The main white building of the Dressrious Salon looked luminous under the warm winter sun. Lady Bella got out of her limousine and walked to the entrance. She still wore the same red stilettos as the meeting with the Queen two hours ago, but had changed into a black and white plaid blouson dress, and a rose red wool beret, a pink mini bag in hand. This was her outfit for the book signing event. Though the look seemed too light for the outside weather, she walked unhurriedly.
In the warm lobby, she spotted a familiar face—a guy in a black suede bomber jacket. “Trevor? Did you come for the book signing too?”
“Hi, Bella, no. I came for a haircut, and I also bought cuff links for my dad,” Trevor said, showing a small box in his hand. “My dad is working on a project in Angel City, and three days later he will be back in the city to immediately attend a charity auction, so he asked me to buy new cuff links for him.”
“Wait, is the auction for children in a war zone?” Bella’s eyes widened. “My mom will attend too.”
“And my dad will bring his girlfriend,” Trevor grinned. “They’ve all grown up now. We shouldn’t worry about them.”
“You’re right. They aren’t our business anymore,” Bella smiled. She looked at Trevor closely: neat short hair, a fine suede jacket, a brown turtleneck cashmere inside, with dark jeans and dark brown desert boots. “Last time in your Halloween costume, I didn’t realize how stylish you’ve become.”
“Thanks to Dressrious,” Trevor shrugged.
“Do you have time? I came here early and want to eat something first. I also have something I want to tell you.”
“Sure.” Trevor started walking toward the Cafeteria.
“In the Premium Lounge. I booked a private dining room.”
“Alright.” Trevor changed direction toward the elevator lobby.
“Take the stairs. I don’t like waiting for elevators.”
“Alright.” Trevor knew she just didn’t like waiting for public elevators.
They took the maroon carpet-covered grand staircase to the second floor. The Premium Lounge was on the left, where a few guests were chatting or enjoying afternoon tea. Once they sat in their private room, Bella started to order.
“I only need pasta. What about you?” Bella asked.
“Coffee and snacks. I already ate, and I’m going to the gym later.”
“A tuna salad then, no fried food. I’m dieting. You still like seafood, right?”
“Yep.”
Bella called a waiter, gave their order, then turned to Trevor with gossipy eyes. “How’s it going? Getting a haircut, wearing a nice jacket—are you going to meet someone?”
“I got a haircut because I have an interview tomorrow with the PR team of Manchesters.”
“Oh, you finally decided to get a job.”
“Nope, I’m still an indie developer. I don’t like working for a big company. It’s just that I used their ghost hunting gear and solved a ghost case, so they want to interview me for marketing purposes,” Trevor explained, recounting his adventure after the Halloween party.
“Wow, your life sounds so much more interesting than mine.”
“How could that be? You seem to have a busy day all the time. Did you just meet Regina? I saw the Gossip News report. What did she want from you?”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m going to tell you. She asked about us.”
“What?” Trevor’s eyes went wide with surprise.
“I don’t know where she got this, but she knows we were close in high school. So, I made up a story that you and I dated at the time, but then I couldn’t tolerate your bad taste, so we broke up.”
“I guess you two made fun of me later, right?” Trevor said, sounding upset.
“I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t think of a better excuse without letting her know the truth. I think she has her own spies.”
“It doesn’t matter, but she may know we’re still seeing each other, like this.”
“Don’t worry, I figured it out. You know Lady News, the famous fashion influencer, and your dad is a famous artist now. So, I, as a successful jewelry brand owner, can reasonably get close to you to enhance relations with them. No one would suspect that.” Bella explained her idea with full confidence.
“Sounds reasonable.” Trevor might have felt uncomfortable about this arrangement, but when Bella made an arrangement for you, you had only one option: agree.
The waiter delivered the food and drinks. After he left, Bella asked, “So, do you have plans later? Want to attend the book signing at five? It’s my economics professor’s. I have an appointment with him and his assistant before the event starts.” She checked her watch. It was 4:25 p.m. “They should be here soon.”
“Oh, no, I’ll go to the gym with Spion after 5:30 p.m. I should go back home to change clothes first.”
“Spion?”
“Yeah, I’ll introduce you two if we have time. We’re hanging out a lot recently.”
“Spion… sounds like a male name,” Bella’s eyes suddenly widened, and she covered her mouth with her hands. “Oh my Gods! I should have known before! Does your father and sister know? Don’t worry… I’m so proud of you! I’ll support you!”
“Wait, what?” Trevor was confused, then saw Bella’s excited, knowing look. “No… no… no…. It’s not what you think. We are friends. Buddies.”
“It all starts as friends. I read a lot on AO3,” Bella smirked.
“Eat your pasta,” Trevor said, rolling his eyes and forking his salad.
Bella ate her pasta, but still looked at Trevor with a sly smirk.
Minutes later, the waiter led a woman into the room. The waiter took the woman’s long black puffer coat and hung it on the rack near the door. She wore a deep green dress underneath.
“Olivia, glad to see you in person,” Bella greeted her with enthusiasm. Seeing her alone, she asked, “Did Professor not come with you?”
“Lady Bella, nice to meet you. The Professor told me he was stuck in traffic and may come later.”
“Hope it won’t take long.” Bella gestured for Olivia to sit, then introduced her to Trevor. “This is my high school mate, Trevor. Trevor, this is Professor Antonius’s assistant, Olivia.”
Trevor shook hands with Olivia. For the next few minutes, Bella and Olivia talked about Professor Antonius. Bella hadn’t seen the professor since he moved to the Fairylands three years ago, so she was obviously eager to see him. Olivia shared the professor’s recent situation. Later, they discussed Bella’s jewelry business, and Bella showed Olivia her collections on the Dressrious app. Trevor noticed his presence was unnecessary, and the time was growing late for his gym appointment, so he said goodbye to them and left.
The time was close to 5 p.m.; the book signing would start soon, and yet, Professor Antonius still hadn’t shown up.
“Why is the Professor still not here? Should we call him?” Bella worried.
“I’ll call him.” Olivia took her phone and made the call, but it wasn’t answered.
“No answer. Maybe he’s driving right now, inconvenient to answer the phone.” Olivia ended the dialing. “It’s time. We should go to the reading room now and wait for him there.”
“Okay.”
They left the room, moving quickly toward the reading room. On the way, Bella sent a message to the professor but received no reply. When they arrived, there were already dozens of guests. Five o’clock passed. The professor still hadn’t appeared. Bella checked her phone again—no reply. Olivia called again, still no answer. They started to worry, and so did some attendees. People were discussing the professor’s whereabouts.
Bella sat anxiously. She saw a Salon staff member whisper to Olivia with a solemn expression. Bella quickly walked to them. “What’s going on? Where is the Professor?”
Olivia looked at her, sadly. “There was an accident. He’s been sent to the hospital, but…” she broke down crying. “The rescue failed.”