chapter828

Leo might not have known the details between the two sisters, but it was obvious enough that Lydia wanted nothing to do with Lucinda's invitation. To be honest, she didn't even want to be in the same room as her. But Lucinda was persistent, clinging to the idea of them all eating together and refusing to let it go.

Someone had to step in or they'd be standing there all day. Leo sighed and figured he'd handle it himself. That way, at least nobody would go hungry and they could all get on with their day.

The second he spoke up, Elliot, Lydia, and Lucinda all turned to him, waiting.

Leo flashed a cocky grin. "Alright, since we're all already here, let's just get lunch. After lunch, everyone can do their own thing. Nothing beats a good meal, right?"

Elliot looked at Lydia. He knew she didn't want to be here, and he hated putting her in this spot. Quietly, he leaned toward her. "Lydia...?"

Lydia cut him off before he could say more. "It's fine. Let's just get lunch. You've got a lot to do later anyway." She didn't want to keep him any longer.

So the four of them made their way to the buffet a couple buildings down.

The neighborhood was crawling with paparazzi, and of course, one of them managed to snap a few photos. Within minutes, Elliot's name was plastered all over the trending lists.

#ElliotOutWithMysteryGirlfriendAndSister

#ElliotMysteryGirlfriend

#IsElliotTaken

Social media exploded. Every platform was buzzing about Elliot's so-called new girlfriend.

Leo had barely settled into his seat when his phone started blowing up. Reporters from all over were calling, desperate for confirmation. He sat there stunned, still trying to figure out how things had spiraled so fast.

For a top celebrity, especially a single male idol, news like this was a nightmare. Even though Elliot didn't care about fame or money and was just in the business for fun, he still had a contract-one that specifically said no dating. If this rumor took off, there could be trouble.

Hanging up, Leo grabbed his phone and scrolled through the news. His jaw dropped. Unbelievable. These paparazzi really don't know when to quit!"

Elliot frowned. "What's going on?"

Leo shoved his phone across the table. Look at this. They're saying Lydia is your secret girlfriend. There's not even a picture of you two holding hands, nothing. But somehow, everyone thinks it's true."

Lucinda checked her phone, too. Sure enough, there she was in the background of the photos and even in a video. Lydia had kept her cap and mask on and was walking close to Eliot, So everyone online just"

assumed she was his girlfriend.

Anti-fans were already flooding the comment sections.

[So much for his single-guy image. Guess that's over. Who even is this girl? Probably just some nobody trying to get famous off him. His taste is terrible.]

[Why would he get a girlfriend? She's not even pretty. My heart is shattered. I can't believe I wasted all that time being his fan. He's probably been hiding her for ages and lying to us. What a fake.]

[This is beyond disappointing. He always played up being single to get fans like us to support him. Now it's obvious he's just using this relationship for attention. Gross!]

[He has a girlfriend now? Did he forget who made him famous? Without his fans, he's nothing. And now he's just ignoring us to date some random girl? Please. There are plenty of good-looking guys in the industry. He's not special.]

Lucinda's face turned red as she scrolled through the comments. "This is just too much. How can they say Elliot has no taste? And calling Lydia nothing special? What is wrong with these people?"