Liam expected Lucas to question him about Sia as soon as he found out he works at the Monson group.
As much as he’d love to scream ‘yes’ to that question, he knows his promise to conceal Sia’s identity. Especially from an ex who she’s messing with without his knowledge.
Or does Lucas know Sia is the one behind the recent setback in his business and life? Liam wonders.
“We haven’t seen the widow at all. None of the employees has except the secretary.” He lied but his blank expression is enough to convince Lucas. “We’re just hoping on her debutante. That day we’ll know who she is.” Liam worked.
“Debutante? I’ve heard about that.” Lucas mused, scratching his hair. “I can’t wait too. I’ve an unfinished business with your company.” He said, drawing his brows apart.
“I hope you get approved when she officially starts work.” Liam sputtered, earning a headshake from Lucas.
They submerged into silence until Lucas’s phone blared. He wigged it out of his pocket and saw Ethan’s name flashing on the screen.
“Hey, Lucas. What’s good?” Ethan ventured when Lucas swiped the receiver.
“Worked well, man. I’m so elated about this.” Lucas said. His eyes slithered around and landed on Liam who pinned his eyes on him.
Liam mortifyingly tore his eyes from Lucas’s. He’s wondering what progress Lucas might have made to trigger such bouts of smiles. Will Lucas’s achievement attract Sia’s attention? Will she want to rip him off the results?
“I’m happy, dude. Guess the plan is working slowly.” Ethan said and Lucas got a wind of the mirth in his words.
“Absolutely, man.” Lucas concurred.
Mini minutes of silence floated in the air before Ethan spoke up. “Are you busy now? You done at the office?”
“No. Just stuck in a bus shelter, ditching the rain. Why? Any shit?” Lucas asked. While he was on the call, a bus propelled to the bus stop and all the people in the shelter scampered to shove into the bus.
Lucas held on to his phone and raced to the car. Unfortunately, the seats were already full so he held onto the pole and stood up while answering the call.
“Okay, good.” Ethan gushed. “You need to come to E Bloxham St, Tallahassee. Have got something to show you.” He said and hung up, not giving Lucas the chance to object.
Sighing, Lucas read the location Ethan sent and dipped the phone into his pocket. By the time he reached location Ethan texted him the rain already ceased.
Lucas exited the bus at the bus stop and edged to the apartment complex building Ethan texted him on foot.
The air is still humid and the puddle of water on the road spatters on Lucas’s pants as he matches on it, heading to the building.
On the verge of reaching the building, Lucas spotted Hera’s limousine. The driver already flicked the door open and Hera walked out hastily from the building and piled up in the car. The driver quickly brought the engine to life and drove off.
Seeing that made Lucas wonder what Hera was doing in such a place. Not the mention the urgency in her steps as if she’s being cautious not to seem by someone.
Lucas’s eyes glinted with intense curiosity and it made him wonder if that was the reason Ethan invited him over.
Ethan said he had something to show him which might not exceed Hera being in the building. As much as he’d want to know why Hera came here, it’s nothing of his concern.
Lucas hobbled into the foyer and bee-lined to the elevator.
Just as the elevator arrived and the doors flung open, someone dived inside from nowhere, but Lucas couldn’t pinpoint where on earth the person emerged from.
Thankfully, the diver didn’t close the door so Lucas wiggled in.
Lucas looked at the person and beamed. “Hi, I’m Lucas…you are?” Lucas asked.
His friendly gesture was matched with a stoic expression.
“Ray…” Raymond spilled indifferently as he took notice of the man beside him. Lucas might not know him but he knows Lucas and that name was just at the tip of his tongue before Hera left his apartment not long ago.
“Ray…Raymond, right?” Lucas asked but Raymond remained unshaken by Lucas’s advances.
Seeing the disinterestedness in Raymond’s façade, Lucas held back his acts and focused on the buttons of the panel.
When the elevator reached the thirteenth floor, they both exited the space and Raymond strode to his left while Lucas faced his right.
He pummeled gently on the door and Adriano flipped it open.
Lucas moved inside, taking in the minimalist decoration of the living room and the hallway from which Adriano led him to the room. Lucas gasped as the vista of the city seeped in through the balcony in the room.
“Don’t tell me you called me here ’cause of Hera.” Lucas blurted as he surveyed the room.
“Hera? What has that got to do with us?” Adriano asked.
Shrugging, Lucas murmured. “Saw her downstairs and I was thinking you called me over to see her.” He clarified.
“Lucas, how do you see this apartment?” Adriano asked, changing the subject.
“Perfect. Why?” He blurted.
“It’s yours, man.” Ethan said with soft smiles on his face.
Paralyzed by shock, Lucas chuckled and dart his eyes around again. “For me?” The surprise in his voice is unmistakable.
Wagging his brows, Ethan said. “That’s the least Adriano and I could do. We got it on one year lease. Just manage the place until you get your villa back.” He walked over to Lucas and dipped the documents for the apartment in his hand.
Tears gathered at the corner of Lucas’s eyes seeing what his pals did for him.
Never. He never really expected it. The thought of switching turns in sleeping in Adriano’s and Ethan’s place is already wracking his nerves but their actions slapped his mouth shut and his thoughts stilled.
Lucas shook his head. It’s like a dream but shaking his head a few times, he confirms it’s a reality.
Ethan and Adriano did get him an abode for complete one year.
Joy…streaks of joy and relief sweeps through him.
Inching close, he clamped Ethan and Adriano in a tight hug. He was too astonished to speak.
They decided to booze in form of a housewarming party and headed to the living room. Lucas popped the Martini Adriano came with and they enjoyed the moment to the brim while watching the television.
He clued them in about the angel investors and how willing they are to support him.
“Glad we’re using Danika and her mother in the right way.” Ethan cackled. “They ain’t the only wise one here, you know.” He added.
Adriano bolted for the door when a light knock resounded. He came back inside with a blonde-haired girl who looked to be nineteen.
“if you don’t mind, Lucas, I’m going to need some service. It’s part of the housewarming party.” Adriano said as he led the girl to the room to get screwed.
“It’s nineteen days remaining for your wedding, Lucas. Are you ready?” Ethan asked with hooded eyes.
Lucas pegged his stare on the TV and nodded.
“I’ve got to take the leap.” Lucas said.
Adriano’s strangled groan of pleasure echoed from the room.
Turning to Ethan, Lucas whispered. “is that how he screams when coming?”
They both chuckled.