Back at Starlite Company.
After several hours of practicing their walk and posture, the four girls who have been diligent with their training have now finished packing up their belongings and are ready to go home.
"Hannah, are you coming with us tonight?" Sophie, the red-haired girl, asked as they all headed toward the elevator after she finished locking the doors to the practice studio.
"Yeah, come on! We'll eat, have fun, maybe even hit a club! It's gonna be a blast!" Mariette chimed in, her face lighting up with excitement.
Hannah had been training with these girls for four months, and in that time, they'd become close friends. The four of them were always hanging out, whether it was shopping or going to nightclubs, but tonight was going to be a bit different.
"Ah, sorry guys, but I can't tonight," Hannah said awkwardly, instantly feeling a small wave of guilt when she noticed the enthusiasm on Mariette's face drop just a little.
"I really wish I could join, but I've got to go home early tonight. I swear, I'll make it up to you next time, I promise!" she added quickly, hoping to ease her friend's disappointment. Fortunately, Mariette's smile returned, and she nodded.
"Alright, fine, I get it. I'll miss you, though," Mariette said, her tone exaggerated as she put a hand over her heart like she was heartbroken. "But seriously, you better pick up when we call you, okay?"
"Yeah, don't leave us hanging!" Sophie teased, laughing along with the rest of the group.
"We'll need a full update on your night!" Juliette chimed in dramatically, causing the girls to burst into laughter as they reached the ground floor.
It didn't take long before the girls walked out of the company and said their goodbyes to each other before going their separate ways.
As the three girls made their way toward the bus stop, Hannah quietly veered off toward a secluded spot, heading straight for the black car parked in a hidden corner near the company entrance, far from the watchful eyes of the public.
"Good evening, Señorita," Benjamin, the ever-dutiful personal driver her brother had assigned to her a decade ago, greeted her with a polite smile as he opened the door to the sleek black car.
Hannah offered him a weary but polite nod as she slid into the plush interior, her body already sinking into the soft leather seats in relief.
The exhaustion from her brutal hours of training weighed heavily on her, and she immediately closed her eyes, letting the silence of the car wash over her. The long day of perfecting every detail of her stance, posture, and walk had taken its toll.
Though she was already signed under the prestigious Starlight Company, the demands never stopped. She was still required to attend grueling training sessions three days a week to refine every skill a model should possess, no matter how innate it might seem.
It didn't matter how naturally beautiful she was, or how much better she looked than most of the others. The relentless practice continued, pushing her until each movement was second nature, every skill so deeply ingrained that it became part of her very being.
Benjamin slipped into the driver's seat, his calm presence offering a small comfort after the day's chaos. With a soft sigh, Hannah, still with her eyes closed, gave the familiar command. "Drive to the Salvador mansion, as fast as you can," she said, her voice tinged with exhaustion but still firm, the weight of the day lingering in her every word.
Hannah didn't even realize when she drifted off to sleep. The exhaustion from the day had overwhelmed her, and before she knew it, she had fallen into a deep slumber. She hadn't meant to sleep in the car, but somehow, the gentle hum of the engine and the soft sway of the ride had lulled her into rest.
When she finally stirred, she was met with the unexpected sight of the massive gates of the Salvador estate slowly coming into view. Her eyes blinked in confusion as she tried to shake off the remnants of sleep.
As the gates creaked open, Benjamin guided the car forward, driving steadily up the long, winding path toward the grand entrance of the mansion.
Though it only took a few minutes to drive through the vast acres of the Salvador family's sprawling hacienda, Hannah knew the walk from the estate's gates to the front door would take much longer.
The vehicle finally came to a smooth stop in front of the marble stairs that led to the grand entrance of the mansion.
As soon as the car stopped, another man appeared at the door and opened it for her, offering a helping hand as she stepped out.
"Good evening, Señorita. Welcome home!" the man greeted with a warm smile.
As Hannah stepped onto the stone walkway and went in, she was immediately greeted by the sight of the mansion's staff, all lined up in neat rows, waiting for her return. Their presence was almost as grand as the mansion itself.
Arthur, the ever-dutiful butler, stood at the front, his posture perfect and his expression respectful. Right behind him stood his grandson, the young man who was destined to become the Salvador family's future butler, a role he had already begun to take seriously.
With a polite nod to them all, Hannah took a deep breath, relieved to be home after the long day and the unexpected nap. She felt the weight of the day lift just a little, surrounded by the comfort of her home and the welcoming presence of her devoted staff.
"Where is everyone? I'm not late, am I?" she asked, handing her coat to the maid assisting her.
As soon as she asked her question, some of the maids standing behind Arthur and his grandson, Nathaniel, quickly tried to mask their expressions.
