Chapter 7

Julia’s POV

I was shocked that such a coincidence could happen.

The handsome stranger from the club, Lucas turned out to be the CEO of Lynwood Company. My pulse quickened as the realization but was quick to compose.

“Nice to see you again,” I said, smoothing my expression.

“I’m sorry.” I said, realizing I had overreacted.

Lucas’s lips curved into a faint smile. “No need to apologize. Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?” 

Lucas leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “You know, I still remember that dance we had at the club. You were bold, confident… pressed right up against me even though you weren’t a good dancer.”

I chuckled out a smooth short laugh.

“And then,” he continued, ignoring my flustered state, “you had the guts to put Alex in his place. That was something.”

“It just happened.” I replied.

Laughter erupted around the table. Lucas shook his head, amused. “Whatever it was, it was damn entertaining.”

He leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking softly beneath him. “So… what was that proposal you mentioned earlier?”

Grateful that he finally changed the topic, I met his gaze. “It’s about the Creator Project you and Alex are vying for. The advanced security system which will be presented at the upcoming Entrepreneur Summit..”

Lucas set his glass down, his interest piqued. “I’m listening.”

“There are major loopholes in that project,” I continued. “Competing with Alex for a high-price buyout isn’t cost-effective and If you buy it, you’ll suffer significant losses within half a month.”

In my previous life, after Lynwood Company purchased the security system project, a major malfunction occurred on just the second day of its application. The system crashed beyond repair, leaving entire networks exposed. Sensitive data was compromised, and several high-profile clients suffered security breaches from scammers.

The backlash was immediate. News outlets ran headlines about Lynwood’s “failed investment,” and social media exploded with criticism. Investors pulled out, and the company’s stock plummeted. The financial losses were staggering, but the damage to Lynwood’s reputation was even worse.

I wouldn’t let history repeat itself. 

Silence stretched between us. Lucas’s smile faded, replaced by a cold, assessing look. “Are you suggesting I’m incapable of evaluating a project?” His voice carried an edge of skepticism. “Or did Alex send you to mislead me?”

“I don’t care if you believe me or not,” I replied calmly, meeting his gaze without a hint of discouragement. “But I’m willing to make a bet. If I’m right, you’ll provide financial support to my company and help us through this difficult time.”

Lucas tilted his head slightly, studying me with an intensity that made my pulse skip a beat. Then, to my surprise, he chuckled softly.

“If your company’s on the verge of collapse, it makes sense that you’d take a bold risk like this,” he mused. “Alright… I’ll take your bet. We’ll see who’s right at the summit tonight.”

***

The evening air was cool as I stood at the entrance of the grand auditorium. Elegant chandeliers illuminated the glass-paneled ceiling, and the faint hums of conversations by people drifted through the air as guests began to arrive.

My attention was on my phone as I saw I have received a text from Alex.

‘What are you up to again? Grandpa already told you that you have to be my partner tonight! Stop making trouble!’ I sighed and left my message app.

I exhaled sharply and with a swop, I saw so many missed calls from Alex.

“Ass hole!” I cursed silently beneath my breath as no one noticed.

 A moment later, my phone buzzed again with a message notification from Alex. 

“I am on my way with Celeste. Don't regret missing the opportunity to stand by my side..”

He never ceases to amaze me, does he? “Crazy man.” I cursed.

A sleek luxury car pulled up at the entrance, the valet swiftly opening the door. Whispers rippled through the crowd as Alex stepped out in a tailored black suit, every detail of his appearance immaculate. His perfectly styled hair, and confidence drew admiring glances from every direction.

Following closely behind him, Celeste emerged with a smile, her emerald green gown hugging her slender body like it was made for her alone. Diamond earrings caught the light, and her long, wavy hair cascaded elegantly down her back.

The voices of the audience were in hush tones.

“Wow, they look stunning together.” One said.

“Such a perfect couple!” Another said.

“I heard Alex personally invited her tonight. So romantic!”

“Poor thing,” someone added in a stage whisper, eyes focusing toward me. “Must be hard seeing her ex-husband with someone like that.”

I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of a reaction.

Meanwhile, Celeste basked in the attention, tilting her head just so as photographers snapped shot after shot. She whispered something to Alex, then, as if noticing me for the first time, approached with a saccharine smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Julia,” she said sweetly, her voice pitched just loud enough for those nearby to hear. “It’s so nice to see you here.”

I said nothing, offering only a faint, polite smile.

“Come now, no hard feelings, right?” she added, stepping closer. Her eyes gleamed in whatever I couldn't recognize as she leaned in as if to offer a friendly hug.

Instinctively, I shifted back.

With a gasp, Celeste pushed herself down, stumbling forward and fell hard onto the ground. Her cry of pain rang out, instantly drawing every eye.

“Oh my gosh, are you alright?” someone exclaimed as gasps and murmurs swept through the crowd.

“Celeste!” Alex, who had been chatting with a fan nearby, rushed toward us. His eyes blazed with fury as he crouched beside Celeste, helping her to her feet.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” he snarled at me, voice echoing for everyone to hear. “Even in public, you can’t help but show your true colors?!”

“I didn’t—”

But before I could finish, the crowd had already turned against me.

“Typical,” someone muttered.

“She’s just bitter because Alex moved on.”

“No wonder her business is failing. Can’t even hold herself together at an event like this.”

I clenched my fists at my sides. The weight of their stares pressed down on me, suffocating me, 

“Alex, I… I didn’t mean to…” Celeste stammered, clutching his arm as tears shimmered in her eyes.

“Of course you didn’t,” Alex soothed, brushing her hair from her face with a tenderness that made my stomach twist. Then he turned his glare back on me. “Stay away from us tonight. I won’t have you causing more trouble.”

Just as I opened my mouth to retort, another sleek luxury car pulled up to the entrance. The murmurs of the crowd stilled as a valet opened the door, revealing a man who commanded attention without uttering a word.

Lucas stepped out with the fluid grace of someone accustomed to being watched. His midnight blue suit, tailored to perfection, hugged his broad shoulders and tapered down his muscular body. The crisp white shirt beneath his jacket accentuated the strong lines of his chest, and the silk tie, deep burgundy added a subtle touch of color. Golden cufflinks gleamed against his sleeves, and the faint sheen of his polished leather shoes caught the light with every step.

But it was his face that truly stunned the crowd. 

Words weren’t enough to describe how handsome he appeared tonight as the audience murmured to themselves realising this man wasn’t just an ordinary man. 

“Who is that?”

“He’s gorgeous…”

“Wait, isn’t that Lucas from Lynwood Company?”

“What’s he doing here?”

Ignoring the whispers, Lucas walked directly toward me.

Without hesitation, he slid an arm around my waist, the warmth of his hand resting possessively against my hip.

“It’s cold outside,” His voice was loud enough for the audience to hear. I could see how their attention was on us.

“Why didn’t you wait for me inside?”