Revenge is best served cold

"This gown cost Mr. Flint a fortune. The least I can do is provide some decent after-sales service," Debbie said with a playful smile, her gaze shifting between me and Eric. There was a hint of curiosity and mischief in her eyes.

Noticing Debbie's gaze, Eric nodded at the person he was speaking with and walked over.

"All settled?"

He stopped beside me, his expression relaxed as a hint of a smile played at his lips. I looked up and met his eyes. Suddenly, I understood. No wonder Debbie arrived so quickly.

He had been paying attention to me this entire time.

Realizing this, I quickly averted my gaze and took a discreet deep breath.

Eric—I was beginning to owe him more and more.

"Jane!"

Levi's voice pulled me back to reality. Turning around, I saw him waving enthusiastically as he strode toward

me.

"Traffic was a nightmare! I almost didn't make it," he grumbled, only to freeze mid-step when he spotted Debbie.

Lowering his voice, he leaned in and whispered, "Jane, why does she look so familiar?"

I rolled my eyes and muttered, "That's Debbie, the renowned designer. How could you forget?"

Levi's face lit up with realization, and he quickly extended his hand.

Although LunaGlo was already a well-known name in Caldera, Debbie remained a respected figure internationally.

"Ms. Lopez, I'm Levi Swift, founder of LunaGlo. I also go by the name Aaron. I've heard so much about you. What a privilege to meet you in person."

With just a couple of well-placed compliments, Levi had Debbie smiling from ear to ear. His networking skills were truly top-notch.

By the time the event organizers called her away, she looked almost reluctant to leave.

"Thank you for today," I said to Eric, unable to hold back my gratitude.

Seeing the way his eyes widened in surprise, I quickly pressed a hand to my mouth and changed my words. "I'll cook you a proper meal another day."

Hearing that, Eric's smirk returned.

Just as he was about to speak, Levi cut in, "Jane, I want in on that too!"

I chuckled helplessly. "Fine. Once we get through this busy stretch, I'll make a feast for you guys."

Eric scoffed, "Some people really have no shame—always looking for a free meal. It's supposed to be a thank-you dinner for me, yet you're still shamelessly tagging along like you've never had a proper meal in your life."

Levi shrugged, completely unfazed. "So what? The one cooking has already agreed, yet the ones eating are still here arguing over it."

Then, he turned to me and raised a playful brow. "Right, Jane?"

Eric cut in before I could respond, "Of course, she'll say yes. How could she turn you down after you asked like that? This is what they call moral coercion."

Then, he turned to me again and let out a dramatic sigh. "Cooking for three people all by yourself is too much work. I know a great restaurant. Let me take you there."

Seeing Eric put on that smug, effortlessly cool act, I couldn't help but laugh.

But remembering why we were here, I cleared my throat and put on a serious expression. "We're here for business. If you two don't stop bickering, no one's getting anything to eat."

They both shut up instantly. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Levi silently pumping a fist behind Eric's back.

The moment he noticed me looking, he quickly lowered his hand and gave me an innocent smile.

"Jane, I know we're here tonight to connect with the elites of the fashion industry. Don't worry, I've got it all under control."

I nodded. If there was one thing I never doubted, was Levi's networking skills.

With Eric making the introductions, Levi and I quickly got acquainted with all the elites in the fashion industry at the evening banquet.

Even Levi couldn't help but whisper in awe, "Jane, this guy, Eric... He's really something."