My Substitute CEO Bride

"You must be Mr. Melton's esteemed guest. Hello, I'm your personal butler. You can call me Beau," he greeted.

"Oh, hello. Where's Mr. Melton? Take me to him," Zaafea said flatly.

"Of course! This way, please," Beau replied. He led Zaafea to an elevator.

"Just take this up. It's the private elevator to the top floor." Beau then explained enthusiastically, "The Howard Hotel offers a range of luxurious packages. It's around lunchtime. If you need anything, we can prepare the most exquisite lunch in Sithley for you. What would you-"

Zaafea stepped into the elevator and quickly stopped Beau from following. "Not now. I have urgent business with Mr. Melton. Maybe later. And you don't need to come up."

Beau was taken aback, his smile faltering for a moment. However, he nodded and continued smiling as Zaafea ascended alone.

After the elevator doors closed, the staff began to gossip. Many of them came up to Beau and complained.

"Did you see that guy? He looked like a mess and was so rude."

"Yeah. He walked in with a scowl like someone owed him a fortune. You're too nice. If it were me..."

"Enough!" Beau took off his glasses. "Get back to work. No more idle chatter."

No one liked being snubbed, but what could Beau do? This was Clint's guest. While the staff might grumble, Beau had to maintain decorum and professionalism.

He was afraid that the Meltons might close the hotel down. Being trusted by the Melton family meant handling their orders without complaint. Since Clint had asked for VIP treatment for his guest, Beau complied without question. The elevator reached the top floor, and Zaafea strolled out leisurely.novelbin

The top floor was enclosed by a large glass dome. To the left was a swimming pool, to the right a giant screen, and in the center, a large pool table. Clint sat in a chair nearby.

"Did Beau not come up with you?" Clint asked.

"You mean the butler? He was too noisy, so I told him to stay put." Zaafea waved dismissively.

"Oh? When did he become your butler?"

"He said so himself. How would I know? Are you close to him?" Zaafea asked, puzzled.

"Yes, very much. Beau watched over my brother and me as we grew up. He used to be our butler, but later on... Never mind," Clint trailed off.

"Clint."

"Yes? What is it?"

Zaafea sat down across from Clint "I don't want to pry into your past as it won't benefit me. But I need you to tell me personally, what exactly is your heart's burden?"

Clint thought for a moment, then looked up at the sky. He pointed to the pool table.

"Do you play?"

"I'm the world's top player."

Clint laughed at Zaafea's claim. "You?"

"Don't believe me? Let's try. I'll let

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"Alright. Let's see how good you are."

Clint broke the rack, and they played a few games.

"How about letting this last shot slide?" Zaafea asked.

"No way! Take the shot!"

"Alright, alright."

Zaafea lined up his shot, banked the cue ball off three cushions, and sank the eight ball. "Easy."

Clint laughed suddenly. "So, this is what it feels like. It's been so long... Too long."