Chapter 19
After three quiet years, Tieline Design was back with a bang, hosting its gala at the Hyatt Hotel. The daily rent for the place was
crazy.
The dinner was supposed to start at 7 p.m., but by 6 p.m., guests were already pouring in. The path to the venue was lined with cameras, all hoping to catch a glimpse of Ms. Guzman.
The Guzman family was a big deal in Beliston. Quiana was a total star in the entertainment world—gorgeous, with an amazing body and award–winning acting skills.
Jeffrey took over the family business when he was just 16 and had been on Top 10 Richest list ever since.
Hayden controlled all the mineral resources in Hulasria and was a total rebel.
But the fourth daughter was a total mystery. No photos of her had ever leaked, and the Guzmans just called her Ms. Guzman, keeping everyone guessing for years.
Just as everyone was wondering who Ms. Guzman really was, two bodyguards in fancy suits walked out of the hall. They put up a big sign facing the cameras and left without saying a word.
*Sebastian not allowed inside?!” someone read out loud, eyes wide. “Did the Zimmermans mess with the Guzmans? This is some serious drama.”
Yasmine, wearing a baseball cap, pushed through the crowd. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the sign with big black letters on a white background. She was speechless. Inside the hall, she texted Cheryl: [Sebastian not allowed inside?]
Cheryl laughed so hard when she answered, “You saw it?” Her voice was all playful. “I made that just for Sebastian. Isn’t it great?”
“It’s definitely getting everyone’s attention.” Yasmine chuckled. By tomorrow morning, this sign would be all over social media, totally overshadowing the pics of Sebastian making out with that “mystery woman” on the street.
“Serves him right for trying to trick me,” Cheryl snapped. “Does that spoiled rich kid think I’m easy to push around? The only person I’ll ever listen to is Hayden.”
“And when your parents forced you home to take over the family business,” Yasmine added.
Cheryl was quiet for a second. “If you keep talking like that, we’re done being friends.”
“Fine, Yasmine said, looking around the hall. “You could always just marry my brother.”
“You witch!” Cheryl laughed, and then got serious. “Are you at the venue? What if Sebastian shows up with his goons? I can send my security team. If he tries anything, I’ll break his fancy–suited legs myself.”
“You’ll have to get in line.” Yasmine smirked.
Cheryl smiled too.
“Enough chatting, get back to work,” Yasmine said, hanging up. She noticed a crooked tablecloth and was about to tell the staff when a bunch of noise erupted outside.
The photographers, who had been waiting quietly, suddenly started clicking their cameras like crazy, with strobe lights. flashing nonstop.
Yasmine thought Quiana had arrived to promote the event. But when the crowd parted, she saw Ashley walking in.
Dressed in a water–blue evening gown with perfect makeup, Ashley announced, “Everyone, I’m here representing Sebastian tonight.”
Her words hit the room like a bomb. An awkward silence fell over the hall. Everyone’s eyes automatically shifted to the sign at the entrance-[SEBASTIAN NOT ALLOWED INSIDE.]
