Xavier also quickly strode toward the elevator to go with Serena. But after just two steps, a middle-aged man suddenly appeared and blocked his path.
"Sir! There you are-I've been looking all over for you!"
Xavier forced a polite smile. "Mr. Hutch, welcome to the hot spring resort!"
Then he tried to slip past him, but Mr. Hutch grabbed his arm.
"Hey, don't go just yet. I've got a big project I want to discuss with you! It wasn't easy finding you-you're not going to turn me down for just a few minutes of your time, are you?"
Xavier let out a dry laugh. "What are you saying, Mr. Hutch!" He glanced at the time. Though he was anxious, he had no choice but to pause for the moment. "If you have a project to discuss, I'm all ears."
"Haha, great! You're a straightforward man-let's talk over there." With that, he led the way toward a nearby sofa.
Mr. Hutch had started in real estate and recently expanded into the hotel and tourism industries. His company had partnered with the Blaze family on multiple real estate projects, and this time, he clearly wanted to collaborate on hotel business as well.
Since Henry and Mr. Hutch were also personally close, Xavier couldn't afford to offend him. Reluctantly frowning, he followed.
Once they were seated, Xavier forced himself to stay engaged, hoping the man would get to the point quickly.
But unfortunately, Mr. Hutch liked to ramble and beat around the bush. He went on and on, barely touching on the real topic. Only after several subtle reminders from Xavier did he finally begin outlining his business plan.
Xavier appeared to be listening attentively, but in truth, he was growing increasingly impatient, just wishing he'd finish so he could go find Serena.
Meanwhile, Serena had dashed to the elevator.
All three elevators were on low floors, and two were still descending. No time to wait-she gritted her teeth and rushed for the stairs.
Luckily, Room 3203 and 3204 were on the 32nd floor-not too far from her current 36th floor.
A few minutes later, panting, she stood between the two rooms, momentarily stumped.
She had been in such a rush that she forgot to ask Vega which room was hers.
After a moment's thought, she stepped toward Room 3204 at the end of the hallway. She remembered Vega liked corner spots.
Back in school, whenever they changed classes or seating arrangements, Vega always arrived early to claim a corner seat.
Plus, Vega had an odd 'lucky' number: 4.
Thinking this through, Serena became convinced-Vega must be staying in Room 3204.
She confidently raised her hand and knocked.
No one answered.
A bad feeling crept up her spine.
She knocked again, harder this time. "Vega? Vega?! Are you inside? Open the door! Hurry!"
Still no response.
Now truly panicked, she started banging on the door. "Open up! If you don't, I'm coming in!"
Finally, a man's muffled voice came from inside: "Hold on, let me put on some clothes first!"
What?! Putting on clothes?!
Why was a man inside Vega's room?! And why was he getting dressed?!
No-this couldn't be good. What if... what if that man really did something to Vega?!
Her panic surged. She banged on the door even harder. "Open up! What are you doing in there?! What did you do to Vega, you bastard?! Open the door-I'll beat the hell out of you-!"
Right in the middle of her tirade, the door was suddenly yanked open.
Caught off guard, Serena stumbled forward-right into a half-naked man.
The man wore only lounge pants, his bronze chest completely bare.
Staring at the sculpted chest so close to her face, her cheeks instantly flushed deep red.
Before she could process what was happening, a shocked voice came from behind: "Serena?! What are you doing here?! What are you two doing?!"
Serena turned to see who had spoken-and froze.
"V... Vega?! You're not inside the room?!"
"I am-I've been in my own room the whole time. I just came out because I heard yelling and wanted to see what was going on."
"So... you're staying in...?"
"3203!" Vega said, pointing to the open door across the hall.
Oh no. This wasn't even Vega's room. She'd just been yelling at a complete stranger the whole time!
Realizing this, Serena wished she could disappear into a hole.
She lowered her head, avoiding the man's eyes, and stepped back nervously. "S-sorry! I... I didn't mean to intrude!"
Just as she moved away from him, he suddenly grabbed her and pulled her right back.
A teasing voice rang out above her. "What now? You've yelled at me and thrown yourself into my arms-and now you want to run?"
That voice... why did it sound so familiar?
Serena abruptly looked up-and was completely stunned.
Her lips trembled as she stammered, "Y-you?! Why... why is it you?!"
"Why not?" he said with a smirk, clearly having anticipated this scene.
Vega pointed at the two still practically pressed together and asked, "You two...?"
Serena looked down-her chest was still pressed tightly against his.
Her face turned even redder. She jumped back as if burned, finally putting a safe distance between them. Then she turned to Vega and quickly explained, "Don't get the wrong idea! Nothing happened between us! I... I was just worried about your safety, that's why I came!"
Hearing that, Vega lowered her head shyly. "What danger could I be in with him? If he really liked me... I'd be willing to do anything!"
The man's eyes darkened for a moment, a flash of impatience flickering across his face.
***