The following day, in the lobby of RX hotel, Mae was observed engaged in conversation with a lady.
"Are the preparations complete?" Mae inquired.
"Not yet, Miss Mae. The interior designers are still working on the hall, and we have not received any updates from chef Rodríguez", the lady responded.
"I will contact chef Rodríguez while you ensure the interior décor is finished", Mae stated.
Ethan entered the lobby with a black suitcase in his hand. Upon spotting Mae, he made his way towards her.
"Please inform Daniel to manage the incoming supplies. I need to reach out to chef Rodríguez promptly, so I will join him shortly", Mae instructed.
"Understood, Miss Mae", the lady acknowledged.
"Hello", Ethan greeted, waving his right hand.
"Ethan", Mae exclaimed, surprised by his early arrival.
"Why the astonishment?" he asked.
"How did you return so soon?" she questioned.
"Is this your new way of saying hello?" he teased.
"Did you manage to get any sleep last night?" she asked.
"All I did, Miss Wilson, was sit on a jet. I'm not the pilot, so there was no need for me to stay awake for the entire flight", he explained.
"True", she replied, realizing her unnecessary concern.
"Excuse me, Miss Mae, I must take my leave now", the lady announced.
"You may depart", Mae confirmed as the lady walked away.
"So, where is my room?" he asked.
"It's currently undergoing renovation", she replied with a smile.
"I'm tempted to inquire further, but perhaps ignorance is bliss", he mused.
"Let's indulge that blissful part", she suggested.
"Of course", he agreed.
"Would you care for a tour of the hotel?" she inquired.
"Quite humorous, Miss Wilson. Merely being employed by Shaun does not equate to sharing his perceived lack of intelligence", he retorted.
"What do you mean?" she asked, appearing bewildered.
"I have already explored the hotel. One cannot be employed by the establishment and not familiarize oneself with its layout", he pointed out.
"You're such a buzzkill", Mae remarked.
"Thank you", he replied with a smirk.
"I am not praising your intelligence", she clarified.
"Whatever you say Miss Wilson", he responded.
"Why can't you simply address me as Mae?" she inquired.
"I prefer to prolong my lifespan, hence I refrain from doing so", he explained.
"What are you implying?" she probed.
"Your father and brother. They could eliminate me at any time", he joked, eliciting a chuckle from her.
"Don't worry. They are not intimidating", she reassured.
"Your reassurance only heightens my anxiety", he confessed.
"Do not worry about them. Anyways do you have any questions regarding the hotel or its management?" she inquired.
"While I have no questions concerning the hotel, I do have one regarding you", he admitted.
"Please go ahead", she encouraged.
"Why don't you embody the style a Wilson?" he inquired.
"I fail to comprehend", she admitted.
"Miss Wilson, you hail from the third most prominent family in this country. That carries significant weight. People would want the opportunity to court you or be associated with you. Even co-operating with you is considered an honour", he explained.
"Is that how you feel?" she asked, smiling.
"You are not grasping my view point", he remarked.
"Then help me understand better", she requested
"You must embody the role. It is insufficient to claim you are the daughter of a billionaire while dressing as if your father is an average earner", he remarked.
"And why is that a concern?" she inquired.
"I am not criticizing your attire, Miss Wilson. To be honest you do not need to excessively adorn yourself to appear attractive. Your natural beauty is flawless and captivating, but don't you think a slight enhancement is appropriate?" he suggested, causing Mae's cheeks to flush.
"How do you propose I enhance it?" Mae asked, her voice almost faltering.
"I'm pleased you asked. Firstly, we must transform this persona into a real Wilson", he explained with a smile on his face.
"And how do you plan to accomplish that?" she inquired.
"Perhaps with a brief pleasure trip", he said with a smile.
"Very well then", she agreed.
After their conversation, she handed Ethan's suitcase to the bellhop to be taken to his suite, and together they exited through the revolving door.
A few hours later, they re-entered the building and made their way to the lobby. Upon entering, all eyes turned in their direction. Some assumed they were a couple, while others were captivated by Mae's beauty and Ethan's charm. Certain hotel staff members were surprised by Mae's current outfit.
Mae was dressed in an emerald green, short-sleeved V-neck ribbed T-shirt paired with a black draped skirt and cheetah print ankle-strap heels. She accessorized with a gold festoon necklace, a gold wristwatch, a gold open bangle and gold hoop earrings. Her nails were painted black, and she wore red-hot lip gloss. Her hair styled in loose waves, presenting a stark contrast to her appearance earlier that day.
