Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 279

Ryan Winters adjusted the cuffs of his shirt as he stepped out of the elevator and into the grand lobby of the hotel.

The warm morning sun streamed through the large glass windows, casting a soft glow over the luxurious décor.

He spotted the client’s assistant standing near the entrance with Jefferson, dressed in a crisp black suit, his posture straight and professional.

The man gave a polite nod as Ryan approached.

“Good morning, Mr. Winters. I hope you had a pleasant night?”

Ryan’s lips twitched slightly, recalling the unexpected events of the previous night.

He simply replied, “Morning. Yeah, it was fine.”

The assistant smiled knowingly but didn’t press further.

“Excellent. Mr. Laurent would like to have breakfast with you. He’s already waiting by the poolside.”

Ryan nodded. “Lead the way.” Ryan said and passed a knowing look with Jefferson who simply shrugged his shoulders.

As they walked through the hotel’s elegant corridors, the assistant spoke in a conversational tone.

“Paris looks beautiful this morning, doesn’t it?”

Ryan glanced out through the large windows overlooking the busy streets.

“Yeah, it’s always lively. Feels different from New York.”

The assistant chuckled. “Paris has a charm of its own. It has a way of drawing people in, doesn’t it?”

Ryan gave a small shrug. “I guess so.”

Soon, they arrived at the poolside breakfast area, where a long table was set with an assortment of pastries, fresh fruits, and steaming cups of coffee.

The client, Mr. Laurent, was already seated, dressed in a casual yet elegant linen suit, his expression warm and welcoming.

Laurent stood up as Ryan approached, extending his hand.

“Mr. Winters, it’s a pleasure to finally sit down with you.”

Ryan shook his hand firmly. “Likewise, Mr. Laurent. I appreciate the hospitality.”

Laurent gestured toward the seat across from him.

“Please, have a seat. I trust my assistant has taken good care of you so far?”

Ryan nodded as he sat down. “He has. Everything’s been smooth so far.”

Laurent chuckled, picking up his cup of coffee.

“Good, good. I like my guests to feel comfortable. You see, business is important, but what’s even more important is the experience one has while doing business. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Ryan reached for a croissant. “I can’t argue with that.”

Laurent leaned back in his chair, observing Ryan. “So, tell me, how have you found Paris so far?”

Ryan took a bite and thought for a moment.

“It’s different. There’s a certain… energy to it. The people, the culture. It’s not just about the business aspect. It’s got character.”

Laurent smiled.

“Exactly! Paris is not just a city. It’s an experience. And speaking of experiences, I trust last night was… enjoyable?”

Ryan’s expression remained neutral as he sipped his coffee.

“Let’s just say it was… unexpected.”

Laurent laughed heartily.

“Unexpected is good! Sometimes, it’s nice to indulge in the unexpected. Keeps things exciting.”

Ryan smirked but didn’t comment further.

The conversation soon shifted to business matters. Laurent spoke about the importance of their partnership, detailing what his company expected from the collaboration.

Ryan listened attentively, asking questions where necessary.

After finishing their meal, Laurent poured them each a glass of wine.

He swirled his glass and took a sip, leaning in slightly.

“Now, Mr. Winters, today will not be just about business. You see, I believe in mixing a little pleasure with work.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Laurent chuckled.

“My assistant will be taking you and your assistant around Paris today for some sightseeing.

It’s important to see the city through a different lens, you know? And tonight, there’s a ball.

A grand event where we’ll have plenty of fun, and of course, we’ll discuss our business in a more… relaxed environment.”

Ryan considered it for a moment before nodding.

“Sounds fair. I’m here to make things work, so I’ll follow your lead.”

Laurent grinned. “Good man. You’ll enjoy it, I promise.”

After their lengthy discussion, the assistant gestured for Ryan to follow him.

They walked out of the breakfast area and toward the front of the hotel, where a different luxury car from the one at the airport was waiting for them.

Ryan slid into the back seat and was adjusting his watch when the car made an unexpected stop in front of a chic boutique.

To his surprise, the same woman from the previous night stepped inside the car, her red lips curving into a smile as she slid into the seat beside him.

“Bonjour, Mr. Winters,” she said smoothly, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Ryan smirked. “I didn’t expect to see you again.”

She leaned back, crossing her legs. “I’m full of surprises.”

Ryan turned to the assistant. “Didn’t think sightseeing came with a companion.”

The assistant and Jefferson chuckled from the front seat.

“Mr. Laurent believes in making your stay enjoyable in every way possible.”

Ryan glanced at the woman beside him, intrigued. “So, do I get a name now?”

She smiled, extending her hand. “Juliette.”

Ryan shook it. “Ryan.”

Juliette gave a soft laugh. “I know who you are.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow. “Do you?”

“I do,” she said playfully. “But I’d like to know more.”

He leaned back. “I’m not sure there’s much to know.”

She tilted her head. “We’ll see.”

The car drove through the scenic streets of Paris, passing famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

Juliette glanced out the window, then turned to Ryan. “Have you ever been to Paris before?”

Ryan nodded. “Once. But it was all business. Didn’t get to see much.”

She smiled. “Then you’re lucky. Today, I’m your guide.”

Ryan smirked. “Is that so?”

“Yes.” She gestured toward a grand old building they passed.

“That’s the Palais Garnier, the opera house. It’s beautiful inside. Maybe you should take a tour someday.”

Ryan glanced at the building, then back at her. “You really know your city.”

Juliette laughed. “Of course. It’s my home. And I love it.”

Their conversation flowed easily as she pointed out various landmarks, sharing stories about the city’s history and culture.

Ryan found himself actually enjoying the interaction, though a part of him remained cautious about her presence.

Eventually, the car stopped at a scenic street lined with small cafes and boutiques.

The assistant opened the door for him to step out. “We’ll continue on foot from here.”

Juliette slipped her arm through Ryan’s without hesitation once they got down from the car.

“Come, I’ll show you some things you won’t find in any guidebook.”

Ryan allowed it, his expression unreadable. “Lead the way.”

Jefferson and the client assistant followed from behind them, making their own discussion to pass away time.

As they walked, she pointed out hidden gems—small art galleries, historic bookshops, and charming pastry shops with long histories.

Ryan listened, occasionally making small comments, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Juliette’s presence was more than just hospitality.

As they strolled through the cobblestone streets, Juliette leaned closer, whispering, “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Ryan smirked.

“I’ll admit, it’s a nice change of pace.”

She laughed. “Paris has that effect on people.”

And with that, they continued exploring, the city unfolding before them in a way Ryan had never seen before.