Chapter 300
“It’s him, without a doubt p>
The hotel manager stifled a gasp.
This hotel was part of the Hastings family’s empire, and every year he had to travel to Aurelian to report the annual earnings to Mrs. Eleanor Hastings, who oversaw their business ventures. As for Elliot Jameson, who was rumored to work closely with Tobias Hastings, the manager had been fortunate enough to meet him once or twice.
Never in his wildest dreams did he think Tobias Hastings himself would show up in Fenworth—and actually check into their hotel!
Both thrilled and terrified, he hastily asked, “Did Vernon Turner offend him p>
The supervisor blinked, perplexed. “Excuse me p>
Boss, are you serious right now? Isn’t the right question supposed to be, “Did those people hurt Vernon Turner p>
I mean, Vernon Turner is a pretty big deal in the entertainment industry, and he’s also a guest here. Isn’t it our responsibility to prioritize the safety and comfort of our clientele?
While he was silently questioning his boss’s priorities, the supervisor still answered honestly. “No, they didn’t even have the chance to argue—Vernon Turner was… thrown out already p>
“Well, that’s a relief,” the manager sighed.
Without missing a beat, he turned to the same perplexed supervisor and issued his next order, tone decisive: “From now on, Vernon Turner and his entire team are banned from staying at this hotel!”The manager took a sharp breath. “Boss, Vernon Turner is the investor for ’Shadow Fox,’ and Grace Coleman, the lead actress, is with him. The whole crew is staying at our hotel. If we don’t let them in, this p>
“Just do it p>
“Understood p>
The boss’s tone brooked no argument, and the manager had no choice but to obey.
After hanging up, he stared at the name “Elliot Jameson” on his screen, piecing together the situation. He came to a critical conclusion—
The people who threw Vernon Turner out? They must be connected to someone incredibly powerful.
As soon as Scarlett Graham entered the room, she sent the video she had just recorded to Lisette Cavendish. “For your daily dose of entertainment p>
Lisette watched the video of a disheveled Vernon Turner and Grace Coleman, and a laugh escaped her lips. Instantly, her expression lit up, radiating liveliness.
Tobias Hastings was holding her close.
Lately, with Lisette’s excessive sleepiness, Tobias had been the most worried and attentive. He’d moved his entire workload home to work from their bedroom.
If she so much as shifted in her sleep, he’d glance her way immediately.
He meticulously kept track of time, preparing warm water and nutritional supplements to feed her with a spoon at regular intervals.
Morning and night, he carefully wiped her down, ensuring she stayed clean.
And whenever she groggily got up to use the bathroom, he’d hover protectively, ready to catch her if she so much as stumbled.
Lisette spent her days in a hazy, dreamlike state, unaware of time.
Tobias forced himself to stay awake, keeping an unrelenting vigil at her side.Tobias Hastings had to check in with the doctor every now and then, trying to figure out every tiny sign of Lisette Cavendish’s condition. He was so meticulous that it seemed like he was about to track even her breathing patterns.
Now, holding her in his arms, a wave of drowsiness swept over him.
But sleeping? Nah, he couldn’t bear to close his eyes. Even just chatting with her felt like a luxury.
Forcing his heavy eyelids to stay open, he rested his chin on her shoulder. The usual cold, sharp vibes he carried were replaced with a calm, lazy warmth. “Lissy, how about I offer you a suggestion p>
“What’s your idea?” Lisette tilted her head slightly, looking at him.
Noticing the fatigue lining his face, she raised her fingers and gently massaged the crease in his brow. “You haven’t been resting well lately. How about a quick nap first p>
“No rush.” Tobias tilted his head, and his lips instinctively landed on her palm.
His kiss was warm, almost searing.
That flicker of heat lingered on her skin, slipping into the folds of her palm, tracing along her lifelines, and spreading all the way to her chest, igniting a soft burn in her heart.
In that moment, her heart softened, love flickering brightly in her gaze.
Tobias’ usual stoic expression eased into something softer, more tender. And just when Lisette thought he might drop some sweet, cheesy line, he suddenly said, “Looking at me like that… you want me, don’t you p>
“Pfft p>
Lisette practically choked on air, a mix of laughter and disbelief.
