章 46: The Wishful, Unattainable High Hopes

Nancy and Nadia arrived around half-past one. They met Liliana and Lucas in the open garden area in the middle of the mall before heading to Saffron Laguna on the third floor.

Liliana introduced the three of them to each other even though Nancy had already met Lucas before.

"How's everything at home, Nancy?" asked Liliana when they got off the escalator, "Does Gilbert suspect anything?"

"Not yet, fortunately," Nancy sneered. Malice flickered in her eyes, "I still haven't disclosed his number to the site. Should do it on that night."

Lucas kept his silence despite being confused about what Liliana and Nancy were talking about. As for Nadia, she was well informed about it because she was the one who came out with the plan.

Nancy and Gilbert's eighth anniversary fell on January 15th, less than two weeks left. Nancy wanted the wolf hiding in the sheep's clothing to taste his own medicine during the night of the celebration.

Liliana didn't ask more. Seeing Lucas' baffled look, he was obviously without any clue. They should sit down together and present him with the plan before he could come out with any decision.

Soon, the four of them arrived at Saffron Laguna. The restaurant was busy as the patrons enjoyed their lunches.

Lucas was dumbfounded at the sight of the luxurious restaurant. He knew that Liliana was a rich lady but, he didn't expect to be brought to such a place.

Looking down, Lucas stared at his casual and cheap clothes, suddenly feeling self-conscious. From head to toe, they were bought from a thrift store.

Despite still appearing decent, he was anxious for a second if this restaurant required a more formal dress code.

"Mr. Liu? Won't you follow us?"

Liliana's voice pulled Lucas out of his stupor. She noticed that he hadn't followed her along.

"Ah, sorry..."

Liliana requested a private room from the hostess. Fortunately, there were still a few left. A waiter led them to the room down the hallway. They walked past the diners sitting in the open area.

"Eh... Big Brother, isn't that Liliana?"

Unnoticed by Liliana, Elaine and Alvin were in the same restaurant. Their table was just next to the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, a few meters away from the lane leading to the private room area.

Looking up, Alvin immediately recognized Liliana. He put down his fork and spoon, "Yes... that's her."

Elaine's attention was still on Liliana and the people who followed her. Squinting her eyes, she whispered, "Who's that man? Seems like he's a part of them?"

Even though Elaine was not close to Liliana, she knew Nadia and Nancy's faces. Her curiosity was picked by Lucas' appearance just because he walked closer to Liliana while the other two ladies were behind him.

"Maybe he's their friend," Alvin didn't pay attention much to the group. He resumed eating, "Finish your meal. Didn't you wanna go to pick up your customed dress next?"

Elaine pursed her lips. She couldn't stop thinking about the random scene she just saw.

Lowering her voice, Elaine murmured, "Big Brother... haven't you heard rumors of... Brother Asher catching Liliana cheating on him... so that's why he'll divorce her?"

Alvin's eyelashes fluttered. His eyes narrowed, he replied, "Elaine, don't be silly. No cheating is involved in their divorce. It just happens. Liliana won't ever cheat on Asher and he also won't do the same."

"Tsk, I'm just saying..." Elaine pouted. She was aggrieved to be told off by her cousin brother.

Alvin gently shook his head. He softened his voice, "It's bad to assume things like that. I know that you and Rupert do not like Liliana but, keep things civil, will you? She's not some sort of evil fox that bewitches men."

Elaine didn't give any response to Alvin. Seeing her puckered lips made him shake his head.

Among Asher's inner circle, only Alvin treated Liliana with good and respectable manners. Even though they were not close, Alvin always tried to include her in their circle whenever Asher brought her together.

As far as Alvin could see, Liliana was a dignified young lady. Just because she was born as an illegitimate child which was not her own fault, she was scorned by most of the people in high society.

"Elaine, I know that you love Asher. I'll be happy if he reciprocates your feelings but, don't keep your hopes too high up."

Elaine flinched. Looking up at Alvin's serious expression, she had nothing to say to refute him.

"...mind your own business," responded Elaine feebly.

Alvin let out a sigh, wishing that his cousin sister wouldn't be hurt because of her stubbornness. He dropped the subject to avoid further straining the tension around them.

Liliana was already seated in the private room, not at all knowing the heated conversation that happened between Alvin and Elaine.

Only Nancy and Nadia ordered lunch while Liliana and Lucas only opted for drinks. They were still full from their meal earlier.

"Mr. Liu, we'll begin by telling you what our plan is," Liliana looked at Lucas who sat opposite her. Then, she glanced at Nadia, "Shouldn't you explain, our dear mastermind?"

An evil grin was plastered on Nadia's face. She sat next to Lucas with Nancy in front of her.

"Before that, I'll warn you that this plan might sound so petty and childish so, you don't have to force yourself to join. Just remember not to leak it."

Lucas paid full attention to Nadia. Nodding, he promised, "I won't."

Nadia smiled in satisfaction. Well, since Lucas didn't even know Gilbert, it was still safe to tell him the plan.

"This plan has to be finalized on January 15th, the day of Nancy and that scum's anniversary. If you know where to find trusted actors and an aphrodisiac, tell us. We're still sourcing them out."

"Actors and an aphrodisiac?" Lucas had a bad hunch, "May I know... what are they for?"

Nadia and Nancy exchanged a glance. The latter overtook the conversation.

"The celebration is at night. I'll dress up for the occasion, give the aphrodisiac to him then let the actors in to scare him. Oh, you can be the videographer too if you want."

The plan was more detailed but, Nancy chose not to say it. She just mentioned the crucial parts that might need Lucas' interference.

Originally, Nadia suggested using sleeping pills but, she said the aftermath wouldn't be too powerful. Only if they couldn't get ahold of aphrodisiacs would they resort to those pills.

Seeing Lucas' conflicted look, Liliana chimed in, "Mr. Liu, we're not forcing you into this. I understood that you might find this distasteful and bad, so..."

"I'm in."

"W-what?" Liliana raised her brows.

"Didn't you say he's a cheater? Shouldn't he be prepared for the consequences?" said Lucas in a firm tone.

Liliana was speechless for a second before her lips curled up into a smile.

"Then... welcome to the club."

"Thank you."

This was the first time Liliana doing such a thing. But, she was actually excited to commit this petty revenge.

Hah! She couldn't wait for Gilbert to fall.