Chapter 13

Gloria froze when she heard a voice behind her.

“I thought my secretary told you to sit down and wait, sister-in-law.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Slowly, she turned around.

Standing at the door was Lukas Anderson. For a moment, Gloria couldn’t move. He stood there with one hand resting casually on the doorframe. His tall figure filled the doorway, and the sharp lines of his expensive suit made him look even more imposing.

“I- I’m sorry,” Gloria said quickly, feeling embarrassed. “I was just… I was just looking around.” Her words came out awkwardly. She felt like a child who had been caught doing something she shouldn’t.

Lukas watched her quietly. He was smiling. But there was something dangerous in his eyes. His gaze locked onto her as if warning her not to move another step toward that door.

“Sit down,” he said calmly. “Then we can talk.”

“Yes!” The answer came out before Gloria even realized it.

She hurried back to the couch and sat down. A few seconds later, she heard Lukas’s steady footsteps behind her.

He walked past her and sat on the couch across from her.

The distance between them was barely a few inches.

Lukas leaned back comfortably against the backrest and crossed his legs. His dark eyes studied Gloria carefully.

His gaze made her nervous. Very nervous.

Lukas was still wearing the same formal suit from his meeting. His black hair was neatly combed back, and he wore rimless glasses that made him look even more intimidating. After a moment, he spoke.

“I’m glad you called, sister-in-law,” Lukas said with a faint smile. “It’s been a long time since we last spoke.”

Gloria forced a small smile. “Y-you can just call me Gloria,” she said quickly. Every time he called her sister-in-law, it made her feel uncomfortable. They hadn’t spoken in years. And soon she wouldn’t even be part of the Anderson family anymore once her divorce from Victor was finalized.

But Lukas shook his head slightly. “No,” he said calmly. “I prefer calling you sister-in-law.” His smile disappeared for a brief second.

“It reminds me that you’re married to my brother.”

His voice sounded calm, but his eyes darkened slightly when he mentioned the word married.

Gloria felt her chest tighten. She wanted to tell him the truth. That she was already preparing to divorce Victor.

But she hesitated. I’m here to ask him for a job, she thought. If he finds out I’m leaving his brother, will he still help me? After thinking about it for a moment, Gloria decided to keep quiet. Right now, getting a job was more important. Even if Lukas fired her later after learning the truth, she could still save some money first. Trying to ease the tension, she forced herself to smile.

“You were still a teenager the last time I saw you,” Gloria said. “Maybe fifteen?” She laughed lightly. “Look at you now. You’ve grown into such a handsome and charming man.”

Lukas didn’t react much to the compliment. Instead, he tilted his head slightly. “Do I look handsome to you?”

The question caught Gloria off guard.

“U-uh… yes,” she said awkwardly. “You look… very mature now.” She laughed nervously.

But Lukas’s gaze remained fixed on her. It was so intense that Gloria started feeling self-conscious. She looked down at her clothes. She was wearing a simple striped shirt tucked into her jeans. It wasn’t fashionable, but it wasn’t messy either. Maybe he thinks I look too old she thought nervously. Or maybe he’s judging me like Victor used to. Victor often criticized her appearance. No matter what she wore, he always found something wrong.

“I am a grown man now,” Lukas said calmly. Then he leaned forward slightly. “So… sister-in-law.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “What brings you here today?”

Gloria quickly replied, “I just wanted to catch up—”

“Catch up?” Lukas interrupted. His lips curved into a faint smile.

“You came all the way here just to chat with me?”He looked directly into her eyes.

“Both of us know that’s not the real reason.”

Gloria froze.

Lukas continued calmly. “It would be strange for someone who hasn’t spoken to me for more than ten years to suddenly call and ask to meet just to talk.” He leaned back again.

“I gave you my business card in case you needed help.”

Her heartbeat sped up.For a moment, Gloria wondered if he already knew everything about her situation. But that was impossible. Lukas had been distant from the Anderson family for years after they cheated him off his inheritance. He barely spoke to Victor, let alone her.

Still, he was right. Coming here just to chat would sound ridiculous.

“Don’t worry,” Lukas said calmly. “I’m willing to listen to whatever you need.” His gaze softened slightly. “After all… we’re family.”

Gloria took a deep breath. This was her chance. Lukas seemed more reasonable than Victor. Maybe he would help her. She gathered her courage and spoke honestly.

“I…”Her fingers tightened around her bag. “I need a job.” Any job at all would do.”