A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage (reese and hudson)

Reese pivoted in surprise, her attention now squarely fixed on Lukas. "Mr Strakovski, is there something else?"

Lukas's mood, already soured by her casual tone, seemed to darken further.

He couldn't help but feel that Reese's formal gratitude was merely an act driven by his assistance.

Suddenly, his thought process halted abruptly, a jarring realization hitting him. Did he desire something more

than Reese's gratitude?

His face instantly turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. He felt like his brain had gone haywire.

"Are you interested in seeking out your biological parents?" Lukas maintained his outward composure, his voice

steady.

Reese pursed her lips, shaking her head gently. "Not at the moment. They abandonedonce. They might not

want to be found in this lifetime."

Lukas's expression remained impassive. "Understood, you're dismissed."

As Reese returned to her station in the design department, Raven approached her with an air of urgency. "Reese,

a client is waiting for you in the reception area. They're here for a personalized jewelry design."

Quickly regaining her focus, Reese nodded. "Fetch the contract and my notebook. I'll join them shortly."

Raven promptly retrieved the requested items, and Reese stepped into the reception area, her professional smile

in place. "Hello. | assyou're here for a custom jewelry design?"

The visitor returned her smile. "I'm here on behalf of my employer."

Arching an eyebrow, Reese clarified, "You're not the one seeking the jewelry design?"

The individual shook their head. "No, our employer has a tight schedule. I'm representing them to finalize the

contract with Designer Roberts. The specifics of the jewelry design will be discussed directly between you and

our employer."

"So, your employer decided to hirefor this project without even reviewing my portfolio?" Reese's interest was

piqued.

The person chuckled. "As | mentioned, our employer is busy. But someone highly recommended your work. They

have seen and admired the designs you've created."

At that moment, Raven entered, carrying the contract and Reese's notebook.

An unsettling feeling began to settle in Reese's gut as she observed the unfolding events. The visitor had

provided a tentative price, placed a deposit, and swiftly signed the contract.

Once the representative departed, Reese remained unsettled, a nagging suspicion lingering.

It wasn't until the close of the workday that Reese's phone rang, an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen.

"Miss Roberts."

"May | inquire who's calling?"

"Just this afternoon, my assistant signed a contract with you for a custom jewelry design. It seems Miss Roberts

has a rather forgetful nature. The events of today have slipped from your memory already." The voice on the

other end carried a polite yet mocking tone.

Reese responded assertively. "lI apologize. | wasn't aware it was you. Is this call regarding the jewelry

customization?"

The person confirmed her assumption with a nod. "Indeed, | have a rather packed schedule. I've arranged a

meeting with a client at The Refinery tonight. If Miss Roberts is amenable, we could discuss the jewelry design

there. I'd like to extend an invitation for a drink."

"Typically, collaboration discussions aren't held at a bar." Reese's brows knitted together in thought.

A note of seriousness crept into the person's voice. "Miss Roberts, it appears you may be unwilling to extend me

courtesy. Does this imply a potential breach of our contract?"

A realization dawned upon Reese. The assistant intentionally chose a contract with the weightiest penalty for

breach, and the designer shouldered the heaviest responsibility.

Her expression soured. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. This contract felt meticulously designed

to trap her. "I have no intention of breaching the contract."

While she could technically breach the contract, doing so would likely involve the company and further implicate

Lukas, whom she already owed a favor. She was reluctant to entangle him any further in her affairs.

"In that case, I'll anticipate Miss Roberts's presence at The Refinery. By the way, | neglected to introduce myself

earlier. | am Magnus Xavier." With those words, the person ended the call before Reese could respond.

Frowning, Reese contemplated her next move. Despite her reservations, she decided to meet with Magnus,

albeit intending to avoid alcoholic beverages. She wanted to gauge precisely who this enigmatic Magnus was.

Returning to Hill Crest One Residence, Reese switched into more casual attire, packed pepper spray into her bag,

donned practical flats, and set off for The Refinery.

Her appearance hardly reflected a collaborative meeting. Instead, she seemed prepared for confrontation.

By the tReese arrived, it was already dark outside. The bar's entrance buzzed with activity. Her entry went

unnoticed as she was guided toward Magnus's private room.

She was so engrossed in following her guide that she didn't detect a pair of malevolent eyes trailing her every

move from a dim corner. Those eyes only turned away when she entered Magnus's room.

As the door closed behind her, a wicked smile curled on Elena's lips—a sinister satisfaction emanating from her.

Downing her cocktail, she rose from her seat and left the bar.

Reese was about to step into a storm with Magnus, a person far from virtuous. Tonight, she would cto

realize the depths of her suffering. She wanted Reese to feel the full force of ruthlessness of an Elena.

Last night, Lukas snubbed her birthday party, and she had becthe subject of mockery. The reason for his

absence was now glaringly apparent it was all due to Reese. The revelation had fanned the flames of her

resentment. In Elena's eyes, there was no longer a reason to play nice with Reese.

Intriguingly, the connection between Reese and the person seeking her jewelry designs today was rooted in

Elena's manipulations. She had subtly hinted to Magnus about Reese's unique association with Lukas. If she

could cause Reese a modicum of anguish, she was confident it would provoke Lukas's reaction.

Elena was well aware of the risks entailed in partnering with someone like Magnus, akin to coaxing a tiger into

cooperation. But her patience was wearing thin. While Magnus might not dare harm Lukas, he wouldn't hesitate

to target a mere designer.

Enduring any danger for the sake of seeing Reese pay the price seemed a risk worth taking to Elena. However,

Elena hadn't anticipated the rapidity with which Magnus would spring into action. Contemplating the impending

events, her smile twisted into a more sinister shape.

Meanwhile, Reese found herself in a room already occupied by several boisterous individuals, their rowdiness

creating an unpleasant atmosphere. Her expression grew uncomfortable, and she instinctively turned to leave.

But a man with vibrant yellow hair intercepted her exit with a smug grin. "Hey there, don't be in such a hurry to

leave. Why not join in on the fun?"