Chapter 62: Suns

Chapter 62: Suns The manager of Harmony Feast, David, walked ahead of Lola, taking her through the hallway to their most private, beautiful, and renowned dining space, a place exclusive to their VVIP clients. After taking a private lift, Lola soon found herself on a beautiful garden rooftop. At the entrance, a line of servers stood motionless and then lowered their heads. "Welcome, Miss Young." Lola’s brows furrowed as she looked at the servers and then at the manager. David offered her a bright smile and motioned with his hand. "Let me assist you, Miss Young," he said, urging her to follow. Despite her confusion, she followed him and sat down on the chair he pulled out for her. "Thank you," she said. "Anything for you, Miss Young," he returned. "An order is already placed for you, but here are today’s specials just in case. Our chefs will prepare everything fresh for you. Even if it’s not on the list, you can request it, and they will do their best to fulfill it. As for drinks, we have a variety of selections, including wine, champagne, juices, and more." After he finished speaking, a server approached with a trolley cart filled with hors d’oeuvres. "Let me know if you need anything else, Miss Young," he offered, motioning to the servers on standby. "They will be serving you tonight, so feel free to call them for anything." "Oh..." Lola nodded in understanding, smiling at him. "Thank you, but I’m actually with someone. I’ll wait for them first." "Very well." David nodded in understanding, signaling a server to offer the bite-sized treats while she waited. "Wine?" She shook her head. "No, thanks." "If you need me for anything, do not hesitate to call me," he added before finally leaving her alone. As he walked away, Lola stared at him curiously. David, the manager, left the rooftop but not without giving the servers some notes. Most of the crew stood at a distance—close enough to be seen but far enough not to hear them. "The rooftop of Harmony Feast," she whispered as she scanned the surroundings. Of course, Lola had heard of the infamous rooftop. Many socialites dreamed of dining here at least once. Others wanted to use it for their dream wedding reception. However, Lola knew that not everyone could just rent this space. Even with money offered, the restaurant would decline. Their marketing strategy made it more desirable to the upper class. Though the rooftop was beautiful and relaxing, giving off a fairytale and romantic atmosphere, Lola had dined at better places. But because of how hard it was to get a table in the restaurant, and even harder to eat on its rooftop, dining here was a symbol of status. "But the service, I must say, is... not bad," she murmured, nodding in satisfaction. "Surely, this is Atlas Bennet’s life." Lola leaned back in the chair, her palms on the edge of the table. "I wonder if he would ever know the hardships of life?" Thinking about it, Lola shrugged. "Probably not." Atlas Bennet, or Atlas Zorken as he now claimed, came from a rich family. His father owned one of the largest shipping companies abroad, and the last Lola had heard, Atlas’s father had merged two of the biggest shipping companies in Anteca, making them number one in the industry. Even without Summit Partners, the man would still be just as rich and influential if he had simply managed his father’s company. On top of that, Atlas Bennet had three siblings: One was the youngest lieutenant general of Anteca, a very respected man. Another was a superstar whose name and face were known across the globe. Some said that if this brother of his started an army, he would be a threat. Then, lastly, Atlas also had a sister. His sister dominated the security industry in Anteca and was constantly expanding her business, making her name known to every person in the business world. "On top of that, from what I heard, his sister is married to the chairman of the Pierson Corporation, a trillion business empire," she murmured, aware of just how huge that partnership was. "And all of those people... were calling him their big brother," she added quietly, crossing her arms over her chest, deep in thought. Of course, Lola knew those people. She went to the same school as them, especially Atlas’s sister. After all, his sister was the reason he rejected her. And it was also the reason that until now, Lola was a member of that very active fan club. Lola gulped, trying not to be intimidated by this thought, but to no avail. She hadn’t thought much about it before, but now that it crossed her mind, she felt rather small. Even with her accumulated wealth, she wouldn’t dare cross them. Not even the Lancasters would, or even Vito, would think twice. That was how powerful the Bennets were, even in Novera. "They’re... they’re really amazing," she pressed her lips into a thin line, worry creeping into her heart. "What would they say if they heard that their nephew and niece are calling someone like me their mother?" Lola lowered her gaze. "Of course," she whispered. "How could a man like him know hardship?" And she meant the kind of hardship she experienced, not literally zero hardships at all. Someone like him would not know what it feels like to start from scratch, to lose everything, and to rebuild what the world had shattered. "God, Lola..." Lola clutched her bag and picked it up, rising to her feet as she walked away from the rooftop. Why are you associating yourself with such a man? And even daring to get comfortable just because his kids have gotten attached to you? It wasn’t that she hated him, but she knew in this situation, she would be at a loss in the end. Still, it was a good thing that this brief moment of reflection made her realize she was actually playing with fire. A fire that might burn her whole, just because she got too comfortable and flew so high without knowing she flew too close to not just one sun, but a group of suns.