Chapter 29 Can't you try to understand ? But before she could actually faint , Jude emerged from Alex's office with a grim expression . " Jude , how did it go ? " The trio turned their attention . Jude wasn't in the mood for details . " Nothing . He said whoever gets the contract gets it . Doesn't matter how . " Their faces fell , a shadow passing over their moods . As Ophelia Graham walked past their group , she smiled sweetly , " Mr. Halston , what's wrong ? You don't look too well . " Jude said nothing . Just gave his ex - wife a deep , unreadable look . Seeing Jude's silence , the others went back to their work . Feeling ignored , Ophelia just turned and left . Kaia's heart ached . This field wasn't fair . It never was . That's just how this game works . It's all about who you know , not what you know . Sure , clients want hotshot lawyers , but they want ones with connections even more . 17:29 Chapter 29 Can't you try to understand ? Unfortunately , Jude and I … we don't have any of that . Kaia checked the time and headed downstairs ten minutes early . She mainly didn't want her colleagues to see her with Lucien- it'd be hard to explain . Lucien watched her scurry into his car like a thief , frowning . " What , is the police chasing you ? " Kaia stiffened . " No. Mr. Graves , you can drive now . " He didn't move right away . Took his sweet time starting the car . " Ms. Domont , what would you like for dinner ? " Kaia thought for a moment , then forced a smile . " How about Redblossom Restaurant ? We didn't get to eat there last time . " Lucien smirked faintly . " Sure . " The entire ride , Kaia wanted to ask how much he'd overheard on the call . But she didn't dare to bring it up . Redblossom Restaurant . Chapter 29 Can't you try to understand Same private room , the same clam choder Laren had ordered last time . Kaia was distracted . She had no idea why Lucien had asked her out . She grasped for conversation . " Did they tell Sir Graves ? About the annulment . " Lucien leisurely poured her a glass of water . " Haven't heard anything . Been out these past few days ." His eyes were dark as midnight . " Want me to ask around ? " " Don't bother , " Kaia said , shaking her head . That's not his job . If anyone should , it should be Alden himself . " Alright . So , your father agreed to it ? " A hint of mockery flashed across Kaia's lips . " It doesn't matter . I've already told them . " She'd informed both sides . If they wanted to keep pretending nothing happened , fine . When it blew up , that would be on them . Lucien smiled slightly , " I see . " 17:29 Chapter 29 Can't you try to understandz The rest of the meal passed in silence , neither bringing up the earlier phone call . Afterward , Kaia took a cab home alone . Meanwhile , Lucien casually dialed Julian . " Mr. Graves ? What's the matter ? " Julian had no idea why Lucien would call so late . He'd just returned from a business dinner , his head still foggy from drinks . " Have you picked out the law firm for that merger case ? " Julian stiffened . " We were going with Vanguard Law Firm , but the two partners have different rates . We're still comparing their pros and cons . " Julian , since when do we choose lawyers based on rates ? " Julian broke into a cold sweat . " Well … " Think it over . I want the name tomorrow . " With that , Lucien hung up . Julian racked his brain . 117 17:29 Chapter 29 Can't you try to understande How did Mr. Graves find out about this ? His tone made it clear he prefers Jude . Then it hit him . Of course , Mr. Graves and that female lawyer - they definitely got something going on ! Alden zoned out at the calendar . He showed up at Kaia's door like some lost puppy , million - dollar jewelry in hand . He kept hitting that doorbell for a minute . No answer . She'd ghosted him on every social app . Phone was his last shot . But call after call , but it all went straight to voicemail . Damn , did she block my number too ? He was about to give up when - speak of the devil - Kaia walked up . " Kaia ! " Kaia was starving after working late , so she'd swung by for cl 517 | 17:29 Chapter 29 Can't you try to understand ? chowder . She could never resist that restaurant's clam chowder - it was just that good . But the second she spotted Alden , her appetite went straight out the window . " What are you doing here ? " Kaia frowned . Alden took a deep breath . She'd been jabbing at him for weeks , but he held it in . But today , he finally reached his limit . Kaia , have you had enough ? Take my number off your blacklist right now ! " Kaia found it curious how he still thought she was just throwing a tantrum . " Alden . I'm not throwing a tantrum ! " She shot him a cold glance , eager to get home and enjoy her food . " Move . You're in my way ." But Alden grabbed her wrist , veins bulging on his forehead . 6/7 17:29 Chapter 29 Can't you try to understang ? Alden took a deep breath , forcing his anger into a gentler tone . " I bought this for you at yesterday's auction - a diamond necklace worth 5.2 million dollars . Now will you finally calm down ? " What ? Does he think I'm an idiot ? " Oh ? Such an expensive necklace . Maybe save it for your beloved little sister instead , no ? " Alden snapped , " Why do you always bring up Luna ? " I've told you a thousand times . Luna is my sister . You pressure me , and Grandpa pressures me - if I don't treat her well , no one will ! Can't you try to understand ? " Kaia's voice was icy . " I don't understand . I didn't force you into anything . I told you we're done . No wedding . No anything . What else do you want from me ?" Alden couldn't believe she was serious about canceling the wedding - he thought she was just being unreasonable . How naive . Does she really think she can just call off the wedding ? B