Megan immediately ducked back, clutching Aurora’s sleeve to complain. “See, Aurora? Look how scary he is—he’s clenching his fists; he wants to hit me!”

Lucas instantly loosened his fists. He looked at Aurora with a fawning expression and explained, “No, that’s not what I meant at all. I just felt… my hand was a little empty, so I wanted to hold something.”

Megan looked exasperated. “Lucas, do you really think I’d believe that excuse?”

Even Aurora gave him a disapproving look, as if she suspected he had violent tendencies.

Lucas immediately thought to himself that Megan’s allowance could stand to be cut back a little. She had just thrown him under the bus so openly—how could he rely on her for anything later?

Turning back to Aurora, Lucas said earnestly, “I really didn’t mean that, Aurora. Please believe me. I was just joking with her, and I know my mistake now. I promise I won’t do it again. Look, I’ve even booked a restaurant. Why don’t we go there for dinner tonight?”

His gaze toward Aurora carried a hint of pleading. The fact that she had accepted the roses was already the first step to success. And he remembered what Desmond had told him—sincerity was the ultimate weapon. So, he began inching closer to Aurora, hoping she would slowly start to open her heart. After all, someone who had been deceived would wrap themselves in a shell, protecting their hurt. Lucas understood that clearly. He also knew breaking through that shell wouldn’t be easy. It would take patience and effort for Aurora to open her heart to him again.

Just then, Megan jumped in. “No way, Aurora! I’ve booked a restaurant too—let’s all go together. It’s a brand-new private kitchen, and I heard the chef there is amazing at cooking seafood.”

At that, Megan’s eyes lit up. Lucas knew very well that Megan’s and Aurora’s favorite food was seafood. He had often made seafood for Aurora himself because he knew her taste.

Megan now looked at Aurora expectantly, certain she was no longer angry. In truth, Megan hadn’t booked any restaurant at all—she only wanted to spite Lucas. But now that he had really made a reservation, and it included seafood, how could she not be tempted?

Aurora was speechless. She could clearly read the meaning in Megan’s eyes. It was obvious that Megan was ready to sell her out for a seafood dinner. Aurora knew well how much Megan loved seafood. But she herself was still upset with Lucas. How could she possibly admit she wanted seafood in front of him now?

At that moment, Lucas actually found Megan a little more tolerable. In the past, he would have kicked her out without hesitation. “Aurora, let’s go together. And look, Megan likes seafood too—perfect chance for all of us to try it out.”

For the sake of winning Aurora back, Lucas was swallowing his pride. If it had been before, he never would have considered inviting Megan along to dinner.