Chapter 363

Julian Roscente frowned, his interest waning.

"No need. Take her away."

The manager maintained his smile, giving a subtle glance to Xiao Dan as they both retreated.

At the hallway corner—

Xiao Dan bit her lip in frustration. "I thought Mr. Roscente always requested company when he came here. Why not today...?"

The manager scoffed. "Even men have nights when they're not in the mood. Did you really think everyone was as desperate to climb the social ladder as you?"

"But I prepared so hard..."

His cold gaze swept over her meticulously applied makeup. "Save it. Mr. Roscente has no appetite tonight. Don't flatter yourself."

Xiao Dan clenched the hem of her dress.

Meanwhile, Sophia Laurent was drying her hair in a bathrobe when the doorbell rang.

Assuming it was Julian—

"What do you want at this hou— Huh?"

A stranger stood outside—a young man scratching his head awkwardly.

"Sorry, wrong room, I think."

Sophia moved to shut the door.

A slender hand pressed against it.

"Something else?" She arched a brow.

The boy's eyes suddenly turned pleading. "You really don’t remember me, sis?"

Sophia studied him with amusement.

There were only two suites on this floor.

Wrong room? Yeah, right.

Dressed in an oversized white tee and light khaki cargo pants, he exuded a refreshing boyish charm.

Exactly her type.

"Chen...?"

"Xuhe," he supplied eagerly, eyes bright.

"Chen Xuhe," Sophia crossed her arms. "What do you want?"

"Dominic Alpinus took you to a dinner party?"

"So what if he did?"

"Then you should switch to me." He stepped closer. "I'm younger, cleaner, and most importantly—"

Lowering his voice, he added, "I know the rules better."

Sophia chuckled. "Offering yourself?"

His ears flushed pink. "If you're willing..."

"Come in."

She turned and walked deeper into the suite.

Chen Xuhe swallowed hard and quietly closed the door behind him.

......

Julian tossed restlessly in bed.

Too hungry to sleep.

He called room service for a late-night snack, then hesitated before knocking on the door across the hall.

"Want something to eat?"

"...No!"

He turned to leave but froze.

That voice sounded... off.

"You okay?"

Silence.