The Billionaire Stands Up for Me-Chapter 161: Chasing Love Across a Thousand Miles

Chapter 161: Chapter 161: Chasing Love Across a Thousand Miles

Ever since I found out Daniel Carter was coming, the past two days have felt like an eternity.

What surprised me was, before Daniel even arrived, I was first shocked by the unexpected arrival of Wennie Lane!

Stepping into the hotel and seeing her, I momentarily thought there was something wrong with my eyes.

"Darling, Happy New Year!" Wennie Lane laughed heartily, "What’s wrong, don’t recognize me? Didn’t you say your show starts tomorrow? I didn’t miss it, did I?"

Hearing her bright and exaggerated laughter, I realized my best friend had truly arrived!

I took big strides toward her, giving her a playful slap, so surprised my eyes went wide!

"Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? It’s New Year’s, shouldn’t you be home with your parents?" After giving her a pat, I hugged her, so delighted I could jump for joy.

"I spend time with them every day; it’s not like I only see them on New Year’s. Plus, once New Year rolls around, they set me up on blind dates, drives me crazy! So I booked my ticket in advance, said I was coming to Veyrona for a vacation, and to catch the fashion show. I ran off right after the reunion dinner!"

Wennie Lane smiled slyly, full of excitement as she hooked her arm through mine, asking, "How about it, surprised?"

"Yes, surprised, very surprised!" After the excitement, I asked, "Did you book your room yet? It’s peak season, hard to get a room."

"Oh, don’t mention it, there’s been a bit of a problem with the room. I’ll crash with you tonight, tomorrow I’ll sort out my room." Wennie Lane said, grabbing my arm, pulling her suitcase with the other hand, "Come on, let’s head upstairs. I’m exhausted, need a nap."

I was pulled along by her, suddenly looking a bit awkward.

Wennie Lane noticed, looking back at me: "What’s up? Why the constipated look?"

"You’re the one that’s constipated!" I gave her a look, feeling a bit uneasy as we walked to the elevator, "Well... it’s unfortunate, but if there’s no surprise, Daniel should also arrive today..."

"What?" Wennie Lane turned to look at me, startled.

I thought she’d be upset, I was also conflicted, wondering if I should discuss it with Cherry...

Before I could make up my mind, she leaned in with a suggestive look, "What’s going on here? Second Master Carter is coming to stay with you? Since when did you two cross that line? Why didn’t I know?"

Her question suddenly made me realize!

Yeah!

Why did I instinctively think that Daniel was coming to stay with me?

It’s not like we’ve had an intimate relationship yet.

Even if we had, given his status, he’d stay in the presidential suite when he arrives.

How could he possibly squeeze in an ordinary room with me?

"Hey! Why aren’t you saying anything? Did you two actually sleep together?" Seeing me silent, Wennie Lane nudged me with her elbow, continuing her gossip.

I snapped out of it just as the elevator arrived, pulling her in.

Since the foreigners around us couldn’t understand Chinese, we continued chatting.

"No, he really respects me, he said he wouldn’t until I’m absolutely ready." I explained, wanting to clarify things about Daniel Carter.

Wennie Lane chuckled softly.

"What’s so funny?"

"You two have seriously discussed this topic, meaning you’ve at least tested the waters; it’s just a matter of time."

"Wennie Lane! You really just say everything out loud!" I blushed, embarrassed enough to want to cover her mouth!

She laughed and joked, "What’s the big deal, we’re all adults here, what’s there to be shy about."

Leaving the elevator, with her dragging her suitcase, she acted all carefree, "I don’t care, I have nowhere to go tonight, so staying with you—let’s see if you choose your best friend or choose the guy."

I pretended to strangle her, feigning annoyance through gritted teeth, "Of course I choose you, choose you! You came all this way to keep me company, I must choose you!"

"Hahaha, now that’s more like it—"

Once inside the room, Wennie Lane tidied her clothes and went to shower.

I checked my phone for any messages.

By now, Daniel should still be on the plane, so he wouldn’t message me.

Yet I couldn’t help but want to check.

A mix of excitement and nervousness overwhelmed me, such restless anticipation didn’t match my age or personality.

I’m falling deeper and deeper.

After her shower, Wennie Lane quickly fell asleep.

I had work to do in the afternoon, so after briefing her, to not disturb her rest, I took my laptop to Cherry’s room.

By the time Daniel called, it was completely dark outside.

But with my show tomorrow, tonight’s rehearsal was critical, I had to stay until the end, there’s no way I could leave sooner.

"You’ve landed already?" I found a quiet spot, feeling thrilled as I answered the call.

"Yeah, just got in the car." Daniel probably heard the noise on my end, asking, "You’re still busy?"

"Yeah, still rehearsing, gotta have a meeting later, need to confirm all the details again."

"How long until you finish?"

"Hard to say, at least one or two hours minimum."

"I’ll go to the venue and wait for you."

He seems eager to see me, speaking with restrained excitement.

My heart raced even faster, glancing at the bustling venue, hesitating but still refusing: "No, go to the hotel. You surely didn’t rest much last night, take a break first."

