I studied the newcomers closely and had to admit—they were both good-looking, even Carlo Ville himself.
I glanced at Zion, then back at the two men. Honestly, Zion was far more handsome than these Ville cousins.
"The guy next to me is way better-looking than you two," I muttered under my breath.
I heard Zion clear his throat, so I turned to him. He was staring, brow furrowed.
"What?" I whispered.
He shook his head and faced forward again.
"I didn't expect you to marry so young, Mr. Cartridge," Carlo remarked.
I rolled my eyes—though he couldn't see—and focused on the pair, especially the woman clinging to Carlo's arm.
"Tch! This man's married? I've never even heard of a Zion Cartridge before!" Jake scoffed.
I really wanted to punch someone. If only I could make a scene right now—but I held back; I still wanted that woman's name.
"He's famous in the business world, Jake. Don't cause trouble," Carlo muttered, loud enough for Zion—and me—to hear.
"But seriously, Mr. Cartridge, I can't believe you're married," Carlo pressed. "You both look… young."
His tone was syrupy, but there was something pointed beneath it—maybe he already knew I was Ally Cole, his ex.
"I don't think that's any of your concern," Zion said, tightening an arm around my waist. My heart sped up—what was this feeling!?
"Is it, Mr. Ville?" he added, pulling me still closer.
The woman on Carlo's arm stared at me, so I stared right back.
If she was Lily, the female lead, then either the story had changed… or it simply hadn't begun yet.
"I'm sorry if my boyfriend and I bothered you, Mr. and Mrs. Cartridge," the woman suddenly said. I gripped Zion's arm harder.
Her voice sounded sweet, but her words carried an edge. Zion and I remained silent; the woman bowed her head, flustered.
"I forgot to introduce my partner. My apologies," Carlo said smoothly.
I exhaled, waiting for whatever game they were playing.
"I'm Lily Sanchez, Mr. and Mrs. Cartridge," the woman said.
So—the female lead of My Lily stood right in front of me. Sanchez, huh? Good to know.
I gave her a discreet once-over. She really did look like a heroine: pretty, youthful, almost college-aged.
"Carlo—do you know them?" Jake cut in.
"I…" Carlo's gaze fixed on us—really, on me. "I know of Mr. Cartridge," he said at last.
Zion's arm cinched around me again.
"Don't mind my cousin," Carlo continued smoothly. "He's new to the industry and still learning. I hope he hasn't offended you."
People nearby were starting to watch, so I tightened my grip on Zion. He was famous for his razor-sharp tongue—no need to start a scene among these business elites.
"Yeah," Zion replied—nothing more.
I felt him set his wineglass on a nearby table; I let go of his arm, though his other hand stayed at my waist.
"I see you've already met Mr. Zion Cartridge, Carlo!" a new voice boomed.
It was the CEO of Vilacorp.
"Yes, Chairman. I never imagined we'd get to speak with the great Zion Cartridge here," Carlo said with a smile—oozing sarcasm.
The CEO chuckled. "He's a hard man to invite. I sent the letter a month ago—I thought you weren't coming."
One month ago? We only got that invitation this morning. What was this old man talking about?
"I couldn't reply sooner—your letter arrived only today, Mr. Vilacorp," Zion said flatly.
I nearly laughed. Carlo's face went rigid; Lily actually held her breath.
"I-Is that so…?" The chairman's voice faltered—clearly embarrassed.
We said nothing, but whispers rippled through the hall:
"So that's why Mr. Cartridge skipped the red carpet!"
"I hear he brought his wife—so that must be her."
"What does he mean the letter just arrived today?"
"Who would dare meddle with his mail?!"
Mr. Vilacorp looked panicked. "I deeply apologize, Mr. Cartridge. My staff were careless—I'll discipline them."
Lily and Carlo both stiffened, eyes darting toward us. They looked… worried.
"I'll help you with that, Mr. Vilacorp," Zion said coolly.
So much for the fearless male and female leads I'd read about—here they seemed anything but. Still, one question gnawed at me: how did I end up here, and why is Carlo Ville tangled up in it?
He'd clearly recognized me but said nothing. I held myself in check; I needed to learn the real motives of the "main characters" standing before Zion and me.