Chapter 82

Dominic’s voice dripped with sarcasm, and Vespera couldn’t help feeling a twinge of irritation. This was her private issue. Despite his being her rescuer and employer, it wasn’t his place to mock her marriage.

But right now, she felt more perplexed than anything. “I didn’t give him the access code. How on earth did he get up here?”

From entering the residential area, navigating the security systems, to using the elevator—there were so many barriers. How had he bypassed them all?

Dominic’s expression shifted from cold mockery to confusion upon hearing her words. Luke staggered toward Vespera, reeking of alcohol, which made her grimace.

“How did you get up here?” she asked.

Instead of answering, Luke ignored the question and leaned against the wheelchair’s armrests. He bellowed so loudly it was jarring. This made Vespera speechless.

Vespera slapped him across the face. “Are you out of your mind? What are you doing, acting like a drunken idiot? Leave! Go find your sugar baby!”

Instead of reacting with anger after being slapped, Luke knelt before her. He took the hand that had struck him and placed it on his chest. Just a moment earlier, he had been a… Now, he transformed into a pitiable figure, speaking softly. “I was wrong to misjudge you. I know you wouldn’t do that. Deep down, you still love me and would never betray me.”

Vespera was utterly speechless. He could betray her in countless ways, but she wasn’t allowed to—was that it?

She glanced at Dominic, who was watching the scene unfold, and then back at Luke, who seemed drunk as he knelt before her. It was the middle of the night. Couldn’t they just leave her in peace?

She yanked her hand away. “We discuss this tomorrow? Just go back and get some rest first. We can talk again when you’re sober.”

Before she could finish, Luke suddenly embraced her tightly. He kept repeating, “I’m sorry,” and his tears streamed down her neck and into her collar. A grown man was weeping like a heartbroken child.

Vespera was taken aback. She couldn’t quite describe the mix of emotions swirling in her heart. It was both absurd and sorrowful. This wasn’t the kind of divorce confrontation she had envisioned. This man, known for his pride, arrogance, temper, and strong need for control, appeared very different now.

“Please, let go of me. Can you try to calm down a bit?” she gently urged him. The more she attempted to reason with him, the tighter his grip became.

Luke began to negotiate, pleading, “Tell me you still love me. Promise you won’t leave me.”

Vespera felt a headache brewing. Then, she noticed that Dominic, who had been silently observing, now had a cold expression as he made a phone call. It seemed he was summoning someone to come up.

After some time, the property manager and the night shift security guard arrived.

Dominic gestured toward Luke, who was still holding Vespera closely, and said, “This individual isn’t a resident here. Remove him immediately.”

The property manager seemed uncertain. “Mr. Reid, please hold on. I’ll need to verify this first.”

It seemed unlikely that an outsider could enter a resident’s home unnoticed. After investigating, he found himself in a tricky position.

“Mr. Munoz is indeed the homeowner on the 20th floor. The surveillance footage indicates that he was originally heading upstairs, but the elevator halted at the 13th floor because either you or Ms. Gildon pressed the ‘up’ button, causing this confusion.”

What? He owned a property on the 20th floor! Vespera not only had a headache but felt like her head was about to burst. Was Luke intending to persistently follow her until one of them relented? Dominic, too, fell silent.

After a pause, he addressed the property manager, “Could you assist him in returning to the 20th floor?”

The property manager believed his request was quite reasonable, especially since the individual before him was an incredibly wealthy resident from the top floor. There was no doubt the request would be granted.

He promptly instructed the two security guards to assist. Luke remained kneeling, lightly embracing Vespera, his tall frame pressed against hers, his head nestled in her neck. Moments ago, he had been weeping and whispering apologies, but now he was silent.

The security guards attempted to lift him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Even with Vespera’s help, they couldn’t budge him. It seemed he intended to cling to her in that position indefinitely.

Then, Dominic approached. Without hesitation, he pried Luke’s arms apart. He used all his might and pulled him away from Vespera.

Luke’s bloodshot eyes snapped open. He cried, “Dominic Reid!”