Chapter 9 Acquaintances
Lila never expected to see Killian here after all this time.
The 606 suite was buzzing with luxury and noise, packed with wealthy young men.
But even in the crowd, Killian stood out to Lila.
It wasn't just his looks or demeanor; the fear Killian instilled in Lila was bone-deep.
Killian was chatting with people around him, his gaze never once landing on Lila.
Lila lowered her eyes, wanting to put down her drink and leave quickly.
She had no desire to catch up with Killian here, especially since he despised her.
If Killian saw her outfit, he would surely mock her.
"New here? You look pretty good. Come, have a drink with me," someone in the crowd grabbed Lila.
Lila frowned and refused.
"Not enough tip? Look, is this enough? Have a drink with me?" Percival tossed some cash, a mocking smile on his face.
Lila's striking yet innocent appearance hit Percival's sweet spot.
Unable to break free, Lila looked at Percival, "I'm just delivering drinks, please don't make things difficult for me."
Percival looked Lila up and down, his eyes full of disdain.
A bartender acting all high and mighty?
Everyone knew some people in this industry used it as a stepping stone.
This woman was beautiful, but her evasive gaze made Percival scoff. "Can't even have one drink?"
Percival's face turned cold as he grabbed Lila's shoulder, forcing her to drink.
Killian and his group were in the corner, naturally unnoticed.
Lila struggled, her resistance only fueling Percival's desire.
"Trying to climb up to him? He's out of your league. Better stick with me, you'll get everything you want," Percival taunted.
Lila fought back, hoping Killian would save her.
After all, Lila was Killian's fiancée in name.
Lila pushed a glass off the table, the shattering sound silencing the room.
She saw Killian glance over, his gaze fleeting before he turned away.
Lila's heart sank, 'He's not going to help me?'
The people around were used to such scenes; this was a place of indulgence, where anything could happen.
The atmosphere quickly returned to normal. After all, the Hart family and several wealthy heirs were here, making the most of their rare gathering.
Seeing Killian ignore her, Lila felt a chill.
She needed to find a way out; she couldn't afford to get into trouble here.
Lila had countless ways to escape, but with Killian here, she couldn't act rashly.
Percival's face drew closer, and Lila raised her hand to protect herself.
She didn't want to hurt anyone unless necessary.
"Percival, it's just a drink. I'll join you," a figure approached, and the crowd parted.
Percival saw the newcomer and quickly released Lila, eagerly picking up his glass.
"Lachlan Hart, I wouldn't dare let you drink with me."
The man was from the Hart family, and Percival was here to network with the elite.
But these people were either too high-status to reach or looked down on Percival's background.
That was why Killian was drinking in the corner.
Seeing Lila's defiance, Percival was angry when she also looked down on him.
But this was a pleasant surprise; Lachlan Hart knew him.
Networking with the elite was better than pursuing women.
The Hart family was nobility.
"You look familiar. Have we met before?" Lachlan took a sip of his drink, turning to Lila.
Lila frowned, realizing this man was from the Hart family.
She had seen the Hart family a few times as a child, but had forgotten over the years. Since her family's downfall, she had been too preoccupied to keep up with others.
Did Killian send Lachlan to help her?
Thinking this, Lila glanced in Killian's direction.
"Don't want to drink with me? Do you think Mr. Lachlan Hart isn't good enough either?" Percival thought Lachlan was hitting on her.
Lila was pushed to sit beside Lachlan, Percival's face full of flattery.
Lachlan chuckled, appreciating Percival's tact.
But he had indeed seen Lila before, perhaps in childhood or at the Hart family?
He noticed Lila's gaze towards his brother, Killian.
Lachlan agreed with Eleanor; Killian wasn't good at taking care of people.
Last time, visiting their grandmother, she was delighted to have found a suitable granddaughter-in-law, showing off Lila's photo.
His grandmother urged him to marry soon, not to delay like Killian.
But Killian was focused on his career, while Lachlan was more laid-back.
Being teased by elders, Lachlan could only laugh.
Lila was even more beautiful and gentle than in the photo.
Lachlan didn't know what had happened between her and Killian.
But seeing Killian's cold attitude, he couldn't help but frown.
"Killian's over there. I'll take you to him," Lachlan whispered to Lila.
Lila's heart stirred. So Killian did send someone to help her.
At least he had some conscience.
Lachlan exchanged a few words with Percival before leading Lila towards Killian.
Jasper Lockwood had noticed Lila from the start.
Earlier, hearing the music outside, Killian's expression had darkened, so Jasper kept an eye out.
He didn't expect Lila to change into a bartender's outfit so quickly.
Jasper had heard about Eleanor wanting a granddaughter-in-law from Killian's assistant, making him curious about Killian's fiancée.
Jasper knew Killian's feelings and that he had someone in his heart.
Jasper didn't approve of Killian's past relationship.
But since Killian liked her, Jasper, as an outsider, could only advise, unable to decide.
Fortunately, Emily left, allowing Killian to start anew.
Jasper hadn't seen Killian care about a woman in years.
He had wanted to see what kind of beauty she was, and now he had.
"Mrs. Eleanor Hart chose the Voss family's daughter for you?" Jasper was surprised.
He had only seen her back outside, the dim lighting in the suite obscuring her face until now.
How could it be Lila?
Jasper had heard about the Voss family's bankruptcy, joking with Killian about it, but Killian had ignored him.
Everyone knew Lila was stunning, talented, and cherished by her family.
After Lila's mother passed, she was sent abroad, disappearing from the public eye. They had all lamented the news.
Who would have thought she would become Killian's fiancée?
Remembering Killian's past clashes with Lila, Jasper thought it was a good match.
Jasper was moved as Lachlan brought Lila over.
"Killian, I brought her over. Take good care of her, or Grandma will complain again," Lachlan said.
But to Killian, it sounded like a threat.