Ethan accompanies her to the wardrobe change. He is dressed in a white button-up shirt paired with well-fitted grey tapered wool trousers, a grey single-breasted suit jacket, and black minimal leather sneakers. Additionally, he sports a silver wristwatch and a black leather bracelet. His hair remains styled in an undercut with a curly fringe.
Mae surveys the room and notices all eyes are fixed on them. She begins to feel a sense of unease and nervousness. Glancing at Ethan, she is met with a broad smile on his face. Playfully poking at him, she shoots him with a stern look. "I am not comfortable with this", she remarked.
"What seems to be the issue?" he inquired, coming to a halt.
"Everything. I feel out of place", she expressed.
"And why is that a negative thing?" he questioned.
"This attire is not typical for me", she stated.
"Miss Wilson, we are expecting a renowned blogger tomorrow. It is essential that we put our best foot forward and present ourselves in the best light possible. You must get rid of the appearances of a self-righteous lady and adopt a more authoritative demeanour", he advised.
"I already act assertively", she defended.
"Miss Wilson, your employees hold you in high regard because of your ability to dismiss them at any moment, potentially upending their lives. How will you earn the respect of those who are not under your employ?" he challenged.
"Why all these questions?" she interjected.
"I have faith in your capabilities. The media has spoken highly of you, from what I've gathered", he mentioned with a smile.
"What have they said about me?" she inquired.
"They have labelled you as the devil's daughter", he revealed.
"How audacious of them!" she exclaimed, her face flushed with anger.
"Relax, tigress, I am only teasing", he reassured.
"You can be quite annoying", she retorted.
"I need you to make me a promise", he stated with a serious expression.
"As long as it doesn't involve another makeover, I'll do my utmost", she agreed.
"I want you to promise me that you'll embody the same assertiveness you displayed in silencing Shaun during Kelly's visit", he requested.
"I promise", she affirmed with a smile.
"By the way, you owe me eight thousand", he stated.
"Eight thousand?" she echoed in surprise.
"That amounts to one-quarter of the total expenses on your make over", he clarified.
"You must be joking", she responded.
"Miss Wilson, you're worth more than that", he assured.
"Ethan what satisfaction do you derive from disrupting my life?" she inquired with a heavy sigh.
"Entertainment", he replied as the lady from before walks approached them.
"I am not one to crumble", she declared.
"I do not need you to fall apart. I simply want you to give in", he explained.
"Welcome back, Miss Mae", the lady greeted.
"Thank you, Becca. Are all the preparations finalized?" Mae inquired.
"No quite, Miss Mae. We encountered a minor setback", the lady explained.
"Rebecca, what transpired during my absence?" Mae inquired.
"We received a call from chef Rodríguez's sous chef, who informed us that chef Rodríguez departed for Paris this morning and will not return until Tuesday", Rebecca disclosed.
"That's truly unfortunate", Mae lamented.
"Wait, were you intending to have Chef Rodríguez to prepare the meal for Kelly?" Ethan interjected.
"Yes, but that plan has been derailed. What prompted his sudden change of plans?" she inquired.
"He was invited to the Blackwood's charity function", Ethan revealed.
"But that event is scheduled for Monday", Mae pointed out.
"Did you not receive the memo that it had been rescheduled for Saturday?" Ethan queried.
"That explains why my father and brother left for Paris this morning", Mae mused.
"What is our next course of action, Miss Mae?" Rebecca sought guidance.
"I am at a loss. I don't know of any renowned chef who would be available on such short notice", Mae admitted.
"Could you influence your father's connection to secure a replacement?" Ethan suggested.
"It would be impolite to extend an invitation at this late hour", Mae reasoned.
"So, what is your plan moving forward?" he asked.
"I suppose the hotel's head chef will have to be enough for the occasion", Mae concluded.
"If you say so", he agreed.
"I had hoped to impress her with Chef Rodríguez's cuisine. He is Kelly's preferred chef", Mae expressed.
"If you wish to impress her with Chef Rodríguez's cuisine, then allow me to take charge in the kitchen", Ethan proposed as Mae bursts into laughter suddenly. "What is amusing?" he asked.
"I understand your intention to offer support, but please refrain from attempting the unachievable", she responded.
"Do you doubt my culinary skills?" he inquired.
"I doubt your ability to produce top-tier cuisine", she remarked.
"That comment stings", he admitted.
"Becca, please reach out to Zaffron and inquire about Chef Tyler's availability", Mae instructed.
"Of course, Miss Mae", Rebecca acknowledged as she departed.
