Ava belatedly realized that she shouldn't have brought up this topic in front of Cole. Her expression showed a
hint of regret.
Reese didn't really mind and took the initiative to explain to Cole, "She's Luther's fiancée. We met a few times
during college."
At the mention of Luther, Cole's gaze deepened, but he didn't inquire further.
However, another matter cto his mind, "Reese, the Menkerios Heart of the Sea Jewelry
Design Competition, we're leaving on Friday, right?"
Reese nodded, "Yes, is there a problem?"
Cole shook his head, "No problem, | just heard that Luther seems to have returned that day."
Reese's expression changed slightly, and she merely murmured, "Is that so?"
Seeing that Reese's mood was not good, Cole quickly changed the subject and talked about other things.
Throughout the evening gathering, Reese never approached Lukas.
Because that girl, Rose, was sitting next to Lukas the whole time, pouring him drinks and appearing
exceptionally considerate.
Midway through the gathering, there were whispers in the villa's hall.
Unexpectedly, Rose, who seemed delicate and weak, was quite capable. She had managed to win over Lukas, a
big shot.
In the morning, Reese had a call with Lukas and learned that the evening gathering was initiated by Elias. Before
leaving, she went to greet Elias.
However, at that time, Elias was holding a young intecelebrity in his arms. When he saw Reese and the
others approaching, he immediately let go and even cast a subconscious glance at Ava.
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Reese didn't care much, and Ava didn't even notice Elias's actions. Her attention was focused on Cole.
Seeing them leave, Elias suddenly realized his behavior and felt inexplicably puzzled. He felt like an idiot. Why
did he have to feel scared?
As soon as Reese left, Lukas noticed.
Seeing her greet Elias and completely ignore him, he felt an inexplicable anger.
As soon as Reese left, he stood up abruptly, as if he was about to leave.
Rose immediately widened her eyes, her gaze seemingly carrying ripples, and softly asked, "Mr. Strakovski, are
you leaving?"
Only now did she realize Lukas's identity and status, and after learning about his position, she beceven
more determined to try to get close to him.
Lukas's expression turned cold as ice, "It's none of your business."
Rose instantly lowered her head in grievance, not daring to speak.
Elias observed the situation and had always been a kind-hearted person.
He walked over, smiling, and joked with Lukas, "So, the young lady poured drinks for you all night. Are you
planning to use her up and discard her?"
Lukas suppressed his anger, thinking about how Reese had ignored him, and his frustration was building up.
He found Elias quite annoying, "Spareyour teasing. Don't callfor such setups in the future."
After Lukas finished speaking, he walked decisively toward the exit.
Elias touched his nose, feeling a bit innocent. He had clearly angered him.
The problem was, he didn't really do anything wrong.
Rose gazed fondly at Lukas's departing figure, looking pitifully lost.
Upon returning to Hill Crest One Residence, Reese had just entered the building
when she heard someone call out to her at the door, "Reese."
Reese turned abruptly and saw Lukas at the entrance, looking quite surprised. "Mr. Strakovski, weren't you still at
the party?"
He had actually returned right after her, and Reese was a bit taken aback.
Lukas raised an eyebrow, his expression as cool as water. He ascended the stairs step by step and stood directly
in front of Reese. "It seems you didn't wantto cback."
Reese pursed her lips. "I did. After all, this is your house, and | don't have the right to complain."
Lukas looked at her with a deep gaze. "Reese, what are you being sarcastic for?" Reese felt a bit helpless. "Mr.
Strakovski, I'm just stating the facts."
Lukas suppressed a surge of frustration and annoyance. "Why didn't you cfindat the gathering tonight?"
Reese glanced at him. "Does Mr. Strakovski mind that?"
Lukas couldn't possibly admit to caring, so he spoke in a low voice, "You're overthinking it. | was just curious. You
said you didn't have tin the morning."
Reese felt even more helpless. "I actually wanted to explain this matter, but I felt it wasn't necessary to disturb
you since you had a beautiful companion by your side."
Lukas sneered. "From the way you put it, | should thank you for not disturbing me."
Reese furrowed her brow. "Mr. Strakovski, it's you who's being sarcastic, not me."
Lukas's face turned as dark as water. "You're blamingfor not talking to you properly."
Reese didn't know if Lukas was drunk or what, as his speech had becso difficult. She patiently shook her
head. "No."
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Lukas stared coldly at her. "Right, you didn't. You were engrossed in your conversation with James, so naturally
you wouldn't care about others’ attitudes."
Reese looked up at him, unsure why Lukas suddenly brought up this matter. Seeing his mood was off, she tried
to lower her posture as much as possible. "Mr. Strakovski, | was just casually chatting with James."
Lukas sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Casually chatting? | didn't realize you and James had becso
close that you can chat anytime, anywhere."
As he spoke, he took a step forward, lowered his head slightly, and his face was just a fist's distance from
Reese's. "Reese, didn't | tell you to stay away from him?"
Reese couldn't bear the suffocating feeling of being oppressed, and she involuntarily took a step back.
But even so, this tshe didn't promise Lukas that she would keep her distance from James.
She spoke with a calm and composed tone, "Mr. Strakovski, | can't follow your orders on this matter. James and |
are friends."
Lukas's pupils constricted momentarily. He hadn't expected Reese to admit that she and James were friends.
His handsface turned an ironclad blue, his tone overbearing to the extreme. "I wasn't aware that you and
him had becfriends."
Reese pursed her lips, looked up at Lukas, and her expression was already a bit displeased. "If Mr. Strakovski has
nothing else to say, I'll go to bed now."
After speaking, Reese turned to leave.
Lukas's anger surged to its peak in an instant. He grabbed Reese, pulling her back and pressing her against the
wall.
Reese furrowed her brows and tried to push him away, her voice tinged with anger as she directly called his
name, "Lukas, what are you trying to do?"
Lukas looked at her furious appearance and had only one thought at the moment: to make her shut up.
He gazed at Reese's rosy lips, his eyes darkening slightly. Without hesitation, he lowered his head and forcefully
kissed her.