Chapter 79: Julian’s Sabotage Begins
The next morning, Ava arrived at the matchmaking event feeling surprisingly... good. The Pont des Arts challenge had been chaotic but fulfilling, and despite Mei’s relentless teasing, the easy companionship with Ryan had settled into something warm and steady.
That should have been her first warning that something was about to go terribly wrong.
Because when things were going too well, it usually meant Julian was lurking in the shadows with a smirk and a plan.
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Ava and Ryan stood at the grand entrance of the Hotel De L’Amour, where today’s matchmaking event was taking place. The ballroom was elegant, with soft candlelight, fresh floral arrangements, and romantic jazz playing in the background. Couples-to-be were gathered at separate tables, eagerly waiting to meet their matches.
Margaux, the ever-poised host of L’Amour Élite, took the stage. "Today, you will be arranging one-on-one introductions for your assigned clients. A proper matchmaker must see beyond the surface—beyond algorithms, beyond first impressions. Your job is to ensure your clients find genuine chemistry."
Ava glanced at Ryan. "Sounds easy enough."
Ryan grinned. "You say that now."
Little did they know, Julian Ashcroft was already several steps ahead of them.
Across the room, Julian casually sipped his espresso while watching his assistant, Bethany, execute his master plan. She hovered near the staff managing the seating arrangements, discreetly swapping out client profile cards at key tables.
By the time Ava and Ryan received their official seating list, their entire client roster had been altered.