"What makes you believe you can replicate one of Chef Rodríguez's recipes?" Mae questioned.
"Is he being my uncle good enough?" he queried.
"Enough with the jokes", she reprimanded.
"I am serious. He is my uncle", he insisted.
"I find that difficult to believe", she stated.
"I understand your disbelief. My family excels at maintaining a low profile", he explained.
"Even if I accept he is your uncle, it doesn't prove your cooking abilities", she pointed out.
"Must you always be so pessimistic?" he challenged.
"I don't want to let my father down", she confessed.
"Let's locate a top-notch chef for you then", he suggested with a smile.
"And how do you propose we do that?" she inquired.
"Should I make phone calls, or are you expecting me to conjure a world-class chef with the wave of a wand?" he quipped.
"Can you actually do that?" she asked.
"I was being sarcastic", he clarified.
"You need to be more helpful, Ethan", she urged.
"Just focus on completing the other preparations while I address the chef predicament", he decided.
"How do you plan to secure the services of a renowned chef by tomorrow?" she asked.
"Have you forgotten that I am Shaun's personal assistant? I have connections to numerous esteemed chefs globally", he replied.
"I also have connections to numerous chefs globally, so please elaborate on how that will be of assistance at this moment", she pointed out.
"Miss Wilson let's each focus on our respective tasks, aright?" he suggested.
"I'll entrust this to you, but if you fail, my brother and father will be the least of your concerns", she warned.
"Of course", he responded with a nervous smile.
"I must attend to my responsibilities. Ensure you fulfil yours", she stated with a smile before walking away.
"I'm beginning to believe that facing the wrath of her family would be preferable to the consequences of disappointing her", he mused.
Later that evening in Mae's suite, she engaged in a video call with Bella.
"What are you doing in Paris?" Mae inquired.
"Shaun invited me. We will be attending the Blackwood's charitable event together", Bella responded with a radiant smile.
"Did he invite you as his companion?" Mae probed.
"Yes, and I deeply regret not informing you about it", Bella admitted.
"No need to apologize", Mae assured her.
"So, how is everything going with your Kelly project?" Bella asked.
"I am hopeful it goes well. We encountered an issue with the chef", Mae explained.
"What happened?" Bella asked, feigning concern.
"Chef Rodríguez had to cancel because the charitable event was rescheduled to Saturday and we failed to arrange for a backup plan. So, we are currently in a bind", Mae elaborated.
"Can't you find another chef?" Bella suggested.
"Bella, you can't expect a renowned chef to just abandon their restaurant simply to assist us in impressing a globally recognized blogger", Mae reasoned.
"Mae you can use your father's reputation to seek assistance", Bella proposed.
"Ethan is already taking care of that", Mae revealed.
"And who is Ethan?" Bella inquired.
"He is Shaun's personal aide", Mae replied.
"Are you spending time with his assistant?" Bella probed.
"Shaun tasked him with assisting me, so don't jump to conclusions", Mae defended.
"I bet he doesn't hold a candle to Shaun in terms of looks", Bella remarked.
"Coming from someone who has encountered numerous attractive men, Shaun pales in comparison to Ethan", Mae asserted.
"You are just over exaggerating Mae", Bella said.
"We'll see about that when you get back from Paris", Mae said.
"You seem very sure of yourself", Bella noted.
"Well, it's not every day one gets to collaborate with someone as handsome as Ethan", Mae admitted, blushing.
"Well, it's good to see you are enjoying yourself", Bella commented with a forced smile.
"Yes, it's nice that we are both enjoying yourselves", Mae remarked as her left hand began to tremble.
"Mae I am considering making my relationship with Shaun public, but he suggested that we refrain from labelling it for now. It's rather frustrating", Bella expressed, while Mae observed the trembling of her left hand.
"Something urgent has just come up, Bella. I'll get back to you", Mae stated before abruptly ending the call, leaving Bella with no chance to respond.
Her left hand started to shake uncontrollably. She placed her phone on the bed and reached for the bedside table. Opening the top drawer, she retrieved a small bottle with a white cap. Her chest heaved with rapid breaths as she unscrewed the lid, removed two white pills, and placed them in her mouth. Grabbing the bottled water from the bedside table, she opened it and drank half of it before sealing it again. She replaced the lid on the bottle and returned it to the drawer, closing it shut. Gradually, her breathing returned to normal, and her left hand ceased shaking. She reclined on her bed, taking a deep breath.
"Will I be doing this forever?" she inquired, tears welling up in her eyes and streaming down her cheeks.