Chapter: 23
“I'm doubling your bonus this month. Enjoy the rest of your day off. I'm off to see Alan," Lilliana declared, her mood visibly buoyant as she dismissed him with a casual wave.
“Thank you, Miss Willis. I'll take my Leave," he replied, exiting the room.
Alone, Lilliana preened in front of her mirror, refreshing her makeup and opting for an outfit that marked a stark departure from her usual guise. Today, she chose a style that echoed Ashley's-a mix of innocence and seductive charm, completed with bright red lipstick.
This blend of naivety and allure was what had fixed Ashley in Alan's memory over the years.
Upon her arrival, Alan was engulfed in work and barely acknowledged her presence, permitting her entry with merely a cursory nod.
Lilliana edged closer, her voice dripping with intimacy. "Alan, have you seen the latest buzz? Everyone's praising me online as a genius designer! It seems my career has just skyrocketed!"
She flaunted her phone, displaying a trending Twitter post, eagerly anticipating his commendation.
Alan's brow creased slightly, his response Lukewarm.
“Hmm, that's nice," he muttered, his praise obviously perfunctory.
Undeterred by his lackluster reaction, Lilliana deliberately tripped, tumbling into Alan's lap and instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.
She mimicked the mannerisms of Ashley, employing her charm in an attempt to captivate him.
Fluttering her eyelashes, she breathed out seductively, "Alan, don't you find me stunning today?"
Alan hesitated, momentarily caught off guard by her resemblance to Ashley in certain gestures and expressions. However, he quickly composed himself, forcibly removing her arms and shifting her off his lap.
“Lilliana, what are you doing?" he demanded, his tone edged with annoyance.
Lilliana's lips formed a pout as she feigned hurt at his rebuff.
"Alan, do I not look better like this? Ashley always said we were a perfect match!" Lilliana's intentions were blatantly clear now.
Alan's hand slammed down on the desk, his face contorted with fury.
"Just stop! Do you even realize what you're saying?"
"I'm serious, Ashley wished that if she were dead, I should offer my support and stay on your side."
His hand crashed down on the desk again, the sound echoing through the room. "I said enough! I'm not interested in such nonsense. You're lucky you're her sister, I'll let it slide this time. Now get out!"
Lilliana stood frozen, her mouth open as if to argue. She had meticulously planned everything. How could she fail now? Alan had always indulged her; didn't that mean he felt a little bit of love for her?
Lost in her thoughts, Lilliana didn't even notice Alan calling for his assistant, Dylan Evans.
“Dylan, escort her out! And wait for my permission before you let her in from now on!"
After he sent Lilliana on her way, Alan's mood took a turn for the worse.