chapter1195

Brody showed up in a suit, walking in with the Shaw family by his side. The room was packed with important people, all of them either wealthy or influential. Brody looked like he was in a great mood as he stepped up to the stage and said a few words. After that, people lined up to wish him happy birthday and hand over their gifts.

Lydia had come tonight... but honestly, she hadn't brought a gift. Juna was in the same boat. Luckily, her parents Mason and Sade had that covered. When Carter presented a painting from the famous artist Owen, the entire party buzzed with excitement.

"Brody is so lucky. Carter actually got something from Owen!"

"I know, right? Owen's work is basically impossible to get."

"I need to talk to Carter later. My dad would love an Owen painting for his birthday."

"Same here. My dad's a huge fan too."

Once the gift-giving was over, Brody announced that the party could really begin.

Lydia, Juna, Nathaniel, and Lincoln grabbed a small table in the corner and dove right into the food.

"This Royal Hotel spread is always amazing. So good," Juna said, giving a big thumbs-up.

Lincoln let out a little laugh. "You know who owns this place, right?"

He turned to Lydia. "Hey, Lydia, talk to your guy for me. Think he could hook me up with a discount? I'm not asking for anything crazy... fifty percent off would be nice."

Juna rolled her eyes. "Are you dreaming? Fifty percent? The best I ever get is thirty percent off."

Everybody knew the Royal Hotel didn't do discounts. Only VIP members ever got twenty percent off, at most.

Lincoln jumped right in. "Perfect, thirty percent works for me."

Juna stopped, realizing too late that Lincoln had tricked her into revealing her discount.

Nathaniel looked over at Lydia. "What's Connor been up to lately? Haven't seen hide nor hair of him."

Lydia raised an eyebrow. "He's out of the country."

Nathaniel shook his head. Yeah, I know he's abroad, but he's been

gone forever. What's he actually doing? And you're

hot with hir Aren't you worried some other girl

will catch his eye?"

Connor was the type who always attracted attention, even more than Mikey. Nathaniel was just looking out for his cousin.

Lydia smirked. "If someone does, they do. If he's really interested, I'll even help them out."

Nathaniel just stared at her, speechless.

Lincoln whistled. "See, that's Lydia for you. Always so chill. If you want a new guy, just get a new guy. Don't qet stuck on just one person wait, hey, what are you doing?"

He broke off when he saw Juna pointing her phone at him, recording.

Juna grinned. "Go on, keep talking. I'll send this to Connor and show him who's trying to steal his girlfriend while he's gone."

Lincoln nearly choked. "Seriously? That's so low. What kind of friend does that?"

Juna shot back, "You want to know what's you, Connor and Lydia are my OTP YOU

m telling you

break them up, I'll make you regret it."

Okay, okay, I'm sorry! I was just joking. Please delete it!"

If Connor saw that video, he was doomed. He'd be stuck doing push-ups for days.

"I'll delete it, but you owe me. Cover my meal at the Royal Hotel, and I'll treat next time."

Lincoln just stared at her. If she wanted money, why not just ask? Why was she going through all this?

They were still bickering when a new voice chimed in. "Miss Norwood."

Lydia turned around. It was Nina, smiling politely.

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything."