Free Web NovelChapter 35: The Glass Pavilion
An hour later, they stepped out of the suite towards the elevator.
Two men in dark suits straightened from their positions near the elevator. Another stood at the far end of the corridor, discreet but unmistakably alert. Lyvana’s brows lifted but she said nothing.
The elevator ride down was quiet. The suited men flanked them without speaking.
They walked out of the lobby to find two sleek, black SUVs idling at the curb. As Lyvana stepped out, the morning light hit the fabric of her outfit, making it glow.
The stark white modern jumpsuit fit her perfectly. The sleeveless bodice was structured yet soft, leading down to slim-fitting trousers that elongated her frame. The asymmetrical overskirt caught the breeze — a dramatic drape of silk that flowed behind her like a royal train.
It was actually a piece from her own collection — a design from when she had first taken over Aurora. She had poured her soul into it. At the time, despite its breathtaking silhouette, the line had struggled; without the right publicity or backing, her genius had gone unnoticed by the world.
Now she was sure Mark had deliberately sabotaged her efforts so she would feel incompetent and hand over the company to him to manage.
Julian had tracked down the rare piece, presenting it with a simple, knowing smile.
"I think it was just waiting for the right woman to wear it," he had told her.
She had been stunned when she found it laid out for her that morning.
Marco stepped out and held the door open for the four of them.
Julian ushered Lyvana in first, with Emily and Ethan sliding in after her.
As their car pulled away from the curb, the second SUV followed immediately, keeping a perfectly measured distance behind them.
Lyvana looked through the rear window, watching the escort car weave through traffic behind them like a silent shadow.
The two black SUVs wound their way up a private, gated road that seemed to climb indefinitely.
As they reached the top, the trees cleared to reveal The Glass Pavilion.
It was a masterpiece of modern architecture — a structure made almost entirely of reinforced glass, perched precariously over a lush cliffside.
The security team stepped out first, fanning out across the perimeter with practiced efficiency. Only when the lead guard gave a sharp nod did the car doors open.
"We’re here," Julian said, stepping out and offering a hand to Lyvana.
As she stood, Lyvana caught her breath. What made the pavilion feel unreal were the thin metal beams holding it up. They were placed at sharp angles and disappeared into the rock behind it. From this height, the Pavilion felt like it was floating.
Below them, the sprawling skyline of Singapore stretched out toward the turquoise sea, looking like a miniature model of a city.
"Oh, wow," Emily breathed, stepping out behind them. She immediately pulled out her phone to take a photo.
Julian led Lyvana toward the entrance. The interior was minimalist and cool, with white marble floors and silk furniture. In the center of the main room, a long table had been set with crystal glasses and fresh white lilies.
"It’s beautiful, Julian," Lyvana said, walking toward the floor-to-ceiling glass wall. "It’s so quiet. You can’t even hear the city from here."
"That’s the point," Julian said, standing behind her, putting his arms around her. She didn’t resist.
She felt terrible because she was still hiding the truth about her past — and the dark secrets surrounding her death.
Meanwhile back at the Grant estate, a different kind of tension was brewing.
The loud hum of a helicopter filled the morning air as it landed on the wide front lawn. As the blades slowed down, the door opened and a tall, beautiful woman stepped out.
Eleanor Grant was already waiting at the entrance. She walked forward and greeted her guest with a warm kiss on the cheek.
"Catalina," Eleanor said with a bright smile. "I am so glad you could make it."
"Mrs. Eleanor, the pleasure is all mine," Catalina replied, looking up at the towering stone walls.
As they stepped into the foyer, the cool air of the interior met them, smelling of beeswax and expensive lilies.
The marble floors polished to a mirror shine reflected the high, vaulted ceilings.
"My parents extend their apologies," Catalina added, her voice smooth as she handed her light coat to a waiting servant. "Something urgent came up and they couldn’t make it."
Eleanor dismissed the apology with a graceful wave of her hand. "I am simply pleased you could make it."
She led Catalina toward a sun-drenched morning room that overlooked the manicured gardens. A silver tea service had already been prepared.
"I assume your journey was comfortable?" Eleanor asked, settling into a velvet armchair."
Catalina took her seat with a polite smile.
"It was lovely, thank you," Catalina replied, smoothing her skirt. "The helicopter ride over the estate was breathtaking."
Eleanor’s eyes sparkled with interest. "Ah, yes. The view is rather spectacular. Sugar?" she asked, lifting the teapot.
"Please, just a spoonful," Catalina said, watching as Eleanor poured the tea with precision.
"Julian will be happy to see you," He should be here for lunch any moment now." fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
"No Eleanor," Catalina said. "Julian is in Singapore with another woman."
Eleanor’s hand stilled, the silver spoon frozen over the delicate china. The bright smile she had worn since Catalina’s arrival vanished.
"You are mistaken, dear," Eleanor said. "Julian was in Singapore concluding a private acquisition. He should be back this morning and is expected to join us for dinner this evening."
Catalina didn’t argue. She reached into her bag and gracefully took out her phone.
"There is an insignificant woman called Lyvana Montclair," Catalina said smoothly, sliding the device across the table. "Their photos went viral an hour ago."
Eleanor set the teapot down frowning. Julian had never lied to her. To skip this important dinner for a woman was not something Julian would normally do.
"A woman," Eleanor whispered, picking up the phone. "Who is this Lyvana Montclair?"
