Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 187

"Seriously, they do look like them!" I remarked, pointing out the similarity.

Following my gaze, Christine burst into excitement, "Let's hurry!"

She unbuckled her seat belt and dashed out of the car. I quickly followed, and we both raced into the hotel lobby. But they were nowhere to be seen.

Left with no other option, we approached the hotel reception. With a charming smile and a gentle voice, Christine inquired, "Hey there, about the couple that just walked in, is there a big age difference between them?"

Her beauty and friendly demeanor made it easy for people to lower their guard.

One of the younger receptionists almost spilled the beans. "Seems like quite a bit..."

"What's quite a bit? Maybe you don’t want your job anymore." An experienced receptionist quickly cut her off, "Sorry, but we cannot disclose any information about our guests."

"That old man might be my dad!" Christine quickly concocted a story, tears welling in her eyes. "My mom stood by him through thick and thin, and now that he's made some money, he's off keeping a young thing behind her back!"

I was astonished at Christine's ability to weave such a tale on the spot. The younger receptionist, moved by anger, exclaimed, "Ah! That's so wrong! What a sleazebag!"

Realizing the need to switch tactics, Christine turned to the other receptionist, pleading, "Please, just tell me. Were the man and woman who just walked in named Albert Ferguson and Margaret?"

"No." When hearing the names, the receptionist promptly responded, "You can relax now. You must have mistaken it."

It didn't seem like a lie.

Christine glanced at me, and I shook my head, saying, "We couldn't have been mistaken."

Christine pondered. "So... do we wait here for them to come out?"

"No need." I immediately dismissed the idea. "Let's go have a drink instead."

"Why?"

"They didn't even use their real identities to check in." Glancing at the time, I added, "It's about to be party time, and this is a fancy hotel. They're likely to run into someone they know and won't risk coming out together like they did before."

I had to admit they were cautious. No wonder their deep connection had remained undiscovered.

Understanding the situation better, Christine started the car with a sense of mischief. "I knew it! When I saw them at the mall last time, I felt something was off. Since when do a man and his stepdaughter get that close? Turns out they are playing a whole different family drama."