Chapter 479

He had meant to call Aurora back, but Wendy was clearly stalling. She was eating slowly on purpose, coming up with excuse after excuse to drag things out. Lucas’ patience wore thin. His expression grew darker with every passing minute.

Wendy could sense his rising irritation, but she still forced herself to finish the meal. Even if he ended up resenting her, she was determined to have this dinner with him, no matter what.

And as for Aurora? That woman was just too greedy. Was it too much to ask for one evening? Couldn’t she handle things on her own for once?

It was infuriating.

Finally, the dinner ended—though clearly not on pleasant terms. As soon as Wendy set down her fork, Lucas reached out his hand, his face cold and unreadable. He didn’t need to say anything; the meaning was clear.

Wendy let out a dry chuckle. “I knew I had to give it back. If I wasn’t going to, I wouldn’t have taken it in the first place. No need to be so dramatic.”

Lucas didn’t respond. His hand remained extended, palm up.

Pouting slightly, Wendy muttered, “It’s not like I wasn’t going to give it back. I’m not that kind of person.”

Lucas’ frown deepened. She was getting more unbearable by the second. “You’d better hurry. Not even your brother can cover for you if you push me too far.”

Wendy froze for a second, then quickly pulled the phone from her bag and handed it over without another word. “Here. Take it.”

Lucas grabbed the phone and pressed the power button, only to see it had been switched off. “Who told you to turn it off?”

Wendy flinched at the sudden sharpness in his voice. She stammered, “I just thought… what if someone else tried to interrupt our dinner again? I didn’t want that. All those calls… it just wastes time…”

Lucas clenched his fists, silently reminding himself over and over that for Kenneth’s sake, he would just let it go. “Don’t let it happen again.”

With that, he strode out, phone in hand. Wendy hurried after him, but Lucas’ long strides showed no intention of slowing down for her. She had no choice, Wendy jogged to keep up.

When they reached the car, he slammed the door shut behind him with a loud bang. She winced, then awkwardly slipped into the back seat.

“I’m sorry, Lukey. Please don’t be mad. I won’t do it again.”

Lucas didn’t respond. He simply sat in the passenger seat, staring ahead. Desmond, sitting in the driver’s seat, glanced between the two in the rearview mirror. His gossip radar was already up. Weren’t they all smiles before dinner? What the hell happened?

Something definitely went down—something dramatic, no doubt. And now, he was dying to know.

“You planning to head to Fortline and work in the coal mines?” Lucas said coolly. “The boss over there’s been asking about you.”

“I’ll start driving now, sir,” Desmond blurted, instantly dropping his curiosity and snapping into full professional mode. His eyes stayed locked on the road, not daring to wander.

Wendy sat in the back, sniffling softly. She couldn’t understand why Lucas was being so heartless. Why couldn’t he give her a real chance?

Lucas leaned back in his seat. His phone was still dead, completely out of battery. No point in trying to turn it on now. Fine. He’d wait until they got home. Then he’d charge it, and finally explain everything to Aurora.

Chapter 480