The Double ( or More ?) Life of The Fake Heiress

Johnny paused for a moment, then added, “Got a meeting with someone here at the club. I’ll be right back.”

Owen didn’t press for details. “Sure thing, go ahead.”

“Right.” Johnny nodded, stood up, and excused himself from Nikolai and the others before heading out of the private dining room.

As he stepped out, he nearly bumped into a parade of waitstaff delivering dishes. This wasn’t just one or two servers; it was a whole squadron, a dozen strong, each pushing a cart filled with plates and bowls, entering the room in a choreographed procession.

Johnny was momentarily taken aback by the spectacle, almost as if a royal banquet was being served. It wasn’t his first time at Blossom’s Eden, but he’d never witnessed such a display before.

Shaking his head to clear the bizarre thought, he quickly resumed his walk down the corridor.

Ms. Mirabella’s stepfather had called him for a chat. Initially, Johnny had planned to decline, but since Nikolai had set up this dinner, he eventually decided to make an appearance.

In another private room, Colton, Mandy, and a political acquaintance of theirs called Travis had been waiting since just after eleven for Johnny to arrive.

Colton kept glancing at the door, then at his watch, the tension clear in his eyes. “You don’t think Johnny’s going to stand us up, do you?”

Mandy, seated and fidgeting, tried to stay optimistic. “Let’s wait a bit longer. Maybe he’s stuck in traffic?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, there’s no need to worry. If Johnny promised to meet, he won’t leave you hanging. He said around half–past twelve, so he should be here soon,” Travis offered, unfazed by the couple’s anxiety.

Colton chuckled at his friend’s composure. “It’s not worry, it’s just… when we meet, I’m not sure what to say. We don’t really know him or his personality.”

Travis sipped his coffee calmly. “Johnny’s pretty straightforward. Best to just speak your mind.”

“Hope you can put in a good word for us,” Mandy said with a grateful smile.

With a soft hum, Travis added after a pause, “But my word isn’t heavy. I’ve never dealt with Johnny directly.”

Colton quickly reassured him, “Not at all. The fact that you could arrange this meeting with Johnny is impressive.”

“Yes, it shows how much the higher–ups value you,” Mandy chimed in, supporting her husband’s compliment. Travis appreciated the flattery but humbly shook his head and chose not to elaborate further. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Just then, the door swung open, and Johnny appeared, his presence poised and restrained. Travis was the first to rise from his seat, a flicker of nervousness in his eyes despite trying to maintain composure.

Travis approached and greeted Johnny with a respectful nod, “Mr. Johnny.”

Travis, a man in his forties, had never met Johnny, so when Johnny saw him, he mistook him for Mirabella’s stepfather. While not as deferential as he might be to Mirabella, he was polite. “Good to meet you, Mr. Gilbert, Johnny greeted with a nod.

Travis blinked at being addressed as Mr. Gilbert but quickly recovered, masking his brief embarrassment. “Johnny, I’m Travis. Mr. Gilbert is this gentleman here,” he said, gesturing to Colton, who was approaching.