جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 80

Meanwhile, initially, Zenith had not meant to spy on them. At least, that’s what he would tell himself. He had walked away last night with breeding lips wondering why the fake wife would drug Lucas. And also angry at Alex for hitting him so hard. By morning, he woke up early and waited for them to leave, as most of the staff had departed with the company bus, but Lucas didn't leave with them. He didn't want to leave with the company bus either due to his face which was still swollen. So after he had packed to leave at last, he was passing by the back of room 104 and noticed that a window was open. So curiosity set in. He stopped, before you knew it he was taking a peek, then he saw them. Not the whole thing but just enough. Lucas stepped forward and touched him first. Foreheads resting together, and then the kiss. It was slow, unhidden, as if he had chosen him. Zenith stood frozen, breath shallow, hand still pressed against the wall beside the window. He didn’t inter

Though not just with anger, but something deeper. “You order me around in front of everyone like you owned me. Lucas hesitated. “You said it yourself yesterday that you don’t own me. So what was that in the kitchen?” Lucas didn’t raise his voice, but every word landed sharply. “My personal worries are mine. I told you we’d talk during my break. You didn’t listen, you bossed me out as if I belonged to you.” His jaw tightened. “That’s ownership, Alex. You can’t say one thing and act another way. What do you think the staff will say?” Silence stretched, the air between them thickened. Their eyes locked…challenging, unguarded, vulnerable. Alex held his gaze, waiting, searching, until Lucas’s eyes finally flickered and softened. That instant, Lucas turned away, but not fast enough. The shine in his eyes betrayed him. Alex stepped forward, closed the distance, and wrapped his arms around him. “Sweetheart… I’m sorry.” His voice dropped, rough at the edges. “I didn’t mea

Lucas wanted to ignore the call but the buzzing seemed to make their situation worse. “Sweetheart, check who is calling, it might be important.” Alex encouraged him. He checked and it was his sister. His stomach tightened instantly.She rarely called during work hours unless something was wrong. He answered. “Hey, Em.”Her voice was tense. “Dad knows.” Lucas stopped breathing first before he mouthed, “Knows what?” There was a pause from the other end before she responded. “About you and… him.” The word ‘him’ was heavy. Lucas walked over to the couch and slowly settled down. “How?” “I don’t know. But someone mentioned seeing you at the resort with your boss and not just your boss but with another man.” Emily lowered her voice. “Luc, he’s furious. He said he can't let you ruin his legacy.” Lucas closed his eyes. “Of course, that's all he cares about. Legacy, honor, reputation.” He shook his head in disbelief. His father had built everything on an image

“Nat!” He called out. Nathan turned slightly, unsteady on his feet. Even from behind, Lucas could tell he was drunk already. “Buddy, wait up!” Lucas jogged after him. Nathan looked back, eyes red, expression twisted with bitterness. He let out a humorless snort. “You? Backstabber, stay away from me.”He staggered forward again. Lucas caught up, grabbing his arm gently. “Please, let’s talk for a bit. Call me anything you want, insult me, yell at me…just talk to me. Don’t shut me out.” Nathan yanked his arm free. “I don’t have anything to say to you.” His voice cracked between anger and hurt. “Just stay the hell away from me.” He rushed toward his car, fumbling with the keys. Lucas’s heart jumped. “Nat, you’re drunk, don’t drive!” Nathan ignored him, slid into the driver’s seat, and slammed the door. The engine roared to life. The car sped off so abruptly that it nearly brushed Lucas’s knees. “Nat!” Lucas shouted after him.The taillights disappeared. Lucas be

“Already on it, boss,” Dan responded immediately. Lucas hailed a cab.Dan slipped into his car and tailed him. After a few minutes, “Boss,” Dan texted. “He’s back at the Dynasty Bar.” Alex swore under his breath, already grabbing his keys.“Damn it, Lucas,” he muttered as he stormed out. “You should’ve stayed home with me.” “Dan, what’s he drinking?” “Alcoholic mixed and in his third shot already.” Dan’s voice lowered. “He looks very bothered, talking and chortling to himself.” “Walk over stay with him. Talk to him. I’m on my way.” “Alright, boss.” The instant the line disconnected.Dan sighed. “I hate babysitting.”He adjusted his jacket and walked toward Lucas, who sat slouched over the bar counter, staring into his drink like it held answers to his worries. Dan slid into the seat opposite him and signaled a waiter for a soft drink. Up close, it was obvious that Lucas was already tipsy. “Hey, buddy,” Dan said casually. “You alright?” Lucas let