Chapter 45: Ignored
Ye Tianlin emerged from the bathroom, droplets of water still clinging to his well-defined chest. Clad in a fresh shirt, he opened the door to see Zuo Lun waiting outside.
Zuo Lun cast a quick glance inside the room where Liang Xiaoluo was, his expression darkening. After murmuring a few words, he retreated.
For a fleeting moment, Ye Tianlin's face betrayed a crack in his composure, but it quickly reverted to its usual cold detachment.
Liang Xiaoluo, feigning sleep, kept her breathing steady while trying to catch snippets of their conversation.
When Ye Tianlin returned to the room, he showed no interest in her. Instead, he focused on drying his hair, then methodically dressed himself in an elegant suit. Tonight was the charity gala his grandfather had arranged, and he intended to appear flawless.
Before leaving, he picked up the internal phone. "Ensure she completes all the assigned work for today. She is not to step out of line until it's done," he instructed coldly before walking out.
Liang Xiaoluo sat up, confused by his sudden change in demeanor. Moments later, Liu Jie arrived, her face set in disdain. "Get dressed and follow me," she ordered curtly.
Dragging her down to the estate's work areas, Liu Jie assigned Liang Xiaoluo double her usual workload. Despite her growing fatigue, Liang Xiaoluo noticed the other maids whispering and sneering at her.
"She really thinks climbing into the young master's bed will make her the next mistress. What a joke."
"She's just a shameless opportunist. Did you see how the young master personally gave the dress to Sister Suxin? She looked stunning!"
The jealousy-laced gossip swirled around Liang Xiaoluo. She gritted her teeth, pretending not to hear. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of escape. Once Ye Tianlin, Suxin, and the others left for the gala, she would seize her chance to flee.
Night fell. Liang Xiaoluo watched as the maids boarded vehicles bound for the charity gala. The air hummed with opportunity—until Ye Tianlin himself appeared.
Dressed in a tailored suit, his presence was magnetic, commanding the attention of everyone around him. Beside him stood Suxin, radiant in an exquisite gown, her face glowing with pride and triumph.
Liang Xiaoluo bowed her head, determined to avoid drawing his notice.
Then came the bombshell.
"Liu Jie, bring her along to help at the event. They'll need an extra pair of hands," Ye Tianlin instructed.
Liang Xiaoluo's head shot up, her expression a mixture of shock and despair. Did he know about her plan? Was this his way of thwarting her?
Suxin smirked, her eyes glinting with malice, while Ye Tianlin's expression remained unreadable, though a trace of mischief lurked in his gaze.
On the drive to the city center, Liang Xiaoluo racked her brain. She refused to let her plans crumble. If anything, a crowded gala might provide even more chances to escape unnoticed.
By the time they arrived at the skyscraper hosting the event, her resolve had returned. She stepped out of the car and was whisked away to a dressing room.
To her surprise, Liu Jie handed her an opulent pink evening gown.
"Why would I need this? I'm just here to work," Liang Xiaoluo protested.
"Even as a server, you represent the young master. Looking shabby will only bring him shame," Liu Jie snapped.
Despite her misgivings, Liang Xiaoluo complied. After donning the gown, a team of stylists descended upon her, adding light makeup that enhanced her natural beauty.
When she finally looked in the mirror, she barely recognized herself. She looked stunning—a far cry from the disheveled maid she usually saw.
"Wait here," Liu Jie instructed before leaving the room.
Alone at last, Liang Xiaoluo saw her opportunity. Peeking out the door to ensure the hallway was clear, she slipped out, determined to find an exit.
Navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the high-rise was harder than she'd anticipated. Every hallway looked identical, and there were no clear signs pointing to an escape route. Frustrated, she pressed on, praying she wouldn't run into anyone.
Meanwhile, at the gala, prominent figures from the business and social elite mingled. Ye Tianlin entered the grand hall with Suxin on his arm, drawing gazes of admiration and curiosity.
From across the room, Ye Lao's sharp eyes caught sight of his grandson.
"Lin'er!" Ye Lao called out, his tone stern.
Ye Tianlin's jaw tightened. He cast a fleeting glance at Ye Lao, then deliberately turned his attention elsewhere, ignoring the old man's summons.
Beside Ye Lao stood Hua Lin, her expression a mask of composure, though her eyes gleamed with concealed fury.
Liang Xiaoluo continued her desperate search for an exit. Every corner she turned seemed to lead her deeper into the building's maze. Little did she know, every move she made was being monitored by Ye Tianlin's security cameras.
Smirking as he watched the live feed, Ye Tianlin thought, Run as much as you like, little bird. There's no escaping this cage.