Chapter 24 No More Mask
Erwina read the chat and smiled with satisfaction.
She’d been waiting for an opportunity.
Schrader Restaurant was about to open its District I branch, and
this huge fanbase would give her an ace in the hole.
Megan had her eye on the manager role, but it wouldn’t be easy.
After ending the
- am.
Erwina checked the news. One
headline jumped out, “BREAKING: Top Commander of UEP
Finally Shows His Face!”
That was today’s biggest bombshell, and everyone online was
losing it.
16
“Okay, fine, I figured he’d be hard on the eyes. He’s insanely hot.”
“I’m having Top Commander’s babies! No one can stop me!”
“Girl, he just said he’s married. Chill.”
“Aww! My imaginary relationship falls apart before it even
starts.”
“Who is his wife, though? Bet she’s from some ancient noble
Chapter 24 No More Mask
bloodline.”
Erwina touched the tip of her nose, a little embarrassed. “So
Gustav’s not divorcing me just yet?” she mumbled.
It wouldn’t take long for the internet to piece it together.
Plenty of people had seen him at the wedding, so someone was
bound to recognize Gustav and ask her.
She wasn’t worried about the other guests that day; all she cared
about was her family. They expected a proper explanation.
After a shower to wash off the grease and smoke, she got
changed and joined her family for dinner.
Erwina had already vacuum–sealed the salt–baked fish and sent
it off using a virtual address.
M
Mr. Frost lived in District I, too, which caught her off guard at
first.
A
A
Then again, it made sense–most wealthy people lived in the
Upper Three Districts or better, and District I was home to the
richest in the empire.
At dinner, Megan was quiet, probably because Derrick was
there. She knew he could see through cheap tricks in seconds.
Chapter 24 No More Mask
She knew he could see through cheap tricks in seconds.
Ethan and Elaine were way easier to handle by comparison.
Ethan was gullible and easy to flatter; Elaine had a quick
temper.
As Erwina was still figuring out how to explain her marriage to
Gustav, Ethan jumped the gun.
He glanced at both girls, then turned to Derrick. “Dad, since
they’re heading to District I for school, maybe it’s time to figure
out who’s taking over the new branch.”
A
Erwina stayed calm, eating her soup. Out of the corner of her
eye, she caught Megan fighting back a smirk.
N
Derrick took his time. “They’re both green. No need to rush.”
AS
“Dad, Meg’s actually got solid experience. She’s been interning at
the restaurant, learning straight from me. Wina’s health hasn’t
been great. I don’t want her stressed out.”
Derrick barely reacted. But Elaine set her fork down with a
sharp clink.
Erwina tapped her foot against Elaine’s under the table to stop
her from blowing up.
Elaine paused, then gave her a confused look.
Erwina winked, and Elaine held back.
Then she smiled and gently added more soup to Ethan’s plate.
“Dad, I know you worry about my health. But if Meg’s doing everything and I’m just resting, won’t she think that’s unfair?”
“I…” Ethan glanced at Megan.
