That was the reason why Ashley was unable to recognize Andrew's identity immediately.
Although she had an idea that Andrew was a rich kid, she never bothered knowing then just how
wealthy he was.
When they entered Vineyard Hotel, a waitress with decent smile on her face welcomed them.
Amazement flitted in her eyes when she saw Andrew.
But luckily, she was unlike those other women whose eyes would remain glued at Andrew, ignoring his
companion completely as if she never existed. The waitress was courteous enough to greet her
properly as well.
Ashley finally understood why this hotel was the best among the best. The level of service which they
provided was evident enough from the waitress' attitude.
They only employed the best after all. The waiters and waitresses were said to be products of the most
famous universities in J City.
Despite of the level of education they had attained, these men and women chose to serve in this hotel.
That alone was proof of how amazing the hotel was, and the great opportunities which they could
provide for their employees.
The waitress smiled at the both of them and politely said, "Welcome to Vineyard Hotel. Please follow
me to your box."
It was said that when people reserved a box, the servers would usher them from the moment they
arrived in the hotel straight towards their reserved box.
Although it was Ashley's first time in the famous Vineyard Hotel, rumors had already reached her ears
about the place through her gossiping colleagues.
Instead of focusing on their jobs and working hard, these people were more adept in catching the latest
buzz about the wealthy and the influential. They had high hopes of catching themselves one of those
wealthy bachelors just so they could experience the meals in the Vineyard Hotel.
Ashley and Andrew followed the waitress.
They were about to enter their box when two people suddenly appeared before them.
Seeing them emerging from the shadows, Ashley felt a chill run down her spine when she recognized
who they were.
'Damn', she couldn't help but pity herself. Bad luck was definitely on her side, to think that she would
bump with them of all people.
They were none other than Lena and Raymond.
Her little sister and ex-boyfriend together. Bumping into them when she was with Andrew of all people
really made the atmosphere awkward.
Raymond held Lena's hand. While her sister whispered something in his ear, casually leaning her body
on his. It was the perfect picture of a couple who were madly in love with each other.
But the moment that Raymond caught sight of Ashley, he subconsciously wanted to withdraw his hand
from Lena's grasp.
Lena already caught up with the situation, and smoothly left Raymond's side before he could even
react to greet her elder sister.
She feigned surprise and said, "Ashley, is that you? Are you here to have dinner too? Do you know
how much I've missed you since we last saw each other? By the way, who is the gentleman beside
you?" Lena paused as she inquired about Ashley's male companion.
Although she was talking to Ashley, but her eyes were fixed on Andrew.
'This man is simply mesmerizing! Look at that handsome face etched with sternness and grace. He has
an aura akin to a noble prince who can easily catch any woman's attention.' Lena couldn't help but
admire him.
She had thought that Raymond was already the most handsome guy she could ever find but she was
sadly wrong. There was actually someone more attractive than him.
He simply outshined Raymond in every way. Raymond faded away into the background compared with
this man.
However, looking good didn't guarantee success, nor did it make a living.
Besides, Ashley couldn't possibly be friends with someone of high status. She had investigated
Ashley's social circle already and there was no mention of this man. This fueled Lena's curiosity as to
the man's identity and his relationship with her sister.
A sudden flash of envy and contempt flitted in Lena's eyes.
Andrew saw this and immediately gazed upon her with hostility.
Ashley casually pushed Lena's hands, and retreated to a more comfortable distance. "Hmm..," she said
indifferently.
In contrast to Lena's enthusiasm, Ashley stood aloof and disinterested.
However, Lena chose to ignore Ashley's indifference. She trotted towards Raymond and said happily,
"Raymond dear, look it's Ashley. It seems like they have also decided to dine here. How about we join
them?
But I'm not sure how Ashley could afford it. I mean, you know, it's very expensive to dine in Vineyard
Hotel. I only come here occasionally despite of my status, let alone Ashley, if you know what I mean."
With her eyes on Raymond, Lena acted perfectly. She pouted at him and expressed her curiosity.
She could actually be a world class actress with the way she behaved right now. Acting all cute and
obedient, and being the loving sister who was joyful to meet her elder sister here.
However, her acting was all for show. She truly wanted to embarrass Ashley by nonchalantly
questioning her status and morality. She was really fuming in the inside with the fact that someone like
Ashley, who was poor, could actually afford to dine in this exclusive hotel. While she, the heiress of the
Mu Group, could only come here once in a while. So she tried to innocently ask everyone about
Ashley's means in order to doubt her status.
Ashley stayed indifferent towards Lena's accusations. She could ruin her reputation as much as she
wanted, she would simply act as if Lena's words were directed to someone else.
Well, it wasn't the first time that something like this happened. Before, she would try her utmost best to
prove that Lena's accusations were wrong because she valued her image then.
But, instead of saving her ass, her explanations would usually backfire. Fueling Lena's words made her
accusations more convincing rather than refuting them. Ever since then she learned her lesson. So
now she would simply let Lena rant as much as as she wanted, not caring anymore what other people
might say or think about her.
But Andrew took it in a different way. He cared too much about Ashley.
This Lena dared to embarrass the only woman he loved and spoilt. He would not tolerate such petty
actions towards his one and only soulmate.
He stared at Lena coldly. If looks could kill, Lena should be dead by now.
Lena suddenly felt uncomfortable with Andrew's gaze. She went chilling numb as if a freezing breeze
suddenly swept through her entire body.
She stuck closer to Raymond as if shielding herself from the cold breeze.
Ashley also felt Andrew's coldness, but she didn't understand the reason behind it.
When she saw that Andrew was staring at Lena coldly, she realized something was afoot. So she held
Andrew's hand and shook her head, motioning for him to stop.
She was aware that Lena's target was her, and she knew that Andrew was the only person who could
help her in her predicament. But she didn't want him to be involved, just because she didn't want to be
indebted to him.
With Ashley's comforting hand and gaze, Andrew reverted back to being the modest gentleman. He
then gave Ashley a gentle and loving look.
The sweet exchange did not go unnoticed. Raymond suddenly felt jealous and awkward. He felt as if
he was an unwanted spectator of the exchange going on between the two.
'It should have been me on her side right now. I alone am the perfect match for Ashley, ' Raymond
thought longingly.
But he immediately composed himself, throwing away the unnecessary sentiment he felt.
After hearing Lena's performance, he calmly passed by her and went straight to Ashley.
He began interrogating Ashley without notice, "Why are you here? Are you not aware that you don't
belong in this place? You should leave immediately before you further embarrass yourself."
Ashley looked at him as if she was staring at an idiot.
Ah?
She was indeed not suited in this place. She wasn't naive enough not to realize that. It was her first
time here after all. This was not exactly the type of place she would frequently visit.
But he was in no position to tell her whether she belonged in that place or not.
He didn't have the right to judge her.
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