Everyone around was curious about Liz’s identity, but Zac, Xena and Victoria stood off to the side, their expressions dark with frustration


    Victoria kept her eyes locked on the direction L had gone, her stare sharp with resentment and anger. She wasn’t going to let this go anytime soon.


    After leaving the garden, Jack headed straight to the guest lounge on the second floor of


    the vi.


    He pushed the door open and stepped out onto the balcony.


    In the center sat a small table with a chair on each side.


    A man in a silver–gray suit was lounging in the one on the right. His dark hair and sharp eyes gave him a cold,manding presence. With his strikingly long legs casually stretched out, he looked effortlessly poised.


    Jack took the seat across from him. “It’s handled. But seriously, how did you recognize Liz from that far away?”


    He studied William Sanders with narrowed eyes, his tone growing more suspicious.


    “As far as I know, the two of you have never even met. So how do you know her name?”


    Earlier, while they had been chatting on the balcony, William suddenly paused and said that Liz was in trouble. Jack didn’t hesitate and rushed over to help her. But now that he was back, something about it didn’t sit right.


    William took a slow sip of his tea, his expression unreadable.


    “Did I say that? You must’ve misheard. I don’t know her.”


    Jack gave him a sharp look and opened his mouth to press further, but just then, there was a knock at the door.


    The butler stepped inside. “Mr. Stone, your father would like to see you in the study.”


    “Alright.”


    Jack stood and nced at William. “I’ll head over. Take it easy here.”


    William gave a small nod. “Sure,”


    Once Jack left, the balcony fell quiet again. William reached for his phone and made a call.


    His voice was calm, but there was a clear edge to it.


    “I want to hear that the Harris family is bankrupt. You’ve got one month.‘


    *


    Meanwhile, Liz knocked lightly on Jane’s bedroom door. Inside, the makeup artist was brushing blush across Jane’s cheeks.


    Jane saw her through the mirror and lit up right away.


    “Liz! Finally. I’ve been waiting forever.”


    Liz walked over and sat down next to her, handing her a small box. “Happy birthday, Jane.”


    Jane opened it, and the moment she saw the star–shaped diamond bracelet, her eyes lit with excitement.


    up


    “You remembered I wanted this one? I love it. Thank you!”


    “I’m d you like it.”


    Jane beamed. “Perfect timing. I’m wearing it tonight. Can you help me put it on?”


    “Of course.”


    After Liz fastened the bracelet around her wrist Jane’s eyesnded on the suit jacket she was wearing.


    “Wait a minute… why are you wearing a guy’s jacket? It looks really familiar.”


    “Oh, it’s Jack’s. I identally spilled something on my clothes earlier, so he let me borrow it.”


    “You should’ve said something! I’ll find you something to change into.”


    Jane stood up, clearly flustered, but Liz gently pulled her back down. “It’s fine. I’m heading out soon anyway.”


    “You can’t walk around in wet clothes. It’s freezing out there. You’ll get sick.”


    Jane started digging through her closet and pulled out a brand–new dress from a recent shopping trip.


    “Here. Put this on.”


    Liz noticed the tag was still attached. “You dont have to give me something new. Just grab one you’ve already worn.”


    Before she could finish, Jane had already nudged her toward the dressing room.


    “Just wear it. Come on, we’re not keeping track of new or old. I have more clothes than I know what to do with. This one’s yours now.”


    Lizughed. “Alright. Thanks.”


    “Now go change before you catch a cold.”


    “Okay, okay.”


    When Liz stepped back out, Jane looked her up and down and gave an approving nod.


    “Knew it. I have amazing taste. And you’re my best friend. Of course you’d look gorgeous in it.”


    “If you keep talking like that, I might start believing you.


    “I’m not just saying it. You really don’t realize how pretty you are. With your face, you could totally make it in the entertainment world.”


    Zac must have been blind to let someone like Liz go and chase after a girl like Xena.


    Liz raised an eyebrow. “In that case, I’ll debut tomorrow. You can be my manager.”


    “Deal. I’ll only book you roles with my favorite actors. You do the acting, I’ll do the flirting. Honestly, it sounds perfect.”


    Lizughed and stepped closer.


    “Alright, enough dreaming. I know you’ve got a busy night ahead. I just came to drop off your gift. I’ll head out soon. Let’s do a proper birthday dinner another day–just the two of


    <i>us</i>.<b>” </b>


    C