Trick Him Into Divorce, Then Flee With His Unknow Kid

Chapter 295: Chapter 295 The Rooftop Invitation

Grace’s birthday celebration was scheduled for the following day.

The rest of the afternoon was left free for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves.

The Taylor family’s hospitality was impeccable.

While Rose was unpacking in her hotel room during Ariel’s afternoon nap, the hotel manager knocked on her door.

"Ms. Bennett," he said respectfully, "the hotel has been reserved exclusively for the Taylor family’s guests today. We’ve arranged several evening events, including a welcome reception at seven o’clock, a rooftop pool party, and access to our private cabanas. We’d be delighted if you could join us."

Then, anticipating her concern, he added with a smile, "We understand you’re traveling with a child. Many of our guests have brought their children as well, so we’ve prepared a supervised children’s activity center. You won’t need to worry about Ariel while you’re attending the evening events."

Rose hadn’t expected the arrangements to be so thoughtful.

She knew this luxury hotel was owned by the Taylor family and managed by James.

It was considered one of the finest hotels in the country.

The Taylors had clearly spared no expense.

"Thank you," Rose replied with a smile.

After the manager left, Trevor sent her a text message.

He needed to return briefly to the Robinson family’s estate.

The Robinson family’s headquarters were in Washington, while their family estate sat on a secluded mountainside outside the city.

Rose quickly replied.

[Okay. Go take care of your family matters. We’ll see you later.]

Ariel slept until nearly five o’clock.

By the time she woke up and got dressed, it was almost time for dinner.

Rose planned to take her downstairs for something light before the welcome reception officially began.

As they waited for the elevator...

Footsteps approached from behind.

A tall figure stopped beside them.

The familiar scent of rose and mint drifted toward her.

Rose turned.

As expected...

Ryan stood beside them in a crisp white dress shirt and black slacks.

He looked quietly in their direction.

Rose no longer felt awkward around him.

Instead, she smiled down at Ariel.

"Ariel, say hello to Uncle Ryan."

Ariel looked up obediently.

"Hello, Uncle Ryan."

Ryan’s expression remained unreadable.

Just then, the elevator arrived.

Rose took Ariel’s hand and stepped inside.

She even turned back and said politely, "You should catch the next one."

"I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable."

She immediately pressed the Close Door button.

Ryan didn’t move.

Just then, Samantha hurried over.

Before the doors closed completely, she slipped her arm through Ryan’s.

Rose caught the scene through the narrowing gap.

Her expression remained perfectly calm.

She simply turned around and adjusted Ariel’s two little pigtail buns.

Samantha looked up at Ryan with a smile.

"Ryan, don’t you think having a daughter would be wonderful?"

"People say that once you reach a certain age, you naturally start thinking about having children."

"What do you think?"

Ryan’s eyes flickered briefly.

Then he casually pressed the elevator button again.

"I suppose it would."

A trace of sweetness spread across Samantha’s face.

******

The welcome reception was lavish.

World-class chefs had been brought in to prepare cuisine from around the globe.

There was something for every taste.

Ariel was especially excited.

Getting to travel alone with Rose like this was something she’d rarely experienced before.

She happily asked, "Mom, isn’t Daddy coming?"

Rose smiled. "Daddy had something to take care of."

"He’ll join us later."

Satisfied with the answer, Ariel immediately began searching for their seats.

Each round table displayed elegant place cards with guests’ names.

"Mom!"

"I found us!"

She pointed excitedly toward one of the tables.

Rose looked over.

Their names were indeed there.

The two of them walked over and sat down.

Rose hadn’t even had time to pour Ariel a glass of water before more guests gradually arrived.

Then a familiar female voice called out—

"Ryan, over here."

Rose paused.

Looking up, she saw Samantha and Ryan walking toward their table.

Their assigned seats were directly across from hers.

Ryan’s gaze briefly settled on Ariel.

Then he calmly pulled out his chair and sat down.

For a split second...

Rose wanted to flip the entire table.

But she quickly suppressed the impulse.

This wasn’t the place.

Besides...

Ariel wouldn’t understand.

When Samantha noticed Rose, an unreadable emotion flashed through her eyes.

Almost unconsciously, she reached up and touched the pendant hanging around her neck.

Many of the guests knew Ryan.

People continuously stopped by their table to greet him.

Rose ignored the commotion.

Her attention remained entirely on Ariel, helping her choose food she liked.

Fortunately, Ariel wasn’t picky.

Aside from a few foods she was allergic to, she happily ate almost anything.

Eventually...

The conversation across the table quieted down.

Only then did Rose hear Samantha say with a cheerful smile, "Ryan, there’s a rooftop party later."

"It’s pool-themed."

"My brother—"

She caught herself.

"I mean, James said this rooftop pool is the hotel’s signature attraction."

"Want to go together afterward?"

Ryan was replying to work messages on his phone.

Even so, he answered casually.

"Whatever you’d like."

Samantha’s cheeks flushed.

She stood and walked to the nearby beverage station.

Her eyes lingered thoughtfully over the rows of drinks.

After a few moments, she returned carrying two glasses of champagne.

She set one beside Ryan.

Whether intentional or not, her voice carried clearly across the table.

"I packed several new bikinis for this trip."

"There are private pools upstairs, too."

The implication couldn’t have been more obvious.

A man.

A woman.

A secluded pool.

And a beautiful girlfriend in a revealing swimsuit.

The image practically painted itself.

Without waiting for Ryan’s response, Samantha gently pushed the champagne toward him.

Resting her chin in one hand, she smiled.

"I’ll head upstairs to change after dinner."

"We’ll meet at the rooftop pool?"

Ryan finally glanced at the champagne.

Then his eyes shifted across the table.

Rose had accidentally gotten a little sauce on her sleeve.

Seeing it, Ariel immediately hopped down from her chair to grab some napkins.

Ryan’s gaze shifted toward the stack of cocktail napkins beside Samantha.

Without looking at her, he said, "Pass me a napkin."

Samantha bit her lip.

She glanced briefly at the untouched champagne before forcing a smile and handing him one.

Ryan accepted it.

Without a word...

He slid it across the table toward Rose.

Samantha’s smile froze.

Then disappeared altogether.

She shot Rose an icy glare.

There she goes again.

Always finding a way to draw Ryan’s attention.

Only then did Rose notice the napkin.

She also noticed Samantha glaring at her.

Ariel looked up at Ryan.

"Thank you, Uncle Ryan."

She politely accepted the napkin.

She deliberately ignored Samantha.

Even a child could sense that this woman wasn’t very nice to her mother.

And Ariel naturally stood on Rose’s side.

Ryan looked at the little girl’s bright face for a moment.

Then he gave a quiet nod.

"You’re welcome."

He was about to stand.

Samantha frowned.

Picking up her own champagne, she gently tapped it against Ryan’s untouched glass.

"Ryan."

"Have a sip."

"It’s actually really good."

Only then did Ryan lower his eyes.

He picked up the champagne...

And drank the entire glass in one swallow.