---- Chapter 18 After Lucas and Alina got in the car, Lucas found himself between two henchmen. He could smell the overwhelming mix of cigars and gunpowder. Alina sat in the passenger seat. Her eyes flicked to Lucas through the rearview mirror. She had a complex expression on her face. The vehicle drove into an inconspicuous warehouse. Lucas was roughly pulled out of the car. He noticed at least six gunmen lurking in the shadows. He couldn't help but marvel at the opulent display of power by Robert. It was indeed as impressive as rumored. The second floor of the warehouse had been transformed into a luxurious office. Robert Costa sat on a leather sofa, and a cigar was poised between his fingers. He appeared like an ordinary old man, if one could overlook the sharp, hawk-like glint in his eyes. "Dad..." Alina said timidly. Robert slapped Alina across the face, and the crisp sound ---- echoed. Alina staggered into the coffee table, and blood seeped from the corner of her mouth. "You're a disgrace to the family!" Robert's voice was low and hoarse. "You caused a scene at Eve's wedding? You've brought shame upon the family. Previously, you used my name to masquerade as Eve. Then you hurt Eve. I've been too busy to deal with you. So? You're pushing your luck and acting recklessly." Alina clutched her face and collapsed to the floor. Her meticulously styled curls clung to her tear-streaked face. "Dad!" Alina suddenly recalled what Lucas said to her and quickly added, "You know what? Lucas has been using me to get back at Eve. He deliberately took me to the wedding to stir up trouble and embarrass Samuel!" Robert's gaze turned icy instantly. He slowly turned to Lucas. "Is that true?" Lucas chuckled softly and calmly adjusted his cuff. "Mr. Costa, do you think anyone could force Alina to do something against her will?" Alina seized the opportunity and said, "He threatened to expose our affair! He said if | didn't do as he asked me to, he'd let the world know your illegitimate daughter is a slut!" Tears ran down her face pitifully. "| admit | was wrong to seduce ---- Eve's man in the beginning. But I'm only doing this for the family's honor now..." "Enough!" Robert slammed the table, and his eyes darted between the two of them. "I underestimated you, Lucas." Robert reached out and patted Lucas's cheek. The gesture was neither too forceful nor too gentle. "You betrayed Eve before. And now you're involved with Alina." Lucas met Robert's gaze without flinching. "You're exaggerating, Mr. Costa," Lucas said with deliberate calm. "Alina and | are merely offering each other comfort." He paused deliberately. "After all, | only love Eve from the beginning to the end." Robert's expression turned icy instantly. He walked towards the desk and retrieved a revolver from the drawer. "You know what, Lucas?" Robert said and casually loaded bullets. "When Eve was a little girl, a stray cat scratched her, and | ordered my people to kill every stray cat in the neighborhood. Lucas, do you understand what | mean?" The air in the room became instantly taut. Lucas felt a cold sweat break out on his back, but he maintained his roguish smile. "It is such touching paternal love." ---- "Dad!" Alina suddenly rushed over and clutched Robert's leg. "Please don't kill him! It's all my fault. It's me..." Robert kicked away Alina, and the revolver barrel was pointed steadily at Lucas's forehead. "You've harmed Eve repeatedly. I'll settle both past and present offenses with you today. You have thirty seconds to say something that might change my mind."