Chapter 31: For the girls, keeping him out of trouble!!

The afternoon sun washed the college gate in a warm amber hue as the group stepped outside. Josh waved one last time, his spirit visibly lifted, before heading toward his bus.

Celina brushed her hair back and turned to Becky and Rose, “Are you guys going to the charity event tomorrow?”

Becky sighed, dragging her feet slightly. “Not really. My elder brother usually takes care of these ’social duties’.”

“Same here,” Rose chimed in. “I’m the youngest, I get away with skipping these things.”

“You guys are so lucky,” Celina grumbled, crossing her arms. “I’m the only child, so my dad makes sure I show up at every single one.”

Rose laughed and nudged her. “Of course you have to. You’re going to inherit everything. Unless…” Her eyes drifted mischievously toward Miles, “he finds you a prince charming before that.”

Celina flushed red almost instantly.

Miles sighed and held up his hands. “You girls… don’t look at me like that. Uncle Victor was my dad’s friend. That’s all. You think way too much.”

Becky snorted. “You say that like you’re not already halfway there.”

Trying to change the subject, Rose asked, “So, what are you wearing to the event, Celina?”

“Hmm, not decided yet,” she said, tapping her chin. “But I have an idea. Let’s go shopping.”

“Ooooh!” Becky’s eyes lit up. “How about right now?”

“Yes, let’s go!” Rose echoed.

Celina turned to Miles. “And what about you? What are you wearing?”

Miles looked down at his black sweatshirt and jeans. “I was thinking… something like this. It’s comfortable.”

Celina’s jaw dropped. “What are you talking about? Do you even know where we’re going? This is Star Harbor’s biggest charity event! There’ll be high-society people, sponsors, corporate heirs, media—”

“What a trouble,” Miles groaned with a smirk.

Celina crossed her arms. “Come with us. You’re getting something decent.”

Miles blinked. “What, now?”

“Yes! College is off tomorrow anyway,” Celina said, already walking toward the parking lot.

He quickly took out his phone and called home. Elena picked up.

“Mom, I’ll be home late. Can you pick up Hope and Asher from school?”

“Okay, son,” Elena said warmly. “Enjoy your day.”

Miles hung up and looked ahead at the three girls already chattering excitedly about styles and colors.

He sighed and followed.

“Let the fashion torture begin,” he muttered under his breath.

“Let’s go…” Miles said, pushing the gate open with one hand and gesturing toward the street. “But I’m driving.”

“Oooh, so you can

drive but you can’t drink?” Becky raised an eyebrow playfully.

Rose smirked. “You already forgot who drove you home from the club that night?”

Becky blinked. “Oops… I must’ve been really drunk.”

They all laughed.

“Wait—was that your car?” Rose suddenly asked, turning toward Miles.

Celina jumped in before he could answer. “Yes, it was his. The interior was insane—like something out of a sci-fi movie. Miles, let’s take that one again.”

Miles gave a mock look of horror. “You girls are literally spoiled. Driving sports cars to college like it’s no big deal…”

As they walked to the side lane, he pulled out his phone. “Wait, let me make a call.”

The line connected quickly.

“Yes, boss?” came Monica’s familiar voice. “How’s your college life going? I see you’re quite the college boy now… already hanging out with girls?” she teased, a chuckle in her tone.

Miles froze. “Whaaaat?”

“I was joking, boss,” she said sweetly. “How can I help?”

“I need a ride. Send a car to the college gate. I’m taking these girls shopping.”

Monica’s laughter came again—light, casual, teasing. “Okay, boss. Wait ten minutes. I’m sending you a gift.”

“Wait—don’t send anything fan—”

The call ended before he could finish.

Miles groaned, lowering his phone. “This girl never listens to me.”

Celina tilted her head. “Who was that?”

“Yeah,” Becky said, folding her arms. “Who’s the lady calling you boss and laughing like that, huh?”

Miles sighed and looked away dramatically. “I was just calling for a car.”

Celina excited. “your car, really?”

“Yeah,” Miles shrugged. “Can’t exactly walk to it with you three fashion critics around.”

The girls exchanged glances.

“Hmm,” Becky smirked. “So mysterious… you make one call and poof—a ride shows up?”

Rose crossed her arms. “And that lady who picked up… who was she?”

Miles rolled his eyes. “Just someone who helps me out sometimes. Chill.”

Celina narrowed her eyes. “That didn’t answer anything.”

Just then, a low engine hum rolled in from the corner of the street.

A sleek black SUV glided up to the curb—its surface polished like a mirror, reflecting the late afternoon sky. The windows were deeply tinted, and the subtle glow of rose-gold ambient lighting inside hinted at quiet luxury.

The car stopped perfectly in front of them. A sharply dressed man stepped out and opened the door with a polite nod.

“Mr. Miles Sterling, here’s the key”

Miles nodded casually.

Celina’s eyes widened slightly. “Wait… this is not the car from last time.”

“Told you,” Miles muttered to himself. “She never listens.”

