Chapter 33 Do It The Hard Way "I-I'll walk!" she squeaked, practically tripping over her own feet. Behind them, the male escort looked devastated, like he'd just watched his paycheck sprint out the door. "Miss! Wait-" Head bowed, Kaia trailed Lucien to the parking lot. He stopped abruptly, making her crash straight into his solid back. "Ouch…" Rubbing her forehead, Kaia secretly glared at him. Lucien smirked. "Hurts? Good. Maybe it'll knock some sense into you next time you decide to sneak into places like this." Kaia bristled. "I'm an adult. It's a bar, not a drug den." Lucien's voice dipped dangerously. "Come again?" Though his tone held no overt threat, Kaia's back broke out in a cold sweat. She forced a laugh. "I said-I messed up. I get it." "Get in the car." Chapter 33 Do It The Hard Way Lucien took the back seat, and Kaia followed. "Chris, step out for a moment." The driver obediently exited, leaving them alone. Lucien didn't waste time. "Kaia. So-are you into college boys now? Nineteen? Seriously?" Kaia's lips parted in shock. "What? No! I don't like him. I was just….. curious, okay?" "Curious about what, exactly?" Lucien leaned in, closing the distance. "You're getting married in five days." Kaia rolled her eyes internally. "We already broke up." Lucien eased back, feigning nonchalance. "Oh? Funny. My father still thinks he needs to find the perfect tie for your wedding." Kaia's brows furrowed. Wait, what? They haven't told Sir Graves yet? Are they actually waiting till the last second to blow it all up? Her expression hardened. "Well, I've made myself clear. I'm not showing up." Lucien's gaze sharpened, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "You're really not going?" "Whoever shows up will just be a clown," she snapped. A faint smile played on Lucien's lips. "Good." He reached for the door. "I'll take you home now. Leave the rest to me. And stop with the 'sir' routine. Just call me by my name." Kaia hesitated, a mix of reluctance and confusion swirling behind her eyes. "Got it… Lucien." Warmth flickered in Lucien's eyes. "Good girl." ***** Tossing in bed, Kaia couldn't sleep. Her phone lit up with a message from her father. She stared at it, brows knitting. What's he thinking? Why hasn't he told them? Is he seriously going to pretend until the last damn second? The next morning, Kaia took leave and went to Domley Tech. This time, she reached Tobias' office without a hitch. Tobias didn't even blink when she entered. "You got my message?" "Go try on wedding dresses with Alden today. After that, get your marriage certificate." Kaia stared at him like he was an idiot. "…Are you insane?" Then she continued. "We broke up. I'm not getting married." Tobias sipped his coffee, unbothered. "And how many times must I say it? I don't approve of you backing out." He set the cup down, voice sharp. "Kaia, go through with the wedding, and I'll give you an extra 5% share. Combined with the 5% from your grandmother, you'll have 10%. Satisfied?" Kaia couldn't care less about Domley Tech's shares. Even 100% wouldn't make her marry Alden now. "Tobias, there are four days left. You still have time to cancel. Otherwise? The joke won't just be on me-it'll be on you." With that, Kaia walked out without looking back. Tobias' eyes turned glacial. For his stubborn daughter, gentle persuasion was no longer an option. He picked up the phone. "Sally," he said curtly. His wife answered from a cushy spa lounge, cucumbers on her eyes, a flute of something bubbly in hand. "Hmm?" "Get Kaia home. I don't care how you do it. She will be at that wedding." Sally paused, then smiled, "Understood." Well, well. Looks like my darling Kaia struck a nerve again. If kindness doesn't work, we'll just go with plan B. ***** Alyssa didn't wake up until noon. "Kaia, did we seriously run into Lucien at the bar last night-or did I dream that?" Alyssa's memory was a little fuzzy. Kaia was speechless for a beat. "You don't remember that?" Alyssa rubbed her forehead. "Bits and pieces. You picked out some baby-faced cutie, and I-somehow-ended up with a guy whose abs could crack walnuts. Then… ugh, Landon showed up." Landon was Alyssa's childhood friend. And they were almost engaged once, but Alyssa had caused such a scene at the engagement party that it was called off. Kaia couldn't quite define their relationship, except that they bickered every time they met. "He didn't try anything, did he?" Kaia asked. Alyssa snapped, her voice rising. "He wouldn't dare!" Then she added, "What about you, Kaia? How'd you get home?" Kaia remembered her car was still in the parking lot behind the bar. "Oh. Grabbed a cab," she lied smoothly. "Smart girl. Too bad about last night. Next time, I'm taking you to a real place. Hot guys as far as the eye can see." Alyssa winked. Kaia offered a weak smile. "Yeah… think I'm good." Alyssa gasped like she'd just been betrayed. "What do you mean, not interested? You were practically drooling over that pretty boy yesterday! But okay, okay-besties' code. I respect the secrets!" "Alyssa." A low, smooth, familiar voice came through the phone. "Who are you talking to?" Panic flared in Kaia's chest. "Don't say my name! Alyssa, don't!" But Alyssa, oblivious, chirped, "Oh, Uncle Lucien. I'm on the phone with Kaia." Kaia shut her eyes. Kill me now. "Oh." Lucien's voice hit again. Kaia didn't want to hear another word. She abruptly ended the call. Just as she was kicking herself, Warren came looking for her. "Kaia, Vanessa and I both have client meetings. Alfly Entertainment needs someone to head over there. You free?" Kaia blinked. "Okay, I'll go." Their contract with Alfly Entertainment ended today, the 27th. Perfect timing. Alden couldn't resist one last chance to mess with me. ***** This time, Nora was surprisingly efficient, leading Kaia straight into the office. Seeing Alden again, Kaia sat down, perfectly composed. "Mr. Graves, I've got to hand it to you. Your company really knows how to stretch a contract. Down to the final hour. Impressive." Coin Package: Earn up to 1200 bonus for free. get it X Write your comment ir Gifts