chapter595

Katie was Lydia's manager. The two of them knew each other inside out. Lydia

hated boring event invites and random collaborations, and Katie always went along with her decisions. But this time was different.

Katie cleared her throat. Look, I had no choice. The person asking for this favor is my ex."

Lydia blinked. "Wait, really?"

"Yeah," Katie sighed. "Don't get the wrong idea. There's no way I'd get back together with him. He just bought me dinner, and now I feel like I owe him something."

"So buy him dinner next time. Problem solved."

Katie sounded desperate. Babe, come on, I'm begging here."

Lydia rolled her eyes but gave in. "Fine. Five minutes."

Immediately, Katie perked up. "You're the best. I'll send you the address!

After hanging up, Lydia texted Katie the location. She was sitting on a bench in a little pavilion off LYLX Road, just killing time.

Meanwhile, Elliot got the address and glanced at Leo, surprised. "Okay, I take back what I said. You've still got game."

Leo just raised his eyebrows. "Go on, then. It's all up to you.

Elliot threw on his disguise, got in his car, and drove to meet Lorelei. When he arrived, he parked, tugged his cap lower, pulled his mask up, and checked the area for lurking paparazzi before getting out.

From a distance, he spotted a girl in a similar getup, hat and mask on, slouched on the bench and glued to her phone. She looked relaxed, probably playing a game. He paused for a second. Was this Lorelei? There was no one else around.

He walked over, still not entirely sure. The girl didn't even glance up, totally absorbed in whatever was on her screen.

Elliot cleared his throat. "Excuse me, are you Lorelei?"

Lydia finally put her phone away and looked up. Even with most of her face hidden; her eyes were mesmerizing. For a moment, Elliot was caught off guard she had this quiet, elegant vibe that was hard to ignore.

"That's me," Lydia replied, her tone cool and distant.

Elliot was stunned by how young she looked, almost like she was still in high school. He forced a smile. "Hi, I'm

"Katie already told me," Lydia cut him off. "I don't have time, and I'm not interested."

She shut him down so fast he barely got his name out. Elliot just stood there, feeling awkward. Since when did he get rejected this easily? Him, of all people? If anyone found out, they'd probably never let him live i down.

"Can I get

Yost one song? That's all I'm asking. Name your price. Anchet

your fans would be so excited if they knew we'd be on stage together."

Lydia stood up. "Sorry. I don't even have time for one song."

She turned and started to leave.

Elliot couldn't believe it. He'd never met anyone this blunt, though to be fair, he and Lorelei were basically strangers.

"Do you have something against me?" Elliot called after her, still trying.

Lydia looked back, clearly annoyed. "I don't even know you. How could I have anything against you?"

Elliot was speechless. Did she really not know who he was? Was this for real? Or was she just pretending for attention?

Are you just doing this to get a reaction out of me?" He couldn't help himself. With his looks, it was always a possibility.

Lydia actually laughed, looking at him like he was crazy. "Are you nuts?"