Were you mine?

Chapter 70 Interesting…

At another luxurious hotel suite in Paris, Mercy lounged on the plush couch, a large bowl of popcorn in her lap, eyes glued to the massive flat-screen TV. The latest entertainment news show was on, showing snippets from the glamorous party in Paris,she too had come to visit. But today was not her day. She would be attending the second day.

She munched away, engrossed in the glitzy world unfolding before her.In the background, Percy strolled out of the bathroom, still damp and wrapped in nothing but a towel. He hummed a tune, glancing at Mercy and shaking his head with a chuckle.

"Honestly, Mercy, are you ever not watching TV?" Percy teased, drying his hair with another towel."You are in love with your books,I am in love with my screen. I don't see a problem in that.Shh...this is the best part," Mercy replied, not taking her eyes off the screen but waving her hand for Percy to shut up.

Suddenly, Mercy gasped and choked on a mouthful of popcorn, her eyes wide with shock. She coughed and spluttered, flailing her arms.

"Mercy! Are you okay?" Percy rushed over, grabbing a glass of water and handing it to her. "Here, drink this."Mercy took a sip, her eyes never leaving the screen. She paused the TV and zoomed in on the image of a stunning woman in a blue dress.

"Percy, look at this!" she exclaimed, pointing at the screen. "Is that... is that Lea?"

Percy squinted at the screen, then his eyes widened. "Holy crap, it is Lea! She looks incredible. I've never seen her dress up like that."Mercy nodded vigorously. "I know, right? She's practically unrecognizable."

"Is she walking on air, or am I just imagining it?" Percy exclaimed,leaning in closer. "She looks like she stepped out of a fashion magazine."

"More like she ate a fashion magazine for breakfast."Mercy quipped, unable to take her eyes off the screen. "I mean, look at that dress! She’s slaying it."

"Seriously, when did Lea get so glamorous?" Percy wondered aloud. "I thought she was allergic to anything fancier than a sundress."

Mercy laughed. "I think heartbreak has magical properties. It does things to people.We need to bottle that stuff and sell it."Percy shook his head in amusement. "Lea is stealing the show. Look at those guys falling over themselves to talk to her."

"Aha!She’s like a magnet," Mercy agreed. "I bet they're all trying to impress her."Percy adopted a mockingly deep voice, mimicking a suave businessman. "Excuse me, Miss Lea, may I interest you in my portfolio? It’s almost as impressive as your smile."Mercy burst out laughing. "You’re ridiculous! But probably not far from the truth."They continued to admire Lea, marveling at how she commanded the room.

"Who would’ve thought?" Percy mused.Mercy grinned, popping another piece of popcorn into her mouth.

"I always knew she had it in her. She got both my brothers wrapped around her fingers back then. Even though she had no clue.She was like a caterpillar.Just needed the right moment to shine."

"Speaking of shining," Percy said, "I'm starting to feel underdressed here.You shouldn't be too comfortable around me. You forgot I am no longer your brother."Mercy glanced at him and snorted. "Understatement of the year. You’re practically naked."

Percy struck a pose, pretending to model his towel. "This is high fashion, Mercy. You wouldn't understand."Mercy rolled her eyes, then suddenly had an idea. She grabbed her phone and dialed a number.

"Who are you calling?" Percy asked, curious.

"Just watch," Mercy said with a wink.

On the other end, Jake answered, sounding groggy.It seemed like he was sleeping or was drunk. "Hello? Mercy, do you know what time it is?"

"Jake! Drop everything and get your butt to Paris. Immediately!" Mercy said, her tone urgent."Paris? What? Why?" Jake sounded bewildered.

"Just do it! Trust me," Mercy insisted. "No time to explain. Book a flight, pack your bags, and get here ASAP.I never asked you for any favours. I need this. Please. If you call yourself my elder brother, you would do this for me. " Emotional blackmailing always worked. Mercy grinned because she knew she had gained victory.

Jake sighed. "Mercy, this better not be one of your pranks."

"Not a prank, I promise. You'll thank me later. See you soon!" Mercy hung up before Jake could protest further.Percy raised an eyebrow at her. "What are you trying to do, Mercy?"

Mercy leaned back, a satisfied look on her face. "Something I should have done a long time ago. This is going to be epic."Percy shook his head, chuckling. "You are unbelievable. But I have to admit, I'm curious to see how this plays out."

Mercy popped another piece of popcorn into her mouth, grinning. "Just wait and see. Paris is about to get a lot more interesting.”