Chapter 124: Unexpected Visit
Matthew
I hadn’t told her I was coming to New York. And I made Sarah promise not to say anything to her.
Ever since I spoke to Hailey last week, a small part of me has nagged at my brain. Hailey sounded nervous and I started to wonder why.
As her older brother, I had always been super protective over her and she is having trouble at her new job, I can’t just leave her alone to deal with it!
Hailey might be brilliant, capable, and stubborn as hell, but that doesn’t change the fact that she is my baby sister. And when something feels off, I show up.
So I did even though I know Hailey won’t love this...unexpected visit.
I booked the flight and landed this morning. Didn’t even check into the hotel before coming straight here. I figured I’d take her out to lunch, check in, and see what kind of circus this Marcus Winters character was really running.
I walk toward the reception desk, my heart beating nervously.
The receptionist glances up from her computer, her eyes momentarily hidden behind the gleam of her glasses as a polished smile spreads smoothly across her face. "Welcome to Luxe Magazine. Do you have an appointment?" she inquires, her voice a practiced melody of professionalism.
"Not exactly," I reply, shifting the strap of my bag on my shoulder, trying to keep my nerves in check. "I’m here to see Hailey Jameson."
Her eyes flicker with a hint of curiosity as she blinks, then her fingers dance swiftly over the keyboard, the soft clatter filling the brief silence. "And your name?" she asks, her tone both polite and probing.