As I said this, I thought of Wennie Lane, quickly adding: "Oh, by the way, Wennie is here too, she said she came for a vacation and to catch the fashion show, staying in my room tonight."

Daniel was surprised: "She’s staying with you?"

"Yeah, her room has some issues, won’t be sorted until tomorrow, and she doesn’t want to go to another hotel."

I explained helplessly, imagining how he’d sound saying this, my heart racing in embarrassment and confusion.

"What’s wrong? Do you actually want to live with me?" I teased on purpose.

He chuckled and countered, "We’re a couple, isn’t that only natural?"

"Hmmph, in your dreams!"

Little Cherry walked over from behind, seeing me on the phone, she waited quietly.

I glanced at her and hurriedly said goodbye to Daniel Carter, "Alright then, I’ll leave it at this. You wait for me at the hotel. I’ll get back as soon as I’m done."

After speaking, without waiting for Daniel’s response, I put down the phone to ask Little Cherry what she needed.

After about another hour of busy work, the rehearsal finally came to an end.

Calvin Yance gathered everyone together for a final meeting to ensure nothing was left to chance.

Before the meeting was over, Little Cherry leaned over, shielding her voice with her hand near my ear, and whispered, "Ms. Lily, look who has come..."

My heart skipped a beat, instinctively I looked around and saw that familiar figure entering from the doorway.

The two of us locked eyes across a great distance.

In that moment, my heartbeat skipped several beats.

Daniel smiled at me from afar and pointed to the chair closest to him, obviously indicating he’d sit over there.

I returned a smile, refocused on listening to Calvin’s meeting, but my thoughts were already flying far away.

The meeting went on for another half hour and finally concluded.

Everyone stood up and noticed Daniel, teasing, "President Miller, Mr. Carter really sticks to you like glue, coming all the way here to see you."

I felt embarrassed and dared not respond, only politely saying, "Everyone worked hard these days, rest early tonight. After completing our tasks over the next two days, we can relax a bit."

The colleagues were indeed exhausted and quickly left.

Little Cherry said goodbye to me and dashed away.

With no one around, I packed up my things and walked towards Daniel Carter.

Although my heart had already flown to him, I still felt shy and nervous, intentionally dragging my steps.

Daniel stood up to greet everyone as they left.

Seeing me approaching slowly, he took the initiative to come towards me.

As I got closer, he spread his arms wide, his handsome and elegant face breaking into a more obvious smile.

I couldn’t hold myself any longer, my face bursting into a smile, I ran into his arms.

Daniel caught me steadily, wrapping his arms around my waist, and lifted me, spinning around a few times.

The scene caught the attention of many foreigners around, all watching like they were enjoying a show.

When Daniel put me down, our eyes met, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment, "So many people are watching, can’t you hold back a bit?"

He lowered his head and kissed me, unable to hide the smile at his eyes and brows, "They don’t know us anyway, let them see. Besides, didn’t you say foreigners kiss in public during the day?"

"..." I glared at him playfully, without replying.

He remembered that comment.

"Can we go now?" Daniel asked softly, holding my hand.

"Yeah." I nodded, agreeing, and asked with concern, "Are you tired? If you’re tired, we can go back to the hotel. If not, we can grab something to eat first."

"Let’s eat something. You’ve been busy and must be hungry by now."

"Thank you, Second Master Carter, ever so considerate."

He turned to glance at me, deliberately squeezing my hand harder.

I feigned anger and tapped him lightly.

In a foreign street where no one knows us, perhaps due to anonymity, we were more open, flirting without reservation.

Upon reaching his parking spot, I noticed three people standing by the car.

Including Eric Shaw behind me, there were four bulky men.

I was a bit puzzled, "You need so many people when you go out?"

He whispered in explanation, "Two of them are not with me."

I frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Two of them were sent by other departments, partly to protect my safety, and partly to keep me in check."

I was getting more confused, "Keep you in check? What do you mean?"

Just as he was about to explain, I suddenly figured it out and exclaimed, "Are they afraid you’ll..."

"Yes." He nodded, seeing my startled expression, and smiled asking, "What, scared?"

"No..." I snapped back, shaking my head, "If I had known it was such a hassle for you to travel abroad, I would have firmly stopped you from coming."

I should’ve realized that due to the special nature of his work, traveling abroad must be quite troublesome.

If not handled well, it might lead to misunderstandings about having improper motives.

Daniel knew I was overthinking, so he explained, "I can travel abroad, it’s just a bit bureaucratic. Don’t worry, everything is legal and proper. Those two men with me are just doing their job."

I couldn’t help but be curious, "Given it’s such a hassle, how did you manage to come on such short notice?"

Daniel opened the car door, waited for me to get inside, and then followed, explaining, "Since you said you’d be here during the holidays back in January, I’ve been planning to come along. So I applied in advance."

So that’s how it was!

I couldn’t help but nod, "You’re quite the actor, having planned everything well in advance but still pretending to consult me."

He chuckled, "At the time, if you hadn’t wanted me to come, I really would have canceled. But not getting through to you on New Year’s Eve scared me. Seeing you work so hard and not sleep well, I decided to come keep you company."