They lowered their eyes to the floor, but their attempt to hide something didn't go unnoticed by Hannah. Her brows furrowed as she caught the brief but unmistakable shift in their demeanor
"Why? What's wrong?" she asked again.
"Señorita, if I may... I regret to inform you that Señor Sean called earlier with an urgent matter. He mentioned that, unfortunately, he will be unable to attend dinner this evening due to an unexpected meeting of considerable importance—one that involves a client worth several billion dollars. He expressed that this opportunity simply cannot be passed up, as the client is a valued and frequent patron of his company."
"Well, if that's the case, we'll just have dinner without him. There's still me, Sheldon, and Shaine," Hannah rebutted, silently praying that their dinner would not be cancelled, especially since they had planned it four months ago and it had been years since they had all spent time together.
"Sean can come next time," she thought to herself, trying to push aside her disappointment.
Arthur's voice softened as he hesitated before continuing, clearly trying to spare her feelings. "About Señorita Shaine... when she arrived home earlier, she went straight to her room and hasn't left since."
His words carried a note of regret, knowing just how much Hannah had been looking forward to this evening. He had watched her grow up and knew how important this dinner was to her.
"Perhaps she's sleeping?" Hannah suggested, holding onto a sliver of hope.
"When we knocked on her door, the señorita said she wasn't feeling well," Arthur explained gently. "She asked us to leave her be and not disturb her at all."
Hearing his words. Hannah couldn't help but sigh to herself.
She knows Shaine's attitude. If she doesn't want to be disturbed, it's best not to disturb her at all.
"So, it's just Sheldon and me then," Hannah murmured to herself, her voice tinged with a sense of resignation.
"Is Sheldon busy, too?" she asked quietly, already bracing herself for the disappointing answer.
Hannah braced herself for more disappointment, expecting Arthur's answer to be just as discouraging as before. However, to her surprise, his response lifted her spirits.
"Señor Sheldon is in his study, Señorita. He asked me to let you know that he'd like you to meet him there as soon as you arrive home."
At the sound of his words, Hannah's face brightened instantly, her earlier apprehension vanishing. She nearly skipped toward the grand staircase leading to Sheldon's study, a noticeable spring in her step.
"Prepare the table, we'll be down in a moment," she instructed with a wide, genuine smile, clearly delighted by the turn of events.
The servants exchanged glances, their faces lighting up upon seeing the rare smile on their eldest miss's face—a smile they hadn't seen in quite some time. They immediately set to work, eager to prepare dinner for their master and mistress, the warmth of the moment lifting their spirits as well.
*Knock! Knock!*
Without waiting for an invitation, Hannah burst into her brother's study, her excitement palpable.
"Shelly! I've missed you so much!" she called out, her cheerful voice breaking the stillness in the room.
Before Sheldon could even react, she rushed over and threw her arms around his back, pulling him into a tight hug.
Surprised by her sudden affection, Sheldon quickly set aside the papers he had been holding and turned around to face her.
"I've missed you too, Hanny-boo," he replied, his voice filled with warmth. "Wow, look at you! You've grown so much!"
The last time he had seen her and Shaine was three years ago, during their eighteenth birthday. Between his hectic work schedule and constant travels, he hadn't had the chance to visit often.
"How've you been? And how's Samantha? The last time I saw her, she was about to pop with the twins! Wait... I haven't even met my niece and nephew yet! Did they come with you?" Hannah asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the thought of seeing her brother's family.
Sheldon smiled fondly at her enthusiasm, his heart warming at how much he had missed her. "No, they're still in Spain. But I promise, next time I'll bring them with me," he replied, causing Hannah to pout slightly.
Nevertheless, it was short-lived, as Hannah smiled once more at the sight of her older brother, whom she had not seen since she was eighteen.
"So, what's the reason you wanted to meet me in your study?" she asked, her curiosity growing. However, her question caused Sheldon to hesitate for a brief moment, and though Hannah didn't notice, he quickly masked his discomfort.
With a forced smile, Sheldon moved past her, trying to keep things light. "Come on. Let's talk about it over dinner," he said, gesturing towards the door as he opened it for her.
Hannah gave him a skeptical glance, sensing something was off but unable to pinpoint what it was. Still, she said nothing and followed him, deciding to push her doubts aside for now. As they made their way to the dining hall, she couldn't help but feel the weight of their unspoken words hanging between them.
***🦋***
Author's Note
Sheldon seems to have something important on his mind. But what could it be? Could it change everything for Hannah? The mystery is just beginning, and you'll want to know exactly what happens next.
Don't wait—turn the page and let's uncover the truth together! You won't want to miss the surprises waiting ahead. Happy reading, cuties—let the adventure continue!