Chapter 62
Sweet Subterfuge
Lucas was like a statue, his back against the wall and his phone in hand.
âHow are you still here?â Larissa asked. She thought that he had left long ago.
Lucas stowed his phone back into his pocket and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. âI thought that your gown would not be cleaned so easilyâ¦â His eyes glanced over to Larissaâs bosom as he spoke, and when he saw the unchanged red stain, his expression shifted.
âIâm familiar with the owner of this villa. I can help you borrow a fresh set of clothesâ¦â
âI appreciate your kind offer, but that wonât be necessary,â Larissa refused him with a smile. âSomething came up, and Iâll be leaving now.â
âHuh?â Lucasâ eyes widened. âAre you leaving on your own? Or leaving with Mr. Rogers?â
When Kevan came in, he was present too. It was difficult to not notice them with such a huge commotion, but considering the crowd that surrounded them earlier, he did not bother to join in.
His purpose in waiting for Larissa was not only to just get her a fresh change of clothes but also to use this as a chance to greet Kevan. But he did not expect Larissa to leave the moment she came out, so he did not even have the chance to do what he wanted to.
âIâll be leaving on my own.
Strictly speaking, Larissa was not even Kevanâs companion, and Dylanâwho was the one who invited her to this banquetâhad vanished long ago. She naturally had no right to ask Kevan to send her back.
Besides, from what she had seen, Kevan was likely the star of tonightâs banquet instead of the owner of the villa. If he were to leave in the middle of it all, he would disappoint everyone.
âDid you drive over?â Lucas asked with concern. âThis is a pretty secluded place, and cabs wonât come up here. How about I send you to wherever you want to go? Just tell me where. Thereâs no point for me to stay behind anyway.â
He came because of Kevan, but the man was always tied up with all those elders. If Larissa could not help him out, it was pointless for him to reach out on his own because he would never be able to get a few words in with Kevan. It was better to trade a favor for Larissa instead of wasting time here.
Lucas was a goodâhearted personâLarissa had already seen it for herself at the hospital. But as she was not close to him, she did not really want to trouble him.
âIâll just call for a cab.â
She opened up the eâhailing taxi app and had just successfully input her location when Lucas snatched away her phone.
He looked righteous and firm even as he lectured her. âDidnât you see the news? There was an incident just two days ago with the eâhailing app! A young woman in her twenties was taken into the mountains by a cab driver and sexually assaulted. After that, he even killed her and left her body there because he was afraid that the incident would be brought to light!â
This had been a big deal, and almost all the apps on Larissaâs phone talked about news of the incident.
It was impossible for her to not know about this, âWell, itâs settled then. Iâll send you to your destination.â Lucas took the lead and walked in front of her.
As her phone was still in his hand, Larissa could only hurry after him with small steps.
Once they got back down to the first floor, Lucas paused to ask, âWould you like to inform Mr. Rogers that youâll be leaving in advance?â
Larissa nodded. âOf course.â
The crowd in the lounge had mostly scattered, and people had gotten into small groups to drink and chat. Larissa searched the whole room but did not see Kevan at all.
âLooking for Mr. Rogers?â Sharon had somehow gotten behind her and tapped on her shoulder.
Startled, Larissa thought that her heart was going to jump out of her chest. But thankfully she managed to cover her mouth before she could let out any embarrassing screams.
âYes. Have you seen him?â
âYup.â Sharon pointed toward the back. âTwo minutes before you came down, he went to the backyard.â Her eyes flashed with something as she let out a knowing smile. âWith a woman.â
Larissa silently drew back her leg. Kevan likelyâ¦did not want anyone to bother him.
âThank you for your reminder, Ms. Davis.â Larissa forced a smile onto her face.
Sharon raised an eyebrow out of surprise. âYouâre just going to let it go?â
âHuh?â Larissa did not understand what she meant as Lucas ran over from the other side, panting a little as he did. âNope, didnât find him.â Larissa said, âThereâs no need. Letâs go.â