~Lexi~
The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I felt out of place.
Not in a bad way...
Just in a this isn't my world kind of way.
Everything about it screamed money.
The soft golden lighting, the polished marble floors, the quiet hum of low conversations—no loud laughter, no chaos, just controlled elegance. Even the way people sat... straight-backed, composed, like they belonged here.
This was the kind of place where deals were made with a single handshake.
Where people didn't ask the price.
They already knew they could afford it.
I smoothed down my dress slightly, taking a steady breath.
Don't look nervous.
Fake it.
That's what I'd always done.
The hostess approached me almost instantly, her smile polite but her eyes assessing.
"Good evening, madame."
"Monroe meeting, please," I said, glancing around casually, trying to spot Lilly.
The woman's expression shifted slightly.
Recognition.
Her eyes widened just a fraction.
Ah.
She thought I was meeting him.
Jasper Monroe.
If only she knew.
"Of course," she said quickly. "Please, follow me."
I walked behind her, heels clicking softly against the floor, trying not to take in everything too obviously.
But it was hard not to.
The place was... stunning.
As we moved further into the restaurant, toward the more private seating area at the back, I spotted her.
Lilly.
Composed as always, sitting at a round table.
And beside her—
A man.
Older.
Confident.
Already watching me.
That must be Mike Roberts.
The hostess gestured toward the table before stepping away, leaving me to walk the rest of the distance alone.
Showtime.
Lilly stood as I approached, a proud smile touching her lips.
"Mr Roberts," she said smoothly, "this is Lexi Dover—Mr Monroe's new assistant."
New assistant.
Not candidate.
My chest lifted slightly at that.
The man stood, his eyes scanning me openly before he extended his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Lexi," he said, his tone warm but... assessing. "Tell me—have you ever considered modelling?"
I blinked slightly.
Well.
That was unexpected.
"If I sign," he continued with a small grin, "one of my ideas is to introduce a new face to the brand. And you... would be perfect."
YOU ARE READING
The Billionaire Recluse & The girl who stayed.
Romantik⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️ This story contains themes of violence, kidnapping, human trafficking, trauma, grief, and mental health struggles. Reader discretion is advised. He was broken. She stayed. And loving him almost destroyed her. Jasper Monroe is a...