Becky’s jaw dropped as she peeked inside. “Woah… the stitching on those seats…”

A small bouquet of white lilies sat neatly on the passenger seat, wrapped in black ribbon. There was a tiny card attached.

Celina picked it up and read aloud:“For the girls keeping him out of trouble. – M.”

The three girls slowly turned and stared at Miles.

Miles threw up his hands. “I swear I didn’t ask for that!”

Rose grinned. “Sure, Mr. Smooth.”

“Who’s ’M’, huh?” Becky teased. “A secret admirer?”

Miles groaned and walked toward the car. “Can we please go shopping before you three turn into detectives?”

Celina, Becky, and Rose burst into laughter and followed him inside. The door shut with a soft click, and instrumental jazz began playing in the background as the car pulled away from campus.

The SUV pulled smoothly into the driveway of Star Central Mall, its towering glass façade glowing under the golden hue of sunset.

As the car stopped near the VIP entrance, two uniformed security guards immediately approached. One of them recognized Miles and gave a respectful nod.

“Good afternoon, sir.”

Miles nodded back and casually handed over the keys. “Take care of her.”

The guards bowed slightly as they took the car, opening the main door for the group.

As the four entered, Rose looked around in awe. “Woah… the mall looks so different. I was just here last week!”

Becky chimed in, “Didn’t this place get acquired by Reaper Entertainment just a few days ago?”

Celina glanced at Miles and caught his subtle smile.

She smiled back knowingly. So… this is your playground now, huh?

Meanwhile, Rose was still admiring the marble floors and new luxury brand displays. “Hey Miles, don’t you have a friend in Reaper Entertainment or something? Can’t you pull some strings and get us a discount?”

Becky jumped in, grinning. “Yes, please! I’d love a little VIP treatment.”

Before Miles could reply, Celina playfully smacked Becky’s arm. “Don’t be so greedy! We’re here to shop, not loot the place.”

But Miles just laughed. “It’s fine. Go ahead—shop for whatever you want. I’ll handle the rest. No one’s going to ask you for a single penny.”

Rose stopped in her tracks. “Wait… what? Are you serious?”

Becky blinked. “Miles, we were joking! You don’t really have to—”

Miles raised a brow with a calm smile. “Just have fun.”

Rose exchanged a look with Becky, then whispered, “Okay… that was kinda hot.”

Celina rolled her eyes but smiled.

And with that, the girls took off—each heading toward their favorite stores, dragging Miles along in the whirlwind of high heels, handbags, and nonstop laughter.

It was going to be a long day. But for once, Miles didn’t mind.

….

Hall Enterprise – 15th Floor, Chairman’s Office

The large corner office overlooked the glittering skyline of Star Harbor, the city’s steel and light stretching beyond the glass like a living canvas. The room was sharp—minimalist, but expensive. Leather, glass, and cold steel dominated the decor.

Standing near the floor-to-ceiling window was Austin Hall, the formidable Chairman of Hall Enterprise. In his late fifties, Austin was tall, sharply dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, his silver-streaked black hair combed back immaculately. His face was lined with years of ruthless business dealings—cold eyes, always calculating, always one step ahead. In his hand was a half-finished glass of scotch, his gaze fixed on the horizon, as if watching the city bow to his empire.

Behind him, leaning casually against a sleek glass desk, was his eldest son, Mark Hall—mid-20s, strikingly handsome with sharp features and perfectly styled hair. He wore a designer blazer over a casual T-shirt, more model than businessman, his confidence bordering on arrogance. His smirk never quite left his lips—a man used to getting what he wanted, and never hearing “no.”

Austin spoke without turning. “Tomorrow night at the charity event, Celina Wraithbourne will be there. The sole heir to the Wraithbourne fortune. This is your chance.”

Mark raised an eyebrow. “Celina, huh? I’ve heard of her… Victor Wraithbourne’s little princess.”

Austin turned slightly, eyes narrowed. “She’s not just Victor’s daughter. She’s the key to doubling our grip on this city. If we can merge with Wraithbourne Holdings, we’ll have control over logistics, shipping, weapons, and tech corridors from Port Meridian to the northern line.”

Mark smiled, walking around the desk to face his father. “Relax, Dad. I’ve dropped the other girls. This one… I’ll make sure she’s hooked. No girl in this city can resist my charm.”

He let out a short, cocky laugh. “Besides, I heard she’s gorgeous. This might even be fun.”

Austin’s jaw clenched. “This isn’t fun, Mark. This is war in a tuxedo. Victor’s company might be miles ahead of us in core power, but with Celina under our banner… we close that gap.”

Mark’s smile didn’t fade, but his eyes darkened slightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

Austin stepped forward, setting down his glass. “You better. If you screw this up—” he tapped his desk twice, “—I’ll send your younger brother instead.”

Mark’s expression faltered for just a second. Then he straightened. “I can do this.”

Austin gave him a long, unreadable look. Then finally nodded once. “You’ll have one shot tomorrow. Don’t waste it.”

Mark smirked again, turning to leave.

Tomorrow night… the game would begin.

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