Ghost Billionaire
Chapter 68: A Sinking Feeling

Chapter 68: A Sinking Feeling

Empire Hotel, Valentine’s Gala

"What do you think?" Catherine asked as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

May who was standing just behind her in a mint-colored gown, stared for a second too long. "You look really beautiful."

"You look like a princess," Elisa said. Catherine’s gown was pale pink, glittering faintly under the warm lights. It hugged her waist, then flared out like something pulled straight out of a fairytale. Her hair was done up in a detailed twist, pinned with tiny gemstones that caught the light each time she moved.

"You’re going to steal the whole ballroom tonight," Elisa added. "No one will be able to take their eyes off you. Especially Lenox."

May nodded. "You’ll make everyone dance with you and donate like crazy. I can already see it. Hmph. And don’t forget, don’t let Matthew dance with you unless he gives the charity at least five—no, make it ten grand!"

Catherine turned slightly, glancing at the gown once more. It shimmered with every movement. Even the makeup artists nearby paused to look.

She’d asked the glam team to make her look exactly like this. It wasn’t about vanity, she just needed to look composed, and confident. After all, she was about to swallow her pride and ask Lenox for help.

The other day had been a disaster. She left her cousin’s apartment in tears, completely empty-handed. Today was a new plan.

She was going to ask Lenox for the money.

She bit her lip and looked at her reflection again. All she could do now was hope he’d say yes.

After what felt like forever, one of the makeup artists finally said, "You three are honestly some of the most beautiful girls we’ve worked with this year. Everyone’s going to talk about you after tonight."

Another stylist nodded. "Seriously. It’s not often we get clients this easy to work with. You’re all glowing."

Then, the lead makeup artist took a step forward. "If you don’t mind," she said. "Now that we’re done, could I ask about the payment?"

The room immediately went quiet.

Catherine froze.

Elisa blinked. "Wait... aren’t you booked and fully paid for by Mr. Lindberg?"

The makeup artist nodded. "He booked us two months ago, yes. But he only paid the deposit. We were told the remaining balance would be settled after the makeup was done."

Elisa turned to Catherine. "Call Lenox."

Meanwhile, May stepped forward. "How much is the full payment?"

The makeup artist hesitated. "It’s twenty thousand for the three of us, minus two thousand for the deposit, so that’s eighteen thousand."

May’s eyes widened. "Twenty what?"

The makeup artist nodded. "We handle full event glam. Hair, makeup, and retouch services. We stay through the entire event in case you need anything. Our clients include actresses, models, and high-end weddings."

Her assistant chimed in. "There are three of us, and we’re LA-based. Travel and stay are included in the rate. We don’t take walk-ins. We’re usually booked two months in advance."

Elisa muttered under her breath, "This better be the last time we let Lenox handle bookings."

"Come on," May shrugged. "It’s not like Lenox doesn’t pay them. He always pays. However, in the previous events... all of the stylists were always fully paid for even before the event started. Do you think something is wrong this time?"

"Probably because of the exams," Elisa said.

"Right, I heard they will immediately announce the result of the exams next week. Do you think Lenox is the top student this time?" May asked.

"He was always the top student. The only question is, who comes second."

The two ladies chuckled before they turned toward Catherine. "Is there something wrong?" Elisa asked.

Catherine stared at her phone, jaw tight. "He’s not answering his phone."

"Oh, then just call him again."

"He is also staying in the hotel, right? Should I just go and—" May immediately volunteered, but Catherine just shook her head.

She dialed Lenox’s number again. This time, he finally answered.

"Lenox?" Catherine said.

"Cath... is there something wrong?" Lenox asked.

"You—you sound different. Are you alright?" Catherine asked.

"Of course," Lenox said. "What’s the problem?"

"Right, the glam team that you booked, they are asking for the rest of the payment," Catherine said. "Are you going to send the payment to me or directly to them?"

"What payment?" Lenox asked.

Catherine frowned. "The makeup artists. You booked them two months ago. They said you only paid the deposit."

"Oh," Lenox said after a brief pause. "Right. I forgot. Hold on, I’m into something. I’ll call you back."

Catherine nodded slowly. Then the call ended.

...

Lenox stared at his phone, disbelief flashing across his face. Matthew had set up the glam team before. He even paid for Catherine’s gown! Did he forget to pay for the rest?

For some reason, Lenox had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Then he shook his head. No. Matthew wouldn’t be that petty.

A voice echoed behind him. "Brother Lenox, is there something wrong?"

Lenox forced a laugh and turned around. "No, nothing."

He looked around backstage. Decorations were still being finalized. Staff were moving chairs, arranging centerpieces, and testing the sound system. Lenox had volunteered to help with the setup, fully expecting Matthew to be there like always. Matthew had helped with every major event in the past.

This time, Matthew didn’t show. He didn’t even pretend to care and sent some of the maids in the mansion to help. In fact, Matthew decided to get ready in the mansion.

Lenox wiped the sweat from his forehead. His shirt stuck to his back. He was sweaty, and the event would start in two hours. But since he volunteered in front of the teachers, he couldn’t simply leave now.

"Lenox, let’s go get ready," one of the other guys said.

Lenox nodded and excused himself, heading to the room he had booked for himself and a few of the other male classmates.

When he opened the door, he stopped.

Empty.

John stepped in behind him. "Eh? What’s wrong? Where are our clothes?"

Christian looked around. "But this is the right room number. Did we miss something?"

Lenox gritted his teeth. In the past years, Matthew had always handled this part. Clothes, accessories, even shoes. It was just one of those things Matthew did quietly without being asked.

This time, Lenox had been too distracted. He hadn’t checked. He hadn’t followed up.

He quickly dialed Matthew’s number.

Matthew answered on the second ring. "Lenox."

"Where are you?" Lenox asked.

"Still at the mansion, getting ready. Are you worried about me? Relax, the venue’s only twenty minutes away." He could sense the sarcasm in Matthew’s voice.

Lenox stepped into the hallway, jaw tightening. "Where are the clothes?"

"What clothes?" Matthew asked.