Chapter 4

Seeing me, Lindsey waved from across the lobby.

"Ethan! We didn't keep you waiting, did we?"

A cold smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

"Not at all. You arrived at the perfect time."

I immediately turned to introduce them to Robert and Eleanor.

"Robert, Eleanor, these are Chloe's colleagues."

"I mentioned a surprise earlier. They are part of it."

Hearing that these well-dressed people worked at Chloe's prestigious company, Robert and Eleanor's expressions instantly softened.

"Ah, no wonder you all look so professional and successful," Eleanor cooed, her face lighting up.

"It's so wonderful to meet Chloe's colleagues."

"Unlike those dirty street vendors, you can tell you guys have real class."

After a round of polite handshakes, Lindsey turned to me.

"So, Ethan, which room are we heading to?"

"Don't worry, none of us whispered a word of this to Chloe."

"Thank you so much, guys. I really appreciate it," I said, before turning back to Robert and Eleanor with a troubled look.

"Maybe we should just do what the manager suggested and wait in the VIP lounge for now."

Both parties were completely in the dark about what was actually happening.

Lindsey looked confused, wondering why I had organized a surprise party but hadn't even secured a room. But she kept quiet out of politeness.

But Robert and Eleanor were extremely vain.

Especially in front of Chloe's prestigious colleagues.

They wouldn't dare ask why her colleagues were invited to a "family dinner," nor would they ever humiliate themselves by making everyone wait in a lobby lounge.

Sure enough, Eleanor shot me a harsh glare.

"Wait in the lounge? Absolutely not. We are going up right now."

"Chloe's colleagues are here. We must host them properly."

Robert stepped away from the group and pulled out his phone to make a call.

I knew Robert would find a way to get the room number. He had plenty of retired connections who could pull favors, even if it meant nagging some VIPs.

In truth, this hotel was owned by a close friend of mine. I could have gotten the room number with a single text to him.

But if things got messy, I didn't want to drag my friend into it.

If her own father used his connections to find the room, it was a completely different story.

A few minutes later, Robert walked back with a triumphant grin.

"Let's go. She's on the 24th floor. She's waiting for us."

The group moved toward the private elevators.

Lindsey walked beside me and whispered, "Ethan, the 24th floor is the penthouse suite level. Are you sure it's appropriate for us to go up there?"

The penthouse suite.

Suddenly, I remembered the massive credit card notification I had received two days ago.

I was so used to Chloe spending my money on luxury items that I hadn't thought twice about it.

So, she was using my hard-earned money to book a luxury suite to sleep with another man.

I looked at Lindsey and smiled slowly.

"It's completely appropriate. In fact, you guys are the most important guests today."

When the elevator dinged on the 24th floor, we stepped into a private hallway. There was only one suite on this entire floor.

"Robert, Eleanor, guys, please keep it down," I whispered, holding a finger to my lips.

"The surprise is about to be revealed."

Instantly, everyone fell silent, waiting with bated breath.

I walked up to the heavy oak door. My heart was pounding against my ribs, but my hands were completely steady. I pressed the doorbell.

"Room service. Complimentary drinks."

The suite went quiet for a moment. Lindsey and the other colleagues split into two groups, hiding on either side of the doorway, holding confetti poppers.

The door unlocked and opened a crack.

I slammed my hand against the wood, shoving the door wide open.

"Surprise, Chloe!" the colleagues shouted, popping the confetti.