Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Lisa was causing quite the ruckus. With all eyes on her, she felt completely mortified. She was convinced her invitation was legit and thought the waiter was just clueless. She was itching to give him a good talking-to later.

Mr. McDonald took a look at the invitation and said, "This invitation is genuine." Hearing this, Lisa felt vindicated and stood a little taller, her finger nearly poking the poor waiter's nose. Just as she was about to really let him have it, Mr. McDonald continued, "But this

Feeling self-righteous, Lisa declared, "Exactly, Miss Claire gave it to me. Do you even know what happens if you offend her?" Mr. McDonald, with all seriousness, replied, "While QUEEN invitations can be passed on, the original guest must personally escort the person inside. If Miss Claire truly gave you the invitation, you'll need to contact her to bring you in."

invitation isn't yours; it's Miss Claire's."

Lisa was completely thrown off. She didn't even have Claire's contact info! Her only option was to call Anthony. He picked up right away. After she explained, Anthony frowned and said, "Hang tight. I'll check with Miss Claire. But if she won't come out for you, you're heading home."

Anthony had his doubts too. The QUEEN's jewelry show used to let people in without named invitations. VIPs could pass theirs on, and the new holder could just waltz in. Since when did they need to be personally escorted?

Outside, Lisa was a bundle of nerves. This was her big break, a once-in-a-lifetime shot. She had pulled out all the stops today, even nicking Leah's prized jewels. If she couldn't get in, she'd be crushed.

After what felt like an eternity, about five minutes, Claire emerged. Draped in a stunning gown with a snow-white fur shawl, she exuded elegance and charm. Lisa had seen her on TV and recognized her instantly. To her surprise, Claire looked even younger in person. Delighted, Lisa flashed a smile and approached her. "Miss Claire, I'm Lisa. Do you remember me?" Even though Claire had helped her out of a tight spot, they had never met face-to-face.

Claire gave Lisa a brief glance and then turned to Mr. McDonald, "Since when do QUEEN invitations require the giver to accompany the guest inside?"

Mr. McDonald, seeing Claire, shifted his demeanor, bowing slightly and trying to appease her but keeping his composure. "We don't know, ma'am Mr. Grant made the rules. You're welcome to take it up with him."

QUMS

Claire's face darkened briefly, a hint of irritation flashing across it. Mr. Grant, the founder of QUEEN

Jewelry, was a mysterious, reclusive figure with a notoriously unpredictable nature. Claire had once tried to get on his good side but was met with a cold shoulder.

Sensing the change in mood, Mr. McDonald quickly switched gears, "Is this lady with you, Miss Claire?"

Though Claire didn't particularly care for Lisa's naïve demeanor, she found her useful today. So, she nodded, "Let her in."

Mr. McDonald, wasting no time, gestured for them to proceed, "Miss Chloe, Miss Claire, please, come in."

Claire turned to head inside, and

Lisa, without a moment to spare,

followed her. Once inside, Lisa stuck

close to Claire. Accompanying Claire

was Barrett, a rising star in the entertainment scene, whom bisa recognized instantly.