Chapter 363: Julian Cross Frowned His Interest Waning

Julian Cross frowned, his interest waning.

"No need. Take her away."

The manager maintained his smile, giving a subtle glance to Dana Young as they both retreated.

At the hallway corner—

Dana Young bit her lip in frustration. "I thought Mr. Cross always requested company when he came here. Why not today...?"

The manager scoffed. "Even men have nights when they're not in the mood. Did you really think everyone was as desperate to climb the social ladder as you?"

"But I prepared so hard..."

His cold gaze swept over her meticulously applied makeup. "Save it. Mr. Cross has no appetite tonight. Don't flatter yourself."

Dana Young clenched the hem of her dress.

Meanwhile, Sloane Bennett was drying her hair in a bathrobe when the doorbell rang.

Assuming it was Julian—

"What do you want at this hou— Huh?"

A stranger stood outside—a young man scratching his head awkwardly.

"Sorry, wrong room, I think."

Sloane moved to shut the door.

A slender hand pressed against it.

"Something else?" She arched a brow.

The boy's eyes suddenly turned pleading. "You really don’t remember me, sis?"

Sloane studied him with amusement.

There were only two suites on this floor.

Wrong room? Yeah, right.

Dressed in an oversized white tee and light khaki cargo pants, he exuded a refreshing boyish charm.

Exactly her type.

"Young...?"

"Brooks," he supplied eagerly, eyes bright.

"Colin Brooks," Sloane crossed her arms. "What do you want?"

"Marcus Arlen took you to a dinner party?"

"So what if he did?"

"Then you should switch to me." He stepped closer. "I'm younger, cleaner, and most importantly—"

Lowering his voice, he added, "I know the rules better."

Sloane chuckled. "Offering yourself?"

His ears flushed pink. "If you're willing..."

"Come in."

She turned and walked deeper into the suite.

Colin Brooks swallowed hard and quietly closed the door behind him.

* * *

Julian tossed restlessly in bed.

Too hungry to sleep.

He called room service for a late-night snack, then hesitated before knocking on the door across the hall.

"Want something to eat?"

"...No!"

He turned to leave but froze.

That voice sounded... off.

"You okay?"

Silence.