Chapter 120



The looks she received were mixed with curiosity and suspicion, the rumors having made their rounds. Yet, Belinda’s demeanor remained unshaken, radiating indifference to the gossip swirling around her.

This left her colleagues puzzled, unsure whether to believe she had a thick skin or to admire her stoicism.

Meanwhile, in the CEO’s office of the Triumph Consortium, Verena entered with a homemade lunch for Lucas.

“Lucas, you’ve been working nonstop all morning. Please, take a break and eat something,” she said, setting the lunch box down on the table.

Lucas looked up from his papers, his expression slightly softened but resolute as he replied in a firm tone, “Verena, you don’t need to bring me lunch from now on.”

Verena’s smile froze at Lucas’ words. She looked at him, her expression tight. “What’s wrong, Lucas? Did I do something wrong?”

“No, but bringing me meals every single day must be a hassle for you,” Lucas replied.

Verena shook her head earnestly. “It’s no hassle at all. I don’t find it troublesome in the least.”

She bit her lip and blinked at him, her tone sounding more pitiful. “I really don’t mind it, Lucas. I’m happy enough just to be able to see you every day.”

She sniffed lightly, as though trying to suppress some deep emotion. “I know… I know you and Belinda aren’t divorced yet, and my actions might be considered inappropriate by most. But I can’t help it. I just really miss you, Lucas. I want to see you as much as I can. At least for today, I’d like to make sure you’re eating well. I’ll leave once you’re done. Surely, that isn’t too much to ask?”

Toward the end, Verena’s voice became more pleading than explanatory.

Lucas appeared unfazed on the surface, but a keen sense of displeasure gnawed at his insides. He couldn’t exactly pinpoint how he felt about the situation, but he knew it made him uncomfortable.

In the end, he simply stated, “You don’t have to do any of this, Verena.”

“I’m doing this willingly,” Verena said without hesitation, her eyes filled with unwavering devotion. “Lucas, I love you, and I’m willing to do anything for you.”

For some reason, Lucas didn’t even feel any ripples of emotion upon hearing her profession of love. “Let’s just eat,” he said after a moment.

Verena stiffened again. She had never imagined that her heartfelt confession would elicit no reaction from Lucas.

Verena swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to keep her panic from showing. She opened her mouth to say something when a knock came at the door.

“Come in,” Lucas called out.

In walked Tinsley, Lucas’ secretary. “Mr. Clark,” he greeted respectfully. “Mr. Kane Clark is here. He’s waiting outside. Will you see him?”

Lucas’ eyes narrowed slightly. After contemplating it for a brief moment, he nodded and said, “Let him in.”

“Understood.” Tinsley turned and left the room. As she did so, she glanced discreetly over at Verena.

As soon as Lucas’ secretary was gone, Verena said, “Go ahead and do what you need to do, Lucas. I’ll take my leave now. I’ll bring you lunch again tomorrow, okay?”

All the color had drained from Verena’s face, but Lucas wasn’t paying enough attention to notice it. He was about to ask Verena not to bring him lunch tomorrow, but Verena had already risen and was walking to the door.

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