Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 71

At the foot of the mountain, after everything fell silent, Sebastian Hawthorne lit a cigarette. He rested his arm on the lowered car window, his gaze drifting toward the winding mountain road.

Layne turned around from the driver's seat. "Mr. Hawthorne, are we heading back now?"

The man didn't answer. He simply took a slow drag from the cigarette between his fingertips.

A faint scent of dark chocolate and tobacco spread through the air, masking the lingering smell of fireworks inside the car.

After a long time, his phone vibrated.

He picked it up and glanced at the screen. It was just a simple "Happy New Year," without a single extra emoji.

But at the top of the chat, the "typing..." indicator kept flashing on and off.

He waited a moment, watching until the indicator disappeared completely.

Only then did he lock the screen, put out his cigarette, and roll up the window. With a faint curve on his lips, he said, "Let's go."

On the drive back into the city, Layne glanced at the backseat through the rearview mirror, hesitating to speak.

"Speak," Sebastian said concisely.

Layne replied, "Mr. Hawthorne, you asked me to keep an eye on Vera Yates. I heard she's been getting close to Ken Larson from Prestige Group. Also, Roland Ladd scheduled a dinner with Ken Larson at the Kingshire Grand Hotel next week. Ken Larson specifically asked for Ms. Monroe to be there."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "Clear my schedule for that evening."

...

Zachary Sutton had gone on a last-minute business trip right after the holidays, and Audrina Monroe was more than happy to enjoy the peace and quiet. She ended up staying at the family estate to keep Waldo company for a few days before heading straight back to work when her schedule resumed.

Because of the dinner appointment, Audrina wasn't broadcasting that evening.

As dinner time approached, she headed out with Roland Ladd.

In the car, Roland reminded her, "Audrina, be smart tonight. Once we secure this advertising sponsorship, I'll naturally deliver on what I promised you."

"Understood."

The dinner was set at the Kingshire Grand Hotel.

The heat in the private room was cranked up high. Ken Larson sat at the head of the table, his heavy build completely filling the chair.

The moment Audrina walked in, his beady eyes—squinting through fleshy folds—lit up.

"Well, hello there, Ms. Monroe!" He stood up, a greasy smile plastered across his face as he reached out to shake her hand. "You're even prettier than you are on TV!"

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