Chapter 17
Julia’s POV
Lucas’s hand was still gripping Alex’s, his fingers tightening with a quiet warning. His expression remained unreadable. Then, with an easy confidence, Lucas took a step closer, his voice cutting through the silence.
“I remember telling you not to lay a hand on a lady.” He said nonchalantly.
His words carried weight like a threat. Alex’s jaw clenched, his pride refusing to let him, but there was hesitation in his eyes, whether to back off or not.
Alex scoffed and took a step away. Then, just as I expected, he turned into accusations.
“Of course, Lucas is here for you,” he sneered. “That’s why he always rushes to your side. You two must have something going on. That’s the real reason he’s so eager to help, isn’t it?”
I exhaled sharply, disgusted but not surprised. Alex was grasping at straws, desperate to paint me in the wrong.
Lucas, however, smiled and took a few steps forward. He didn’t so much as blink at Alex’s accusation, merely adjusting the cufflinks on his pristine suit as if Alex’s words were nothing more than background noise.
“We’re just business cooperators,” Lucas corrected smoothly. “She’s good at evaluating projects. She’s helped me avoid flawed investment.” He stretched his words. “She also helps me to avoid a failed project.” He smirked and slid his hands into his pockets, exuding effortless confidence. “And tonight’s dinner? It was just a way to thank her.” I could see in Alex’s eyes that Lucas’s words were getting to him.
Then, in an almost amused tone, Lucas added, “Speaking of investments, it’s unfortunate how much money you lost because of your last failed project, Alex. I saw the news.” He took another step closer, his voice dropping just enough to be taunting. “Sorry for the loss, man.”
Alex’s nostrils flared, and for a moment, I thought he might explode right then and there and yes, I was right. Lucas had struck exactly where it hurt most, his ego.
“You think you’re better than me?” Alex spat, his face contorted with anger. “Because you’ve got money to throw around? Because you think about having Julia around makes you look better than I am?” He scoffed and then shook his head before he spoke again.
Lucas chuckled as it infuriated Alex more and then he spoke nonchalantly. “Easy, man. So now, we’re playing the self–made man card? Tell me, how does it feel knowing that even with all your effort, you’re still failing?”
Alex lunged forward, his fists clenched, but before he could get too close, Celeste spoke. “That’s enough Alex.”
Alex was never the type to stay and fight when he knew he was losing.
“A reminder.” Said Lucas. “Today should be your first and last day you say hurtful words to a lady. To Julia.”
With one last glare in my direction, Alex turned and stalked off as if Lucas’s words had fallen on a deaf ears. And Celeste hurrying after him like an obedient pet.
As soon as they left, Lucas turned to me. He studied me for a moment before speaking.
“I can’t believe you were once in love with him. How could you have such poor taste and fall for a lousy man like Alex?” He smirked.
His questions made me feel ashamed. I didn’t know the right words to use as an answer to his question. I just forced out a smile. “I was too naive then, you know?” I needed to say something. Then Lucas shook his head in disbelief and headed back inside and I followed.
As we got in, I took a seat. Lucas did the same as his gaze was on me.
“Is your ex–husband stalking you? He seems to appear everywhere.”
I sighed, taking the strand of hair covering the side of my face. “Ile is not my ex–husband, we weren’t married. Alex is crazy and frustrated. He doesn’t know how to handle losing. Just ignore him.”
I glanced at him and offered a small, grateful smile. “Thank you for helping me again. Who knows if Alex would have actually hit me if you hadn’t shown up.”
Lucas waved a hand dismissively and then he smirked. “I’m happy to work with you, you know. Speaking of which, that e–commerce website development you told me to bid on? It’s making real progress.”
“Really?” I was overjoyed.
“Maybe you should be my personal adviser,” he teased and we both laughed about it and resumed the meal.
1/2
+25 Bonus
“Your presence has only brought good fortune into my company. I must say, thank you.” He appreciated as I watched him pour out the champagne into two glasses.
“Cheers to more collaborations together.” He said and then we tossed.
I knew this was just the beginning of my progress and Alex’s downfall.
When I got home that day, I immediately checked on the progress of the E–commerce website development project that I had asked Lucas to bid on at the auction.
As expected, everything was developing in an orderly manner just as he stated earlier. The numbers were lining up perfectly, and if things continued this way, this project would be a massive success just like it had been in my previous life.
I leaned back in my chair, fingers tapping thoughtfully against the desk. If this project took off, it would be a game–changer for me.
Before I could think further, my phone rang. I looked at the screen to see my friend Isabella’s name flashing on the screen.
I smiled and picked up the call, but instead of her voice, I heard the sound of rowdy laughter of men and they sounded familiar, even through the speaker. They slurred with their words as if they were drunk with alcohol, I recognized them instantly. They were Alex’s friends. The same ones who always hovered around him like vultures, laughing at his cruel acts towards me in my past life,
“Well, well, well,” Jude slurred, his voice dripping with amusement. “Your presence is needed Julia.”
My grip tightened around the phone. My pulse pounded in my ears as I wondered what they had done to my friend to have her phone with
them.
“Where’s Isabella?” I demanded, my voice sharp with urgency.
There was a pause, followed by a low chuckle. The faint clinking of glasses filtered through the line as they all burst out into a loud mocking
Jaugh.
“She’s here with us,” Jude slurred, almost lazy. “Having a great time.”
My stomach dropped.
“Julia…” A low female voice called out my name and the voice was familiar. That was Isabella’s voice.
“She doesn’t sound like she’s having fun,” I snapped, straining to hear more of her voice. “What have you done to her, you bastard!” I yelled, gritted my teeth in annoyance.
“Come join us,” a different voice urged. That was Matthias’s voice, another friend to Alex.. “Come join Alex, Julia.” Mathias added.
But before I could respond, Alex’s voice cut through the noise, his tone cold and indifferent.
“I don’t care about her presence. Isabella is here anyways.” They all mocked laughed. And then, Celeste’s voice was heard from the background.
“Come get your friend before she makes a mess.”
A chill ran down my spine. My grip on the phone tightened further.
Then, suddenly, Isabella screamed out loud.
“Julia! Don’t come,”
