Next One Is a Babe

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John apologized upon entering the living room, “Sorry for being late. I had a client who came to me at the last minute.”

With a wave of his hand, Logan dismissed his concern. “It’s all fine as long as you’re here. Let us begin, and we can leave as soon as we end this.” Although he didn’t sound malicious, it did make the rest of them feel uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, John led the four of them upstairs and into the study. Logan got himself a chair before sitting with his legs propped up, as if without a care in the world, whereas Lola sat down some distance away from him after getting her own chair.

Even without Sophia’s reminder, John could see that Logan and Lola didn’t seem as close as before. Averting his gaze, he wore a smile while thinking to himself, That’s right. Their relationship wouldn’t have progressed if they maintained their previous dynamic. Only through conflicts and arguments that relationships are able to develop. Looking at Logan, John said, “You should move closer. Sitting too far away from each other makes it hard for us to proceed with the discussion.”

Lola gave it some thought before moving closer, whereas Logan followed suit reluctantly after a few seconds, not unlike a child throwing a tantrum. Watching Logan’s behavior from the sidelines, Sophia stifled a laugh upon realizing he did that precisely because he wanted to get Lola’s attention. He wanted her to know that he was upset, and would like her to comfort him. Due to his straightforwardness, that was all the pettiness he could manage.

As soon as they were all settled, John began explaining the plans for that day. Ernest’s birthday celebration would begin in the afternoon, and would seemingly carry on into the night, which would be the ideal time to implement their plans. John and Sophia were planning to get to the venue a little later than the designated starting time. After that, Sophia would only spend an hour at the venue before retreating. With the skies having darkened by that point, it would be easier for Lola to take Sophia’s place without being noticed.

Nodding his head, Logan seemed to be quite invested in the plan although his relationship with Lola was somewhat strained at that point in time. “I will be attending the event with you guys. Hanging around Sophia from the beginning will make things look less odd when I am with Lola after she takes Sophia’s place.”

John agreed to his suggestion with a nod before turning to ask Lola, “What do you make of this arrangement, Miss Hunt?”