Tobias’ lips curved into a sly grin. He leaned in, lightly brushing a kiss against the corner of her lips. “So? Do you or don’t you p>
His bluntness was way too much. It made her cheeks flush bright red in an instant.The way Tobias Hastings’ sharp gaze lingered on her made Lisette Cavendish feel like she was completely exposed, as if even her clothes couldn’t shield her from his unapologetic scrutiny. It wasn’t just a look—it was as if he’d stripped away all her defenses, leaving her utterly bare beneath those piercing eyes.
Just as the atmosphere around them thickened with an almost tangible tension, Tobias suddenly said, “What a shame p>
The abrupt comment threw her off. She blinked and asked, “Shame about what p>
“I haven’t slept for three days. My energy’s running low. Even if you’ve got plans for me, I might not be up for the task p>
Her cheeks flamed instantly at the implication, and Tobias couldn’t help but chuckle as he leaned in, placing a brief but teasing kiss on her lips. “We can revisit the idea when I’m well-rested, huh p>
Lisette forced a cough, her fingers brushing her hair in a weak attempt to gather herself. She had thought—foolishly, in hindsight—that he’d let things drop there. But no. Tobias Hastings, the once aloof and untouchable figure, had apparently thrown all sense of restraint out the window.
Who knew this man, who used to be all sharp words and colder action, could morph into someone so effortlessly cheeky?
Pressing her lips together to hide a smile, she reached out and covered his eyes with her hand. “You were going to suggest something earlier. So? What’s this brilliant idea of yours p>
Tobias’ lips curved, and his response was maddeningly casual, “Kiss me, and I’ll tell you p>
The laziness in his tone, combined with the subtle heat in his gaze, was utterly disarming. His light-colored eyes shimmered like fireworks, each spark carrying a promise of something deeper and more intoxicating. They weren’t just eyes—they painted a whole story, a fairytale waiting to unfold.
Lisette’s heart gave a traitorous flutter.
As the emotions within her swelled and broke free, she didn’t overthink. She leaned forward and kissed him. She leaned against him, while he lounged on the sofa. The space between them disappeared entirely, and their hearts pounded against each other’s chests, syncing up almost perfectly.
After a long moment, Tobias Hastings loosened his hold on her.
With their foreheads touching, he gently nuzzled her. “After Wade’s incident with Grace Coleman, release the video,” he murmured lightly.
Lisette Cavendish, still nestled lazily in his arms, let out an uneven breath and a faint “Hmm p>
Tobias continued, “Vernon Turner’s been in the entertainment industry for years. His foundation’s solid. If you face him as a strong opponent, it won’t break his authority—it’ll only make him look even more impressive p>
“Exactly!” Lisette chimed in, nodding in agreement. “When Vernon Turner set his sights on VistaSphere, people’s perception of the company completely shifted p>
“Before that, most saw VistaSphere as just a small, newly founded talent agency,” she added. “Sure, their recent successes were noteworthy, but plenty still didn’t take them seriously p>
“But when Vernon Turner himself went after them, everything changed. Suddenly, VistaSphere wasn’t just some tiny agency anymore. It was the dark horse standing toe-to-toe with an industry juggernaut. They completely took the spotlight!”Tobias Hastings said, “The quickest way to destroy his status isn’t to show how powerful his enemies are, but to let people see him at his most ridiculous p>
Lisette Cavendish raised an eyebrow, catching his drift immediately.
“The reason people in the entertainment industry fear Vernon Turner and give him face is because he’s been sitting on his throne for so long, untouchable. But if we let everyone see him being tossed out of a hotel by bodyguards, ha! That lofty image of his? Gone in an instant p>
“And once those supporting him realize it, they won’t even need a push. They’ll abandon him all on their own p>
“Then we strike hard, and honestly, he won’t last much longer after that p>
“This really is the most straightforward plan!” Lisette said with an excited grin. In her thrill, she threw her arms around Tobias and planted a quick kiss on his head.
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she softly whispered, almost teasing, “Sweetheart, just wondering… How long are you planning to sleep tonight p>
“What p>
“You know, so you’ll have the energy p>