Chapter 70

Clara's POV

Katy was back in the house the moment Mom climbed into the cab.

I don't know, but something told me things would never be the same once she returned. Where was she even travelling to?

"You'll see that it's not that bad," Derek said, standing beside me. I felt him snake his hand around me as he gave me a light pat on the shoulder. It was nice having him close briefly, but it was short-lived.

He pulled his arm away from me, repositioning himself before me. "You should probably start getting ready. I got your new passport, and our flight leaves in three hours." He announced. I folded my arms in rebellion in my seat and buckled up as the jet took off.

I tried to fight this. I did. But in the end, I lost.

My main argument was that I couldn't leave my sister alone for a while, which worked as Katy backed me up, showing her big puppy eyes.

I knew I'd lost the argument when Derek mentioned his five-star guesthouse, her staff, and an unlimited bank card. That's all it took to buy her loyalty. With Derek's argument that I couldn't be trusted, things looked bad for me.

Although Derek insisted that she would be under supervision, it didn't help me feel any better. Besides, I was the one trying to get out of this trip.

Layla called to inform me that she would also keep an eye on her for the five days we would be gone. I hope Layla doesn't start planning to find a husband for her, too.

Thinking about it now, I probably should have fought more about this.

Despite everything, my mind finally registered that I was going to Greece.

Not too long ago, I could barely afford a cab, and now I am on a private jet.

The luxurious surroundings still made it difficult for me to keep my jaw closed despite trying to show Derek how upset I was. I thought I'd seen a lot while working at the hotel, but only a fraction of it.

I still couldn't believe it.

Staying mad was more difficult than it seemed, considering the flight attendants were serving custom-made chocolate with my name and various famous dishes. I would probably look pregnant when I finally stepped out of this jet.

I was living like the one percent, and for a moment, I forgot what it took to get here. It was better than the movies.

I wouldn't describe my disappointment, having to leave my massage chair after a nearly ten-hour flight to Athens.

Turns out Derek can be much less annoying when he has so much work.

Stepping out of the jet to the view of the private airport, the experience was nonetheless exceptional.

A car was already waiting for us.

It's hard to believe he was humble when he had so much money. It was a rare quality in lost people.

From what I'd heard, we were headed towards one of Derek's resorts. The city, too, fascinated me to listen in on the rest of Derek's conversation with the driver. I couldn't help but admire the architecture of the city. It was to die for.

I noticed Derek smiling in my direction. He probably realised he was winning.

I knew we had arrived when the car started to slow down as we passed through security and into the complex.

It didn't have the typical New York hotel architecture. This was different.

It was a lot more spacious and not just layers of different floors stacked on top of one another. I felt as if I had stepped back in time to Greek mythologies, just in a more upscale manner and with bright flowers decorating the place.

Stepping out of the car, I suddenly felt conscious of my jeans and t-shirt, with everyone else looking like they were just about to walk the runway. After all, those were the kinds of people who could afford such places. I should have probably googled what to wear or at least known what not to wear. Most people don't show up in jeans on a vacation. I still wasn't sure why we were here.

The sun was soon starting to set, and it wouldn't matter what I looked like.

We were led to one of the hotel suites on the second floor by one of the butlers.

For the first time, I was worried about our sleeping arrangements. I felt my heart beat even faster—all the excitement I had earlier had been replaced by anxiety. I didn't trust myself to be around him.

The last time we slept in the same bed, it didn't end too well.

The butler who had walked us up here opened the doors to the last suite, allowing us in as I took slow steps to take the view.

I thought that Derek's suite back home was magnificent, but this one right here was glorious.

It matched the architecture of the rest of the building. The room was quite spacious and painted white with what I imagined to be artwork probably worth millions. The furniture was no exception either, looking both modern and comfortable.

The butler nodded at us before dismissing himself.

"Feel free to choose either of the two bedrooms you like." Derek interrupted my thoughts. "I have to meet with a client for a few minutes. I'll be right back. Make yourself at home," he added.

He looked at his phone before making his way out of the suite.

For the first time, I was finally left alone to behave like the lunatic I was. I was jumping up and down like a twelve-year-old kid. For someone who'd just been through a ten-hour flight, I'd think I'd be tired, but then again, I also got a full-body massage.

I was forced to remember how old I was when I noticed the door knob turning.

I stopped, keeping an eye on the person who walked in.

Instead, it was a maid who walked in. She was almost startled that I was standing there. She had a similar uniform to ours, the same knee-length dress style with a white apron over it, except theirs had a faded ocean blue instead of black.

"Good day, ma'am, I'm Cassia," she said. She had an unfamiliar accent.

"Good day," I greeted back with a smile.

"I'm here to pack your things for you. Which room would you like me to put it in?" she asked.

"I don't care. I'm sure both rooms must be equally stunning," I replied with a smile.

I should have checked first, but if everything else looked like this, how bad could it be?

She stared blankly at me and was hesitant to move.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am; it's just that everyone in the hotel staff has been talking about you." She began.

I shifted my attention back to her. People were talking about me? What for? Was it obvious I was the unstylish girl who didn't belong in places like these?

"Did I do something wrong?" I asked instead.

"No, not at all, ma'am." She interjected. "It's just that you are so lucky." She replied calmly. "We heard that you were a maid, too. It's just that some guests who come here forget to treat us like humans, too. It's good to know that one of us is up here. Most girls around here would kill to have what you got. Mr Montenegro is such a kind man." She added, her smile becoming broader.

I don't know if the people around here are just optimistic, but how has that story been spread around and not in any way made me look like a gold-digger? Those were the typical reactions.

Besides, why would anyone want to be me? I was the perfect example of how not to run your life.

"You have no idea what it's like to be me. You might not be able to handle it." I chuckled.

"I'm sure it can't be that bad." She smiled again. "Please excuse me. Feel free to call if you need anything else." She said, "And congratulations on your baby." She added as she walked out of the room.

Had Derek told the entire hotel? I wouldn't have put it past him.

After wasting so much time, I realised something. It's been over ten hours, and I still haven't heard from Katy. I needed to ensure she hadn't burned down Derek's house and sent Derek into bankruptcy by maxing out his credit card.

Luckily, I still had my phone in my pocket.

I moved toward the balcony to go and give Katy a call.

Even from up here, I could see almost all of the city.

I pulled the phone to my ear, and I listened to it ring.

She wasn't answering.

What has this child done this time? Hopefully, it wasn't anything bad. Maybe someone had finally done the right thing and clocked her into a mental institution.

Hopefully, she hadn't started a party and was too busy getting drunk.

After a couple of tries, I finally gave up. Maybe it was just my phone.

I saw a telephone earlier that would probably work.

I stepped back into the suite. My footsteps slowed as I heard Derek's voice back in the house.

I couldn't believe he was already back. I thought he'd spend at least an hour.

He was on the phone. He sounded a bit agitated.

"Of course, I wouldn't," Derek yelled frustratedly.

I couldn't believe what he said next.

He knew the whole time!