Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 97: Behind the Ribbon

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Only when I have to deal with journalists who forget their mics."

Pia laughed. "Touché."

She was still unaware of Cassius and Sophia’s real identities. She still thought they were just part of the Varen Enterprises marketing team working closely with Air Media because of Zephany—based on their last interaction when they had drinks to celebrate.

She turned just in time to see Brent Diamond stepping out of a black car. The youngest among the Diamond siblings, Brent had a confident air, his suit collar slightly loosened, and his eyes scanning the scene like he owned it.

"We’ll start in ten," he said to no one in particular.

Back at the press area, Pia met up with other media staff, but she kept glancing at the hotel entrance. She leaned toward her cameraman. "Zephany said she’d be here too. I wonder how she’ll handle this."

"She’ll be fine," her cameraman replied. "She always looks like she’s gonna pass out, but then ends up with the best interviews."

Pia smiled fondly. "That’s my girl."

Reynold, Zephany’s brother, stood at a distance, his expression unreadable. He wasn’t here for the ceremony, technically. He was here for something else, but no one needed to know that. He wore plain clothes and blended with the crowd, his sharp eyes scanning everything.

Meanwhile, inside the hotel lobby, staff members moved with trained precision. Flower arrangements were perfectly placed, trays of refreshments lined up, and the grand ribbon itself shimmered in red silk.

Cassius walked in and gave a low whistle. "Gotta admit, they did good."

Sophia didn’t smile, but there was amusement in her eyes. "For once, I agree."

Just then, Pia spotted Zephany stepping shyly into the lobby. Her coat was slightly oversized, and she clutched her notebook a little too tightly. She looked like she might bolt any second.

Pia wasted no time. She marched over and linked arms with her. "Zeph! You made it!"

Zephany gave a small smile. "Hey. Yeah, I did. Just... a lot of people."

"You’ll be fine," Pia whispered. "Just stick with me, and if someone breathes fire, I’ll shield you."

Zephany laughed softly. "Thanks."

"Now," Pia said, scanning the crowd. "Let’s find your target. I think you’re supposed to interview Brent Diamond, right?"

Zephany nodded nervously. "Yes. For a quick quote about the hotel opening."

They moved closer to the center as the countdown to the ribbon-cutting began. Music played softly in the background, and a host took the stage to welcome the guests and media.

From across the room, Cassius watched the two young women. His eyes lingered on Zephany for a moment.

"She’s here," he remarked.

Sophia glanced over. "She is. I’ve seen her articles. Precise, clean."

"Shy though," Cassius added, then smirked. "Let’s see how she does under pressure."

Sophia glanced at him, her voice neutral. "Should we make it interesting?"

Cassius laughed. "Sophia, are you suggesting sabotage?"

"Never," she replied smoothly, though a flicker of amusement danced in her eyes.

The host called for Larman Diamond to take the ceremonial scissors. The crowd erupted into polite applause. Cameras clicked. The ribbon was cut with dramatic flair. The hotel was officially open.

Zephany stepped forward, her hands slightly trembling.

When she was disguised as Eclipse, she felt confident. Bold and fierce, never nervous. But when she was just Zephany, with her bare face and no mask to hide behind, the nerves always came rushing in.

She didn’t fully understand why, but maybe it was because, as Eclipse, no one knew who she really was. There was no pressure to care about what people thought or to maintain a certain image. That was what she loved most about being Eclipse. She felt free from everyone’s judgment.

Brent noticed her hesitation and walked over with his usual easy confidence.

"You must be the reporter," he said.

Zephany nodded, clearing her throat. "Yes. Zephany Draven. I just have a few questions."

He nodded. "Make them quick."

She looked down at her notebook, her voice soft but steady. "What does this hotel represent for the Diamond Family?"

Brent paused, then gave a practiced smile. "Legacy. And a future that blends tradition with innovation."

She scribbled it down, feeling her heart settle. Just a little.

Pia stood behind her, giving her an encouraging thumbs up.

From a distance, Reynold continued watching, his expression unreadable. He caught a glimpse of someone else in the shadows. Someone who shouldn’t be there.

He started to move.

And just like that, the day, which began with quiet breakfast and a gentle smile, was now woven tightly with secrets, quiet glances, and names that carried more weight than anyone dared to admit.

--- freёwebnoѵel.com

Meanwhile, on Kendrick’s side, he was in the high-tech room hidden inside the apartment—one that Cassius had prepared for him.

Kendrick sat in the dimly lit room, the only glow coming from the multiple screens in front of him. Everything here had been customized and installed quietly, as if the space itself didn’t want to be noticed. The walls were lined with soundproofing panels, the desk sleek and minimal.

He leaned forward slightly, arms resting on the desk as the central screen showed the live broadcast of the Diamond Group’s grand hotel opening. Cameras panned over the polished lobby, the smiling guests, the soft ambient lighting. It was all for show. Underneath all that marble and silk was something else, and Kendrick knew it.

He didn’t say a word, but his eyes moved quickly, scanning every detail. Every entrance, every corner, every person who stepped into the frame.

His hand moved to the keyboard as he typed in a command. One of the smaller screens zoomed in, focusing on the press area.

He spotted Pia first. Easy to recognize with her animated expressions and fast-moving hands as she gestured to her cameraman. A few seconds later, Zephany appeared at the edge of the screen. Her steps were hesitant, her coat too big for her frame, and her grip on her notebook made it look like it was her only anchor in the crowd.