Chapter 8
Julia’s POV
I was shocked by Lucas’s sudden intimacy, the way he acted in front of everyone towards me that made them speechless as if he had every right to hold me that way I could practically feel the weight of countless gazes, stunned silence washing over as we continued to walk while there were flashes of light coming from countless shots from different camera men. Just as I was about to break free, Lucas leaned down slightly, his lips close to my ear. “With such a great opportunity, aren’t you going to take advantage of me?” His voice was smooth, teasing, and entirely. Then came that smirk.
I shot him an exasperated look and smiled at his words. On one hand, I thought he was being the epitome of narcissism, acting as though I should be grateful for his attention. But on the other… Well, he had a point. Lucas Lynwood was breathtakingly handsome, far more than Alex had ever been. Sharp features, intense eyes, an aura of quiet dominance that made everyone in the room acknowledge him the second he stepped in.
So, instead of pulling away, I did the exact opposite. With a sweet, affectionate smile, I linked my arm with his, leaning in just enough to make it convincing. If he wanted to put on a show, I was happy to give him one.
The reaction was instant. A flurry of whispers rippled through the crowd as we walked into the venue together.
“When did she get together with Lucas Lynwood?” a woman murmured, her voice laced with shock.
“Wasn’t she married to Alex before?” another asked. “It hasn’t even been that long since their divorce, has it?”
A man chuckled lowly. “If she’s with Lynwood now, she definitely traded up.”
“Do you think this was going on behind Alex’s back?”
I fought the urge to smirk and it came. Their speculation was exactly what I wanted. Let them wonder. Let them talk. I didn’t mind it one bit.
Lucas, seemingly entertained, glanced at me as we made our way to our seats. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Immensely.” I let my fingers lightly brush against his wrist in a display of affection, fully aware that it only fueled the gossip further.
After we sat down, Lucas casually leaned toward me, his voice filled with amusement. “Alex has been glaring at you since we walked in.”
I arched a brow, following his gaze across the room. Sure enough, Alex sat stiffly at his table, his expression thunderous. Beside him, Celeste placed a hand on his arm, whispering something in a poor attempt to soothe him.
I didn’t care.
With a shrug, I turned back to Lucas. “Let him stare.”
Lucas chuckled, clearly pleased with my reaction.
The event soon began, and the first group of entrepreneurs stepped onto the stage to present their project, an E–commerce website development.
E–commerce website development marketing assistant designed to optimize digital advertisements for businesses. The concept was solid, the technology promising. However, the asking price they set was absurdly high.
The panel of investors murmured among themselves, their expressions hesitant. One by one, they declined to make a deal because of its high price.
I, however, knew something they didn’t. In my past life, this particular E–commerce website development project had skyrocketed in success. Within two years, it became an essential tool for major corporations worldwide.
I leaned closer to Lucas, lowering my voice so only he could hear. “You should invest in this.”
Lucas tilted his head slightly, eyes gleaming with interest. “Oh? And why is that?”
“Because I have a feeling it’s going to be big,” I replied smoothly. “And since I’m your date today, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to buy me something, right?” I winked at him.
He smirked, clearly amused.
With that, I raised my hand, signaling my bid. The room stirred as people turned to watch, intrigued that someone was willing to take the risk. Not just someone but a lady with a failed company.
Alex smirked, seeing my hand
Chapter 8
+25 Bonus
Then, to my mild surprise, Alex joined the bidding. His eyes were on between Lucas and me as if my mere presence influenced his decision.
Lucas, however, remained unshaken. With each bidding raise, I countered effortlessly. Alex, on the other hand, hesitated more and more until, finally, he scoffed under his breath and withdrew. He saw there was no need investing so much into it because he perhaps thinks it wasn’t a good idea.
And then I won.
The murmurs of the audience grew louder as people whispered about the turn of event. Some people said Alex had agreed at first because he was trying to pepper me while some said he backed down because he saw that I was the wrong person he should be on this with.
I sat back in satisfaction at their whispers.
Then came the intermission.
Excusing myself, I headed to the restroom. The moment I stepped out, however, I found myself face to face with Alex and Celeste, as if they traced me down here.
Alex’s sneer was immediate. “You were so brave.” His tone dripped with sarcasm.
Celeste, ever the actress, gasped softly. “Oh, come now, there’s no need to be so hostile.” She offered me a sweet yet insincere smile. “We’re just surprised, that’s all. You and Lynwood… who would have thought?”
I didn’t take the bait, but she wasn’t done.
“You know,” she continued, feigning concern, “it does make one wonder… were you seeing him while you were still with Alex?”
I stayed mute.
A
Celeste pouted, as if my words wounded her, “Alex, do you see that? She can’t say anything to prove her innocence.”
entertained while with me?”
I clenched my fists, but before I could respond, a deep voice that spoke of no emotion cut in from my behind.
“Be careful how you phrase that.” He said. I turned to see Lucas approach. Once closer, he trailed forward and stood in front of Alex, his cold. eyes boring into his.
After what felt like seconds, Lucas appeared beside me. His hand brushed my lower back as he regarded Alex with a cool, unreadable expression.
“There are always punishments for every action.” He added.
The air grew tense.
I tilted my head, watching as Alex stiffened at the sight of him.
Now, this was going to be interesting.
P
6
Comments
TERU
