Chapter 9 Mr. Graves ? " Welcome home , Mr. Graves " Serena greeted him . 20 min left Alden scanned the living room . " Where's Kaia ? Still in bed ? " Serena wouldn't meet his eyes . " She's … probably on a business trip . " A business trip again ? I told her yesterday I'd go to City Hall with her . But underneath his annoyance , he felt weirdly relieved . At least he wouldn't catch hell for being late again … He tossed his jacket on the couch . " Did she say when she's coming back ? " Serena squirmed . She didn't dare to give him a straight answer , How could I say she's never coming back ? " She didn't say , Mr. Graves . Maybe call her ? She seemed pretty upset when she left , " Serena said softly , Alden thought about last night . I even got her a gift . What's her problem ? Not even a text while she's away ? 1/5 16:58 Chapter 9 Mr. Graves ? I should be the pissed one here ! " Alright , got it , " he shrugged . Serena watched him brush it off , not even reaching for his phone . She sighed under her breath . Wonder if there's even gonna be a wedding at this point . ***** 20 min left Kaia squeezed in a quick trip to take the necklace to the second - hand store . The shop owner did a double - take when she walked in . " Ma'am , this necklace's fresh out of the box . You sure about selling it ? Even though it's new , I can't give you the full retail price , you know . " Kaia cracked a small smile . " It's okay . Just give me whatever you can offer . " The owner squinted at the necklace , tapping away at his calculator . After a moment , he glanced up . " Four hundred and ninety thousand dollars . That's my top offer . " " Deal . Here's my account info - wire it over , " Kaia said , cool as 2/5 16:58 Chapter 9 Mr. Graves ? ice . 20 min left " Sweet ! Hey , if you ever come across more heat like this , I'll hook you up with better prices , " he grinned . Next time ? Kaia shook her head firmly . " There won't be a next time . " Since the store wasn't some sketchy back - alley joint , Kaia managed to snag a parking space right by a restaurant . But walking back to her little red ride , she spotted a nasty dent in the door . Someone left a note on the windshield : [ Sorry , my driver dinged your car . No contact info on your ride . Please give me a call when you see this . ] The handwriting was refined and elegant , leading Kaia to guess that it was written by a man . Without missing a beat , she dialed those digits . When that deep , butter - smooth voice hit her with a " Hello , " Kaia's whole body went into shock mode like she'd just touched a live wire . That voice - she'd know it anywhere . Calm , controlled , unmistakable . Kaia's eyes went wide . " Mr. Graves ? " 3/5 16:58 Chapter 9 Mr. Graves ? Lucien took a beat on the other end . " Kaia ? " Then it clicked for him . " Was that red car yours ? " 20 min left Kaia tried playing it cool , forcing a wry smile he couldn't see . " Yeah , but it's okay . You don't have to pay for it . I'll get it fixed next time I take it in for service . " " I'm at Whispering Mist Café . See it ? Come up to Room Celestial Dew , second floor , " Lucien said , brooking no argument . Kaia let out a nervous little laugh that hung in the air . " Well … I'd better not come up . " The line went dead quiet - so quiet she could hear her own heart doing gymnastics . Then Lucien's voice dropped low . " So , you want me to come down there and get you ? " Kaia's brain straight - up stopped working . After the world's most awkward pause , she caved . " Fine . I'll be right up . " Kaia was clad in a crisp white shirt today , tucked into some light - blue jeans that showed off her slim waist . Most days , she kept it casual , but for court or client meetings , 4/5 16:58 Chapter 9 Mr. Graves ? she'd opt for a more formal look . 20 min left Following the waiter upstairs , she stopped at Room Celestial Dew . Gently pushing open the door , she blurted out , " Mr. Graves . " Only then did she notice that Lucien was chilling there alone . Coin Package : Earn up to 1200 bonus for free . get it X 5 Write your comment ir Gifts 5/5