Chapter 8
Luther’s stance was clear. Pushing any further would only make me seem petty.
He glanced ahead and said, “Adeline is coming to headquarters next week. She has a strong connection with a client who needs her to step in.
“Normally, Mr. Grady would handle their reception, but his close relative passed away last night. Since he just left, we don’t want to disturb him. This time, it’s your responsibility to take care of the client.”
“Got it. How many will be coming?”
“Just one.”
We went over the reception protocols and key details to remember. Before wrapping up, Luther asked me to book a room and send him the number.
There had been rumors circulating that Adeline and Luther were quite close. She often visited the headquarters under the pretense of client relations, but it was obvious the clients were rarely involved.
Now, those rumors no longer seemed like mere speculation.
Without warning, a car horn shattered the silence, snapping me back to reality. Ryan had arrived.
Despite the car being just outside, Luther still held my hand tightly.
Ryan hurried out of the driver’s seat and opened the door for us.
I had assumed Luther was just here to see me off. But to my surprise, he took my hand in front of Ryan and climbed into the car with me. “To Woodmont Crest,” he said.
It was one of Luther’s many properties, nestled in a prime location downtown. The luxurious residence was managed by a top–tier property management firm and had a truly impressive market value.
During the whole ride, Ryan kept trying to win Luther over with flattering remarks. Meanwhile, I just wished I could vanish into thin air.
Before long, the car pulled up outside Woodmont Crest. Ryan quickly got out to open the door for Luther. But as Luther stepped out, he took my hand and led me with him.
Ryan and I exchanged stunned glances across the car. We were equally caught off guard.
Luther’s voice was low and steady. “Thank you, Ryan.”
Ryan hesitated for a moment before offering a polite smile. “It’s an honor to serve you, Mr. Stone.”
“Serve me?” Luther chuckled softly, meeting my eyes. “You’ve done an exceptional job. You should head home early. Be careful.”
With that, he slipped an arm around my waist and guided me toward the residential area.
His pace was calm and unhurried, a stark contrast to the tight knot of tension and shame coiling inside me.
Once inside, Luther shrugged off his coat and draped it casually over the couch. He unfastened the top two buttons of his shirt, exposing the clean lines of his collarbones.
He favored white shirts and paired with his clear, fair complexion, they gave him a refined look.
I shrugged off my coat while Luther made his way to the liquor cabinet. With his back to me, he poured two glasses of red wine.
He liked to unwind with a drink before bed. I lifted my glass and tapped it against his. It was like an unspoken ritual that had quietly become ours.
Seated across from each other at the bar, he slipped off his cufflinks and set them down on the counter. As he rolled up his sleeves, the defined muscles of his forearms were revealed.
He drained his wine in one gulp and asked, “So, is this the love you keep talking about?”
I was left speechless.
The instant Luther pulled me into the car, I saw right through him.
He didn’t need Ryan behind the wheel. He just wanted to use this moment to shatter the “love” I was holding onto.
I lowered my gaze. Words failed me.
“You still don’t understand, do you?” Luther pressed.
But I wasn’t confused. Luther was the one lost in the dark. Ryan and I had always planned to use him as a means to an end.
“You say Ryan loves you. But if he really did, would he just hand you over to me?” Luther poured more wine and remarked gently. “You’re so naive.”
I toyed with my glass, silently plotting how to break down his defenses tonight. The sooner I got pregnant, the sooner I could be free,
I decided to lower my guard. “Mr. Stone, you’re right. I’ve been naive. But Ryan’s love for me is real. He may not have your power or status, But at home, he treasures me. He never lets me lift a finger and takes care of me completely.
“I didn’t grow up in a warm household. My parents were cold and distant. But since I met Ryan, he’s shown me what it means to be truly loved and accepted.”
Chapter E
- 2.
Luther took a sip of his red wine, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “And just because of that, you’re willing to sleep with me to advance his career?”
That single line made all my explanations feel utterly meaningless.
Clinging to the last of my dignity, I continued, “Mr. Stone, I’m sincerely thankful for the financial support you extended to my family during our most challenging times.
“Thank you for giving Ryan a chance, and for offering him a platform where he could truly shine. In both my personal life and my career, I owe you more than I can ever put into words, and I will never forget that.
“But the bond between Ryan and I is something you’ll never fully understand.”
Luther curled his finger, signaling me to come closer. I stood up and moved toward him.
Slowly, I felt the ribbon at my neckline begin to unravel.
Luther’s eyes were bloodshot from the wine. With every passing second, his kisses grew deeper.
Morning came quickly. When I opened my eyes, I took in my surroundings slowly. Only then did I realize that I was at Luther’s place.
I slipped into his robe and headed to the living room. The room was empty, except for a woman in her fifties. She emerged from the kitchen holding a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup.
She smiled as she spotted me. “Ms. Miller, you’re awake. Breakfast is ready.”
I hesitated for a moment. “I haven’t freshened up yet. I’ll do that and come back.”
Just as I turned to leave, I paused and looked back. “By the way, how should I address you?”
“I’m a distant relative of Luther’s. He calls me Lucy.”
While Luther had that familiarity with her, I knew I wasn’t afforded the same.
“Ms. Stone,” I began, but she cut me off with a warm smile.
“Just call me Lucy, like Luther does. We’re basically family.”
“I…” I tried to explain my connection to Luther, but I faltered.
Sensing my unease, Lucy stepped closer and asked softly, “How old are you, dear?”
Her unexpected question threw me off balance.
“I’m 28,” I replied honestly.
She smiled warmly as she took my hand. “That’s perfect. You’re about the same age. Luther’s 31 this year.
“He never gave us any trouble growing up, but now that he’s an adult, he’s been raising some concerns within the family. I’ve looked after him all these years, and you’re the first woman he’s ever brought home.”
I could feel my so–called relationship with Luther starting to draw more attention.
I wanted to clarify. “Ms. Stone-”
She frowned slightly. “Yes?”
I hurried to correct myself. “I mean, Lucy.”
“That’s better,” she said with a grin.
Just as I was about to explain that I wasn’t Luther’s girlfriend, the study door swung open.
Luther appeared with a few sheets of paper. He glanced at Lucy, who stood beside me. “Hey Lucy. The fridge is almost empty. Could you go pick up some fresh groceries?”
Lucy immediately nodded and began pulling off her apron. “If you hadn’t reminded me, I’d have completely forgotten.
“I’m heading out now. Once you’re done eating, just leave the dishes on the table. I’ll clean up when I get back.”
As soon as the door closed behind her, Luther handed me the papers. I took them cautiously and asked, “What is this?”
My eyes fell on the bold, unmistakable title–Divorce Agreement. Hooked up at him, the shock plain on my face.
“I drafted it this morning,” he said. “All that’s left is your signature. My lawyer will handle the rest.”
