Chapter 124 - Honey Traps And Honeyed Talks

Marcellus is almost certain that Winter only sees Ace as a friend.

However, after learning from Violet that she personally went to where he's working, he started to have his doubts. Sure, she didn't say anything about having a crush on anyone, but even then, she could end up choosing him so long as she hasn't agreed to date him. Then, as if he's being played with, someone also sent him a picture of the two of them together at the modeling agency that the Minerva Foundation manages.

It's the same anonymous sender who caught Winter and Ace going out on a date in a local coffee shop months ago.

'What the hell's wrong with this person? Are they stalking them or something...?' was what Marcellus first thought as soon as he connected the dots.

'Geez, get a life.'

Now, he doesn't only have to deal with what Violet said about Ace being alone with Winter. He also had to be bothered with this anonymous sender. They're starting to creep him out, especially considering their timings and what their messages are all about.   

It's almost as if they're luring him in. It's like they're trying to make him go there. 

'No, if I go to where she is, I'll be no different from this creep. She deserves some privacy, and if anything, she's only there to support that friend of hers at whatever he's doing,' he told himself before he began to work on the pile of papers that he had to finish within an hour. 

But then came another message from the same anonymous sender, telling him that they wanted to meet him at the same location where Winter and Ace were. Again, he was creeped out. This is getting too suspicious. He really felt that they wanted them there.

Marcellus wanted to ignore it. However, this anonymous sender is somewhere near Winter at that very moment. For all he knows, she can be in danger. She needs to be warned.

He tried to call her. She didn't answer – or more like, she couldn't. 

It says that she can't be reached. He tried again. Still, she didn't pick up. 

"Damn it! Screw this!" 

Having no other choice, Marcellus decided to head there despite the possibility that this could be some sort of a trap.

--- 

"Hi, there!" 

Someone chirped a greeting to Marcellus while he waited for the receptionist to search for Winter and Ace's whereabouts. 

He turns to see a girl he doesn't recognize smiling up at him. Though he had only arrived, he's already starting to gather attention. It can't be helped since everyone there probably knows who he is, and he forgot to wear a disguise because he's in a rush.   

"You're Mr. Marcellus Lexington, right? My name is Chloe, a model here at Minerva Foundation. I'm also a close acquaintance of Ms. Violet Miller's younger brother, Ace. We go to the same university."

So, that's how she knew him. He doesn't really care, though. Who she is doesn't have anything to do with him. Yet to keep up appearances, he at least returns her greeting with a smile. 

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Chloe. How's working here?" Marcellus began.

"Oh, it's lovely. Everyone's nice to me. I really enjoy modeling here," Chloe replied. 

"I see. Keep doing your best, then." 

"Is Mr. Lexington aware that Ace started modeling too? He partnered up with some of our models on his first photoshoot. I believe that partnership is still ongoing. So, you might see him somewhere around here today."

"I'm aware." 

For some reason, she kept telling him about the Miller's. It's almost as if she's using them to pique his interest since he's known to be quite close with Violet. She even told him about how much she's being favored by her father - something about him wanting Ace to date her and all.

"You were chosen to be his marriage interview partner?" Marcellus asked incredulously.

"Yeah. But that didn't succeed. I've heard that he's dating someone now. Many people on campus know about it," Chloe answered bitterly.   

"Wait, what? He is?"

"Oh, is Mr. Lexington that curious~? I guess I'll tell you, then~" 

When she started talking all sweetly, he realized that something's up. He regarded her in confusion while she stared at him with a knowing expression. 

"Apparently, he's dating a girl named Winter. That one from the Middleton family. You do recognize her, don't you? Then again, she was once all over the news."   

He touched his arm in what he assumed was meant to be a friendly gesture.

The fog of confusion lifted, and he saw through her act with startling clarity. She's making a move on him. As if her whole talk about the Miller's is not suspicious enough, she has to pull on something like this. On top of that, she suddenly brought up Winter, too.

It's giving Marcellus the impression that Chloe might be the anonymous sender. 

All kindness drained from his eyes then, and when he smiled down at her again, it was sharp and cold. He went on to mutter, "Are you always this nosy, Ms. Chloe?"

"H-Huh? What do you mean?" she stammered out, stepping back in surprise. 

"Oh, I think you knew exactly what you were doing. I would also greatly appreciate it if you'd refrain from insulting Winter. You know nothing about her relationship with others, and you know nothing about her. Frankly, I'm not sure why you think you have the right to comment on either of those things."

"Is Sir Lexington… c-close to her? You sound like you know her very well."

Marcellus could hear the scorn in Chloe's voice. 

That's when the last piece of the puzzle clicked into place. He recalled that she's attending the same university as Ace, which means that she's also Winter's schoolmate. 

This could be the girl who made her feel ugly.

If his gaze was cold before, it's downright dangerous now. He stepped forward, leaning in so his lips were almost grazing her ear.

"Yes, I am…" he said with a low, deep tone. 

"And let me make something very clear to you. If you ever insult Winter again, or heaven forbid you do something to hurt her, I will personally hack into your school's administration and make sure you never receive another passing grade. From that point on, whether you drop out or get kicked out is up to you."

Chloe's face was drained of color when Marcellus withdrew. Then, suddenly, his smile was back to being bright and charming.

"It's a pleasure making your acquaintances," he told her for the last time, waving as he walked away.

Chloe didn't follow him. Not that Marcellus expected her to. 

He wandered over to the other side of the counter, breathing deeply to quell his anger. Logically speaking, it was a bad idea to threaten her, but he didn't regret his actions in the slightest. 

No one is allowed to stop his Winter from smiling.

Marcellus is vaguely aware of someone coming his way and stopping right beside him. 

Through the corners of his eyes, he could see who it is. He turned and gave his greeting.

"I wasn't expecting that you'd come here, Mr. Minerva."

Jacob appeared, smiling at Marcellus enigmatically. 

--- 

Back in the dressing room, everything is flowing seamlessly. 

The whole thing turned out to be more smooth-sailing than what Winter initially thought. She expected that things would stay awkward after what Ace said a moment ago.

But sunshine boy has always been pretty good in brightening moods. 

Proud of how she seems to be assisting him the way he wants it, she keeps it up and does everything he advises her to – from helping him style his hair to picking the right outfit to wear. That's until it's time to put make-up on him.

There are occasions when male models have to use cosmetics, especially when it's in line with the theme. Though she knows what kind of look she should achieve here, she can't help but be nervous. That's especially because their way of doing it is somewhat misleading.

Ace has inched his face close to hers. Winter needs to be that near to him to do it right. 

Now, she can almost feel his breath hitting her skin. His stunningly handsome features are also dazzling her, which makes concentrating a bit of a struggle.

"Relax, Winter. You can do it."

When Ace spoke up all of the sudden, Winter dropped the brush by accident.

In the end, even though she already feels more than comfortable with a kind and cheerful person like him, a part of her is still protesting. She isn't used to this kind of interaction, especially since it's not Marcellus she's sharing such closeness with.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Ace!"

"I'll get it for you, Winter."

In total sync, the two bent down at the same time to reach for the brush. His hand ended up falling on top of hers then, taking both of them aback.

They looked up again and were met with each other's gaze. Now, they're closer than earlier. Their faces are merely a few good centimeters apart, and anyone who'll see them right then might easily mistake them to be kissing.

And in all actuality, that's what Ace is fantasizing about at that moment.