Was this buying dessert, or just moving the entire bakery in?
Edith was just as stunned by the extravagant display. “Isn’t this a bit… much?”
The manager of Forest’s Bakery beamed as he greeted Edith, who was waiting just outside the room. “You must be Mrs. Hawksley, yes? Mr. Hawksley gave us very specific instructions. Some of the desserts are for the hotel staff, so there’s not too much being delivered to your room–just a little of everything. And, by the way, Mr. Hawksley also told us that whenever you or your friends want anything from Forest’s Bakery, we’ll deliver it to you right away, no matter the time.”
Lauren clapped with delight. “Typical Mr. Hawksley–lifetime dessert support! At this rate, he might as well just buy the whole bakery.”
The manager gave a shy smile. “Well, to be honest, Hawksley Group is actually in talks to acquire Forest’s Bakery. If all goes well, we might soon be part of the Hawksley family, officially.”
Edith blinked in surprise. Justin’s buying Forest’s Bakery?
Meanwhile, Lauren took a bite of her limited–edition savory cheese roll and shot a sideways glance at Edith, who looked as innocent as a daisy.
Once everyone had left and the door was shut, Lauren turned to Edith. “So… did you catch Justin in the act or something? It’s like you’ve got him wrapped around your finger. Or is he just the kind of guy who knows how to sweep a girl off her feet?”
They both knew that men from wealthy families weren’t exactly famous for their romantic gestures these days. After all, they hardly had to try–girls would throw themselves at them regardless.
So Lauren’s theory, while outrageous, actually made the most sense.
Edith shot her a look and picked up another cheese roll. “If I’d actually seen Justin commit murder, I’d have to pretend I was blind to survive.”
Lauren burst out laughing. “True! I get the feeling Mr. Hawksley has what it takes to make you disappear, too,”
The two of them relaxed, joking around. But as Lauren looked over at Edith, her eyes caught something unusual on Edith’s neck.
Just as she leaned in for a better look, Edith, sensing the scrutiny, darted over to her
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Chapter 157
dressing table in a flash.
She rummaged through her makeup, found her foundation, and began dabbing it over
the telltale marks in the mirror.
A few quick strokes and the evidence was gone.
But Lauren’s curiosity was harder to cover up. She eyed Edith up and down, then pointed at her eyebrow. “Your brows are all out of place. Must’ve had quite the wild night!”
Edith grumbled to herself: If only it were just last night–this morning was a storm
too.
She stood up, grabbed a dessert, and shoved it toward Lauren. “Eat. Maybe that’ll keep you from running your mouth.”
Lauren accepted the treat, her tone dripping with mock jealousy. “Oh, look at you–my little sister’s all grown up and won’t even tell me what goes on in her bedroom anymore!”
Edith blushed, shooting her a playful glare. “Sis, I’ve always been shy. You tease me on purpose–how am I supposed to talk about this stuff with you?”
Lauren laughed heartily. “Alright, alright, I’ll let it go! But as someone who’s been there, let me give you a tip: Innocence might be cute in daily life, but in bed? Not so much. You’ve gotta let loose a little–be wild!”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.