She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 258

The next day, when Maddie found out Lyra wasn't going, she immediately called her. "This place is nearly impossible to book! It's thousands of dollars per person. Since Leo's willing to foot the bill, let's bleed him dry just this once."

Lyra thought for a moment. "Then I'll treat."

Maddie rolled her eyes. "Look at Miss Moneybags over here."

Lyra actually nodded seriously. "Yeah, I've been making a killing lately."

Maddie practically choked. She had just graduated and was still living off her parents' allowance.

At noon, Maddie headed over from her house. To her absolute shock, A-list superstar Josie Somerset was there too.

Maddie gasped, grabbing Leo by the arm. "It's only been a few days, and you've already upgraded from a D-list actress to an A-lister? Impressive."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Leo hissed. "She's Rowan's guest. Rowan is hosting this lunch."

Maddie's sarcasm vanished. She had actually thought Leo had pulled off a miracle. If she was Rowan's guest, then it all made sense.

Smiling brightly, she took a seat across from the superstar, pulling out her phone to text Lyra the gossip. Just then, Josie glanced her way—

Just one look was enough to make anyone subconsciously hold their breath.

She was incredibly stunning, her features sculpted to perfection. When she wasn't smiling, she radiated a cool, untouchable celebrity aura. But when she did smile, her eyes curved beautifully, soft and luminous.

Maddie instantly changed her mind.

Opening her camera app, she hurried over and asked with a grin, "Superstar, can we get a picture together?"

Josie nodded gently, her demeanor warm and completely cooperative.

Maddie felt her heart melt a little—she was actually very sweet. It vaguely reminded her of Lyra, though the woman in front of her had a much more aloof, untouchable elegance.

After snapping a few shots, Maddie quickly touched them up and posted them to her feed. The likes started pouring in the second she hit publish.

Lyra hadn't checked her socials yet. The moment she walked into the restaurant, her eyes landed straight on Josie. She was turned slightly, whispering something to her assistant, her profile flawless and commanding.

Maddie was sitting nearby, head down, completely absorbed in her phone.

Lyra froze entirely. Panic surged through her veins, a desperate fear of being seen gripping her chest. Before anyone could notice her, she spun around and sprinted back toward the exit, her footsteps frantic and rushed.

"Is it really that urgent? I'm out at a lunch with friends."

Josie walked up to the vanity, checking her reflection in the mirror while gently smoothing her slightly tousled hair. "Don't overthink it. His girlfriend is even here. Alright, Tanya and I are heading over now."

Hanging up, she washed her hands, gave herself one last look, and walked out.

A few minutes later, Maddie called her. "Where are you? The superstar just left! You missed her, it's such a tragedy. She was breathtaking, and I even got a picture with her."

"I'm coming," Lyra said. She stayed hidden in the shadows, waiting until she saw Josie's luxury van pull away before finally daring to head back inside.

By then, the long dining table was nearly full. Rowan sat at the head of the table, talking with Waylon beside him. He shot Lyra a brief glance as she walked in.

Leo and Maddie had saved her a seat between them.

As Lyra hurried into her chair, she noticed Jasmine glaring daggers at her again.

Lyra shot her an icy glare right back, then leaned in to whisper to her friends. "Could you guys warn me next time? If I'd known it was going to be this crowded, I never would have come."

Maddie shrugged. "I didn't know until I got here either."