Lola took a single step inside and stopped, completely frozen in place. Her eyes scanned the crowd, all of whom were staring back at her.
"What did I do?" she asked herself, her mind racing. "Was it the mask?"
She instinctively reached for her head, only to realize she’d already taken it off. She hadn’t had the heart to wear it inside, not wanting to cause trouble or get kicked out. But if it wasn’t the mask, why was everyone staring at her as if they were frozen in a mannequin challenge?
She cleared her throat and cautiously looked at everyone again. "Maybe... it’s not me."
A security guard’s voice broke the silence. "Miss, do you have business here? The reception is just over there."
Lola smiled and nodded. "Yes. Thank you, but there’s no need. I’ll just wait inside since I’m only picking up someone."
"Okay," the security guard nodded with a polite smile.
With that, she glanced at the people even on the upper floors before she resumed her steps. She gave the security guard a short smile before heading to the waiting lounge. As she walked, she couldn’t help but notice every single person’s gaze following her. A frown pulled at her lips, but she tried to ignore it.
"Is she the madam?" one employee whispered to a colleague. "She’s..."
"Gorgeous," a male employee blurted out, his mouth agape, eyes fixed on Lola. "Even if she’s not the madam—wow."
"Is she a celebrity?"
"What would a celebrity do in here?" another one muttered. "The company doesn’t need one for endorsement yet."
"Who knows? If I were part of the executive circle, I would hire her just because."
"She’s not even wearing makeup or dressed up luxuriously," another woman murmured, more in awe than jealousy. She blushed when Lola’s gaze suddenly met hers from below. "Do you think she likes girls?"
Meanwhile, Lola offered an awkward smile to the people who were obviously staring. She secretly winced, looking away and trying not to overthink the stares and whispers.
Is it the outfit? Are they talking bad about me?
She gazed down at herself, thinking that was probably the reason she was earning this attention. She glanced at everyone again, letting out a shallow breath.
Well... even though this is Summit Partners, I guess judgment is everywhere.
She had no idea what they were all talking about, and she didn’t want to know. After all, many people she had met had no qualms about judging and throwing mean comments in other people’s direction. So, this was not a new experience for her.
Lola was here for a reason, and there was no room for her to care about anyone else.
As that clarity settled in her mind and heart, she finally typed her message to Atlas.
[To: Unknown:
I’m already here, by the way.]
Her phone chimed with a reply so fast she could have sworn it didn’t take a blink.
[From: Unknown:
I know.]
Deep lines appeared between her brows, and she looked around, but he wasn’t there. Hence, she looked up at the people on the upper floors. It wasn’t that crowded, but there was quite a lot of audience. Then, as if her eyes had their newly installed Atlas detectors, she saw him.
He was on the third floor, standing near the railing, just staring down at her. He offered no wave, no hello. Just a fixed stare. When he looked away, Lola heard her phone ping once more.
[From: Unknown:
Your mouth. It’s open. Take care on your way.]
Lola instinctively pursed her lips, then looked up at the third floor again. This time, she saw him smirk slightly before he turned and walked away.
"What was he..." she trailed off, watching him disappear from her view. "He didn’t come down for me, did he?"
After all, this was a high-rise building, and considering Atlas was the chairman, his office was on the top floor. That was just how offices and buildings like this were structured. Amid her thoughts, she heard children’s voices echo.
"Mommy~!"
The twins’ voices snapped everyone’s attention, and all eyes shifted to the two children running out of the elevator. As if on cue, every gaze drifted back to Lola.
"So she’s really the madam?" someone whispered, just as a new group entered through the main doors.
It wasn’t enough to get everyone’s attention, but the very few who had seen the group couldn’t help but elbow the people next to them. Unlike Lola, who was in layers of streetwear with no makeup, the new arrival wore a luxurious, form-fitting dress. Her hair was curled in a neat, voluminous style, and her handbag was as elegant as her outfit. Beside her was Allen, the chairman’s closest confidant.
The sight of the small group was enough for everyone to nod in understanding.
"Oh, it’s her," they muttered. "No doubt about it."
"She’s pretty as well," another guy blurted out, then gazed to where Lola was seated. "Or maybe not as much as her."
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and comparing two women isn’t right. However, many of them couldn’t help it. After all, one was walking in a more elegant style while the other gave a more casual demeanor, which didn’t fit the seriousness of the business setting. Given that the twins’ father was the chairman, it seemed natural that he would’ve married someone more mature.
Everyone’s curiosity was answered when the twins stopped in front of the newcomer, who was with Allen and a few others.
"Hmm?" Second and Chacha blinked, looking up at the woman standing before them.
"Chacha, Second," the woman smiled charmingly, bending over to them. "How are—"
"Hello, Uncle Allen~!"
"You’re back so quick, Uncle~! Your bedroom is nice!"
The twins completely ignored the woman, instead turning to Allen with bright smiles.
Allen raised his brows as he gazed at the twins. "Chacha, Second, where are you headed?"
"School!" they cheered. "Our mommy will enroll us in school~!"
They then giggled, unaware of the confusion they were garnering. Without idling for a moment, they turned their heads, their eyes lighting up.
"Mommy~!"