Chapter 173
“Let’s go,” he said, turning toward the parking lot.
Caroline realized he had agreed to dinner and quickly caught up, a sense of victory blooming in her
chest.
At the most upscale restaurant in River City, diners were either wealthy elites or prominent figures.
The presence of paparazzi outside was a given, hoping to catch a glimpse of someone noteworthy.
Lucas was undoubtedly the kind of person they would dream of photographing. However, snapping pictures of him came with risks–publishing them without permission was out of the question.
Still, the photographers captured a few shots, grumbling about how such news couldn’t be exposed, only to receive a call from Daniel moments later.
“Keep it reasonable–just stir up some heat,” Daniel relayed Lucas’s exact words.
Hearing this, the media wasted no time returning to their offices, editing the photos, and posting
them online.
The images were crystal clear: Lucas and Caroline, their expressions warm and intimate, an
unmistakable hint of affection in their
eyes.
While Lucas had instructed for minimal exposure, his high–profile identity inevitably drew attention. The post immediately climbed the trending charts.
At Belmont, Emily and her friends had a tense dinner.
Victoria wandered out of her room occasionally, making it nearly impossible for them to speak
freely.
As the meal wrapped up, Grace came across the trending news and promptly showed it to Emily.
“I don’t get it. How does that man still have the mood to dine with Caroline?” Grace huffed in
frustration.
Emily stared at the photo, her mind momentarily blank.
Lucas was still wearing the same suit from the morning: a crisp white shirt paired with tailored black trousers. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing a luxury watch that reflected the restaurant’s
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So What If I Loved You?
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lighting
He looked impeccably handsome and refined, exuding his usual air of sophistication.
Emily realized how foolish her anxiety throughout the afternoon had been–an unnecessary fear of Lucas showing up at her door.
How laughable.
Perhaps his behavior earlier was just a passing whim, a fleeting desire to sleep with her.
It wasn’t as though she was irreplaceable. Given their relationship, why wouldn’t he take advantage when the opportunity presented itself?
“This is nothing.” Emily said, her lips curling into a faint, bitter smile. Two dimples appeared, but they carried a trace of sorrow.
If she recalled correctly, Lucas had gone out of his way to suppress their rumored scandal earlier that morning.
But when it came to this news about him and Caroline, he seemed indifferent, even allowing it to
spread.
It seemed he didn’t mind letting the world speculate about him and Caroline.
Yet he was adamantly opposed to letting the world know about his ties with her–his wife.
“You’re still married and in the cooling–off period,” Grace said, her indignation spilling over.
If it were her, she would’ve exposed Lucas’s marital infidelity without hesitation.
But Grace wasn’t Emily and couldn’t fully empathize with her situation. The Clayton family’s troubles and Jack’s condition left Emily no room to act recklessly.
“This is fine. It only helps me stay even calmer,” Emily said, her tone calm, lips curling into a faint smile. Yet, her clear eyes couldn’t hide the sorrow beneath their surface.
Cole observed her for a moment before gesturing to the corner of the table, where a few bottles of cocktails sat. “If you’re upset, have some of this. It’s perfect for unwinding–not too strong, suitable
for women.”
“That’s unnecessary,” Emily replied. She rarely drank, knowing alcohol only offered temporary solace. When the effects wore off, her troubles would still be there.
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“You don’t need to drink just because you’re upset. Sometimes, it’s good for inspiration,” Grace
chimed in, grabbing a bottle and pouring a glass for Emily. “Think of the poets back in the day–they always drank. It sparked their creativity!”
Emily hesitated. She still hadn’t found inspiration for her competition design.
The orange yellow liquid sparkled under the light, bubbles rising steadily to the surface.
This time, she didn’t refuse and took a small sip. It was peach–flavored.
“I’ll join you.” Grace poured herself a glass, clinking it against Emily’s.
After dinner, Cole suggested the women move to the living room to enjoy their drinks while he tidied
the kitchen.
Emily handed her glass to Grace. “Take this for me. I’ll come join you once I’m done here.”
She then turned back to Cole. “Let me help with those dishes.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Cole said, keeping hold of the plates. “Go relax with Grace in the living room.”
Ignoring his insistence, Emily rolled up her sleeves and began washing a few dishes in the sink. She worked swiftly, the sound of running water blending with the occasional clink of ceramic.
Cole’s phone buzzed in his pocket–a call from his assistant. Smiling apologetically at Emily, he stepped onto the balcony to answer.
The cold winter wind howled outside, the balcony significantly colder than indoors. Standing there in his shirt, Cole looked particularly stoic and aloof.
After giving a few concise work instructions, he hung up and turned back toward the living room, only to notice Victoria lurking in the corner of the balcony, partially concealed by a wall near the door to the guest room.
“Mrs. Clayton,” Cole greeted politely, tucking his phone into his pocket. He gave her a courteous nod, ready to leave.
“Wait, Cole,” Victoria called out, hesitating to approach. Leaning slightly against the wall, she gestured for him to come closer.
Slightly bemused, Cole stopped. “What is it, Mrs. Clayton?”
Victoria cleared her throat, her tone shifting to something cautious yet probing. “You know Emily is married, right? Her husband, Lucas… Surely you’ve heard of him. The Graysons are even more
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powerful than your family,”
Cole’s calm expression didn’t waver, though a hint of confusion crept into his eyes. “Mrs. Clayton, would you mind being more direct?”
