Chapter 51
Hearing Gerald’s words, Reese understood what he meant, but it still made her feel uneasy.
She tried to keep a straight face as she said, “We should end this matter now. There’s no need to continue
She was acutely aware that, even in Gerald’s absence, another pawn might have been dispatched last
night.
In short, it was Ricardo who schemed last night to manufacture a threat against her.
Lukas subtly narrowed his eyes. He was surprised by Reese’s quick forgiveness of Gerald.
As she glanced at Lukas, Elena’s lips curved into a smile, “Lukas, now that Miss Roberts has pardoned Gerald, let’s extend the same generosity and spare the Hughes family.”
There was a moment of thoughtful silence before Lukas spoke carefully. “I am doing this not for your benefit but for the sake of Elias’s dignity. The Hughes‘ ought to learn their boundaries.”
Elena caught the undercurrents in Lukas’s words. His concern was for Elias’s reputation. Elena was Ellas’s younger sister, and she shared a distant kinship with Gerald through the Schmidt family.
Was
Despite that, Lukas’s deliberation primarily for his brother.
She nodded in understanding, her fingers curling around Gerald’s arm as she impishly directed him, “Quick, offer your gratitude to Mr Strakovski!”
Gerald’s nod was almost comical in its eagerness, his words rushing forth, “Thank you, Mr Strakovski, for your generosity. And Miss Roberts, thank you for your kind forgiveness. Rest assured, I won’t err again!TM
Elena exhaled a relieved breath. Though Lukas’s demeanor didn’t soften, the storm seemed to be dispersing.
She glanced over at Lukas and asked, “Lukas, are you available tonight? Gerald and I would be delighted if you and Miss Robert would join us for dinner.”
“No need. You’re free to leave.” Lukas’s directive rang clear.
Elena recognized the unwavering resolution in Lukas’s words. A flush of embarrassment tinged her cheeks as she nodded, then took her leave alongside Gerald.
Reese also began her exit, but Lukas’s voice halted her in her tracks. “You stay. There’s something I wish
to discuss.
‹ Perfen Lie Hides Behind My Billionairg
Reese’s surprise registered briefly, yet she acquiesced, maintaining her position.
Elena’s ears caught this directive, and she subtly pursed her lips. She cast a parting glance at the. mysterious Laikas before departing with a faint sense of hesitation.
After Elena left, Laikas’s gaze settled onto Reesn.
The barrage of questions about his feelings for her throughout the day nagged at him, his brow furrowing involuntarily.
His scrutiny bore into Reese, questioning if she, too, had been contemplating along similar lines,
Lukas’s eyes flashed, and he spoke quietly, “Reese, concerning my intervention last night, I hope you won’t misinterpret my actions. Any person with a sense of justice would have acted the same in that situation.”
Reese’s brows knitted, baffled by his insinuation. What did he mean?
Even if confused, she still nodded. “In any case, I was grateful for your assistance last night, Mr Strakovski.”
Lukas’s brow arched, the question intensifying. Did she not understand what he meant?
“My assistance extended twice isn’t solely due to your association with the company or its image. It’s more about my aversion to being manipulated. Does that resonate?” His gaze deepened as he asked.
Reese’s composure heightened, her caution tangible. “I understand. Thank you sincerely for today, Mr
Strakovski.”
Lukas’s consternation amplified. Why did it appear that she still hadn’t fully grasped his message?
He pressed on, “Our marriage is a pragmatic arrangement. I won’t allow anyone to coerce me with emotions. Unnecessary sentiments have no place in our union. Sometimes, I bantered with you merely because you intrigued me momentarily–nothing beyond that. Can you grasp that?”
If Emily had not kept pursuing him and constantly standing him up, the individual next to him would not
have been Reese.
Surprise rippled through Reese. Was he implying that she shouldn’t develop genuine feelings for him?
Did he fear that she might become attached solely due to a marriage contract?
A faint tug played at the corner of her lips, and her heart weighed down.
While she held gratitude, it hadn’t elevated to the point of dependence or clinginess. And now, he was preemptively sketching boundaries.
11:21
A Perfect Lie Hides Bebind My Bilbonaire
She responded earnestly, “Mr Strakovski, I understand your standpoint. Ours is a marriage of convenience, and I have a favor to ask. I want to borrow your stance about unwarranted emotional entanglement. You needn’t worry about any inappropriate sentiments from my end.”
Reese stood unruffled, her once fierce demeanor mellowing like a placid cat.
Lukas’s gaze flickered, an unfamiliar unease creeping upon him.
Nevertheless, he pursued, “Our marital contract hinges on mutual benefits. Hence, I’m contemplating at one year term for this arrangement. What are your thoughts?”
“The decision rests with you, Mr Strakovski. I raise no objections.” Reese veiled her reaction, responding politely and with detachment.
Given the foundation of their association, what grounds did she have to protest?
Lukas gauged her response, a semblance of contentment flickering within him.
Then he casually changed the subject. “Regarding Clark’s side, do you have any other thoughts? He stood. on our side this time and helped you. If you still want to suppress him, I can assist you.”
Another wave of surprise registered through Reese. Was he wielding a strike while simultaneously extending an olive branch?
Unfortunately, their relationship was based on mutual needs, and it was better to keep a distance!
