Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 150

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The moment “Mr. Lionel” was mentioned, everyone’s gaze shifted towards the direction Daphne was pointing at. At first, everyone thought Daphne was just trying to cause a distraction, but when they turned and looked, Lionel was actually standing in the jewelry

store across the street.

Next to Lionel was a woman wearing a blue cloak. She was tall and even from a distance, you could tell she was stunning.

They stood in front of the diamond ring counter, looking pretty close, like old friends.

The last time Mr. Lionel was caught up in some juicy gossip was with his manager, Albertine. But in the end, she tied the knot with the well–known director, Babur Farrell.

Before clarify his relationship with Albertine, Mr. Lionel was always at the center of the rumor mill. Be it an Oscar–winning actress or a supermodel, if he was in the picture, gossip was bound to follow.

But sadly, ever since he and Albertine called it quits, there’s been no more gossip about Mr. Lionel. He seemed to have turned a new leaf and stopped hobnobbing with female celebrities and models. He also seemed more focused on work.

Even at press conferences, he wanted more attention on his work. People all thought he was just being discreet about his love life, but no matter how much the media dug, there were no leads.

After a long scandal–free streak, who would’ve thought Mr. Lionel would show up in public with a woman, and while shopping for diamond rings, no less!

All the reporters dashed towards Lionel, completely forgetting about Daphne, who was their original target.

Daphne also followed the reporters. Just a few days ago, she had worked her butt off to get an exclusive interview with Mr. Lionel about his love life. The magazine interview hadn’t even been published!

If Mr. Lionel’s going public with his relationship now, then what was the point of the interview?

This might even jeopardize Daphne’s potential promotion.

Thinking about that, Daphne regretted impulsively giving the media a scoop about Lionel. Who knew he was here to shop for a diamond ring with a woman!

Like a detective, Daphne bought a baseball cap and a large shawl to disguise herself so that she won’t get recognized by the reporters. She then followed the reporters into the jewelry store.

The woman who appeared with Lionel in the jewelry store was classy. At first glance, Daphne recognized her.

It was Katie, a multi–talented actress who had worked with Lionel years ago. Because of their movie, The Mythical Dragon Whisker, fans gave them the nickname Kitty&Lion.

Back then, some people speculated that they fell in love during filming, but Lionel had dated many women afterwards, and he never publicly admitted being with Katie.

Looks like they’ve been in a low–key relationship all this time!

Daphne was once a suppo

of Lionel and Albertine.

Standing in the crowd, Daphne watched as the reporters surrounded Lionel and Katie, mic in hand, asking about their relationship.

Lionel and Katie, wearing and sunglasses, seemed surprised by the media’s presence. Daphne, standing behind the crowd, only

came to check on her magazine interview.

The reporters started grilling Lionel and Katie about their relationship.

Lionel looked directly at Katie, his gaze

oft, as

if asking her if they should go public.

Daphne rolled her eyes under her cap, thinking: Lionel is shameless! Just a few days ago during the interview he said he didn’t have a perfect partner in mind, and now he’s out shopping for a diamond ring with someone else?

Especially when Katie’s diamond ring still had the price tag on it!

As Daphne was complaining, Katie stepped forward, took off her sunglasses and mask, and said to the media with a smile, “You guys got it all wrong, my relationship with Mr. Lionel is not what you think…”

Daphne snorted under her breath, “Mr. Lionel and I are just good friends.”

Daphne, who was talking to herself, didn’t realize Lionel had seen her mouth movements.

Daphne was a bit disappointed, worrying that her interview might be a flop. Just as she was thinking about digging up some dirt on Lionel, she heard Katie laugh and say, “Mr. Lionel indeed came to help me choose a diamond ring.”

Daphne smirked. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Not long ago Lionel said in an interview that he had no partner… What a liar!

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Daphne glanced at Lionel, who was letting Katie do all the talking while he was playing with his phone, not explaining or confirming anything. How terrible to let a woman take the bullet!

A reporter asked, “Are you and Mr. Lionel secretly married like Mr. Hernandez and Ms. Abraham?”

At this, even Daphne perked up her ears to hear Katie’s reply.

Katie quickly waved her hands, smiling all the while, “You guys got it all wrong, Mr. Lionel is just here to help me out as a friend. Our relationship isn’t what you’re imagining, my fiancé is Mr. Lionel’s cousin.”

These words left Daphne flabbergasted.

So Lionel hadn’t lied, the interview was valid, and there was still hope for her promotion!

Daphne instantly broke into a huge grin.

Mr. Lionel is such a good man!

The reporters were all shocked, they didn’t expect Katie to be engaged, let alone to Lionel’s cousin.

Daphne didn’t care about any of that. After getting the answer she wanted, she was happy and satisfied and was ready to leave.

Suddenly, Lionel turned towards Daphne and flashed a heart–melting smile.

He swiftly moved behind Daphne, grabbing her arm, “Babe, you misunderstood again?”

Daphne was totally confused, pointing at her face, “Me? Babe?”

“Well, since Mr. Hernandez’s love life is out in the open, let’s use this chance to announce ours!” Lionel said, even though he was talking about revealing their relationship, he lowered Daphne’s hat even further and adjusted her posture, shielding the petite Daphne completely from the camera lenses.

Daphne was well protected by Lionel, and the media could only capture the back of her head.

Daphne looked bewildered, like a deer caught in headlights. In Lionel’s arms, she was having a hard time breathing.

She really wanted to ask Mr. Lionel: Are we that close?

But Mr. Lionel didn’t even give her a chance to speak, he pressed her head against his chest and led her towards the his van. After getting in the car, Lionel spoke a few words to the driver, who then left.

When Daphne came to her senses, she realized that Katie had already safely left under the escort of the security, and all the reporters were waiting outside the van for her and Lionel.

Only then did Daphne react, saying to Lionel, “You used me!”

When Daphne came to her senses, she realized that the man sitting across from her was Mr. Lionel… who might be her future boss, because there were rumors that Mr. Lionel was planning to buy Gentlemen.

Snapping back to reality, Daphne looked at Lionel with a full–faced smile, “What an honor to be your human shield!”

“Babe, if you don’t show your face, you’re not a real shield.” Lionel looked at Daphne with a charming gaze.

Hearing Lionel say the word ‘babe‘, Daphne felt her legs go weak.

She forced a smile at Lionel, “Mr. Lionel, just call me Daphne!”

“Daphne.”

“Hmm?” Indeed, being called by her name sounded much better.

“You’re in trouble.”

Daphne looked out the car window, then she hesitated and looked at Lionel, asking, “Why? What happened?”

Lionel thought carefully and answered Daphne seriously, “I mean, you might need some help.”

Just as Daphne was pondering the meaning of his answer, the driver opened the car door again and walked in, handing Lionel a black bag.

Lionel took the bag and handed it to Daphne.

Daphne, somewhat puzzled, took the bag and then glanced at the shape inside… pads and tampons?

Daphne immediately thought of Lionel’s words and her face turned pale…

She immediately stood up from the car seat, her face full of embarrassment…

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