you. We’re unable to reveal the whereabouts of any guests who come in.

If it’s your friend, perhaps you could call that person and ask personally instead.”

If Diana had answered his call, Julian wouldn’t have had to chase her all the way here now, would he?

Annoyance flashed in his eyes, and he snapped, “Where’s your manager? Ask him to come to see me.”

Seeing how confident and well–dressed Julian was, the receptionist didn’t dare to delay it and immediately called her manager.

Soon, Julian was invited to the hallway where Diana’s private room was located.

“You don’t have to follow me,” Julian said to the manager and the group of people behind him.

He held up a hand to step them in their tracks, then turned around and continued toward Diana’s private Once he confirmed that everyone was out of sight, the usually tall and upright Julian immediately hunched over and started sneakily moving forward. If there was a mirror in front of him, he would’ve been shocked by his own appearance, which looked exactly like a thief.

However, that didn’t matter right now. All Julian wanted to do was find out why Diana had dressed up so well and who she was meeting.

Someone in the booth had lit up a cigarette, filling the whole room with smoke. It caused Diana’s eyes to water, but she tried to maintain her smile.

“Mr. Trotter,” Diana said as she continued to pour wine for the fat, big–eared man opposite her. “Try this. It’s a wine famous in Richburgh. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

The man didn’t hesitate to take her cup and asked, “How does it taste?”

In reality, Diana had never tried it. She had a low tolerance for alcohol and would even pass out from fruit wine, which only contained a minimal percentage of alcohol content.

After getting drunk before her babies‘ grave, she swore off alcohol altogether.

However, she had done her research ahead of time and was trying to please the man before her.

“It’s a little on the spicy side.”

“Good! That’s right up my alley!” Marvin Trotter said as he put the glass to his mouth, his smile as bright as ever.

Then, he exhaled the smoke in his mouth right into Diana’s face, causing her to choke.

She coughed violently, her body shaking and making her look even more attractive.

Marvin’s expression changed instantly.

He quickly picked up a tea cup and handed it to her, and said, “Drink this. It’ll help ease the discomfort.”

As he said that, he placed a hand on Diana’s back as if he was trying to pat her back and help her. In truth, he was making a blatant move on her.

Diana realized his intention and immediately stood up, moving to his other side instead.

“Sorry, I lost myself for a moment,” Diana said, covering her mouth with a hand. She pretended to feel unwell and added, “Please go ahead and continue drinking. I’ll head outside for some air.”

With that said, Diana turned to leave. However. Marvin’s face darkened instantly.

“Miss Winnington, do you mean to leave me here to drink by myself?”

Diana heard the displeasure in his voice, and quickly waved her hands.

“That’s not what I meant,” she said, pointing to her throat and nose. “I’m feeling a little unwell. I’ll be back after I use the restroom.”

Because she was in a hurry, her fair cheeks had turned red. Coupled with the black and red dress she wore, she looked even more seductive.

Especially her eyes…

It was truly captivating.

Marvin was certain he hadn’t misjudged Diana. He had his eyes on her since her studio first emerged.

It was why Diana’s landlord increased the rental by three times, and why the fabric in her studio became moldy. He was the one who had orchestrated the series of events so she would seek him out for help.

Marvin Trotter considered himself a prominent figure in Richburgh. After accompanying his wife to Diana’s studio to order a dress, he became obsessed with her. He couldn’t bear the thought of such beauty being out of his reach, so he devised this plan and waited for Diana to come to him.

Marvin never expected the financial pressure would make Diana surrender so quickly. While she was in a difficult situation of searching for funding, Marvin reached out to her and explained that he wanted to invest, and was fine with her conditions.

The truth was…

He simply did it so he could meet her.