Chapter 18 She Tilted His Chin Up
+8 Pearls
Andrew was Lucas‘ right–hand man. He usually stayed close by his side, and almost no one in Stonebridge’s business world didn’t recognize him.
Just like people often said, “Even the lowest–ranking official at the top holds real power.” Even though he was just an assistant, no one dared to underestimate Andrew.
“What is Mr. Andrew doing here at this time?” Conrad asked, puzzled.
“Don’t tell me he’s here to call off the engagement?” Samantha muttered under her breath–but just loud enough for everyone around to hear.
Boone and Conrad exchanged a look, clearly ready for a show. “Let him in.”
Soon, Andrew walked inside. Conrad hurried to greet him. “Mr. Andrew, what brings you here in person today? Is there something you need to say?”
“Exactly, no need to hold back–just say it,” Boone added eagerly, practically itching to see Sloane thrown into the mud.
Andrew glanced at the two with a strange look, then brushed past them and stopped in front of Sloane. His tone was respectful. “Ms. Rivers, I wonder if you have time now. Mr. Hawthorne sent me to bring you to the Hawthorne Mansion.”
Lucas wanted to see Sloane and h
sent his most trusted aide to personally fetch her!
Samantha’s jealousy spiked so sharply she cracked her own fingernail, not even noticing the pain. Her eyes stayed locked on Sloane, as if she wanted to burn holes through her.
Just moments ago, Conrad and Boone had been mocking Sloane, and now they were the ones slapped in the face.
Sloane stood up slowly. “I’ve got time. Let’s go.”
She couldn’t be bothered to deal with these three lunatics anymore, and headed straight for the door.
Andrew had sensed something was off the moment he walked in. Now, without sparing another glance at the trio, he followed Sloane out.
Boone, furious, kicked over a nearby chair. His face twisted with rage. “What kind of witchcraft did Sloane use to make Lucas treat her differently?” |
Conrad wasn’t convinced. “I don’t know. Maybe Lucas called her over just to call off the engagement.”
“True. Lucas can have any beauty he wants. Why would he go for some penniless nobody like her?” Boone’s expression relaxed slightly.
Samantha stood off to the side, a sharp pain stinging where her nail had broken–but it was nothing compared to the jealousy and hatred burning inside her.
“Boone, Conrad, you two have to help Sloane,” Samantha cried, furrowing her brows as tears rolled down. “If Lucas really breaks off the engagement, what’s going to happen to her?”
“That’d be the best outcome. She’d become the laughingstock of all Stonebridge. And no one would dare marry a woman dumped by Lucas. She’d have to go back to the countryside and marry some random farmer.”
Conrad could already picture the day and chuckled darkly. “Serves her right.”
“Forget about her, Sammy. Boone gently draped an arm around Samantha’s shoulders and led her out. “Come on, let me show you the gift I brought you.”
With Andrew by her side this time, Sloane entered the Hawthorne Mansion without any trouble. But Lucas no longer lived in the main house. He’d moved to a secluded courtyard.
Andrew stepped forward and knocked lightly. “Mr. Hawthorne, Ms. Rivers is here.”
“Come in,” came Lucas‘ calm, cool voice from inside.
Sloane walked in and saw him seated in a wheelchair, back to her, staring out the window, deep in thought.
5:54 PM P P
Chapter 18 She Tilted His Chin Up
He heard her footsteps and slowly turned his chair to face her.
+8 Pearls
Sloane didn’t flinch. She walked straight up to him, reached out, and gently tilted his chin up. Her beautiful eyes locked on his with unwavering focus.
Lucas hadn’t expected her to be so bold. Surprise flickered in his eyes for a brief second–but he quickly returned to his usual calm, unshaken self, just sitting there quietly, letting her do as she pleased.
