Only two people remained in the room. Lucian scanned his surroundings before his gaze settled on his daughter. Still upset by Roxanne's sudden departure, the little girl turned away with a huff upon seeing her father, showing no fear.

Lucian scowled faintly. Knowing Estella was as enigmatic and difficult as her father, he decided this was a job for his assistant, Cayden.

"Are you okay, Ms. Estella?"

The little girl merely glanced at him before turning away again. Cayden observed her, sighing with relief at her safety, and then turned to Lucian.

Lucian's narrowed eyes turned to the woman beside his daughter. Madilyn's chest tightened as their gazes met; she secretly squeezed her hands to compose herself.

"Where's Roxanne?"

Lucian's expression darkened as he studied Madilyn's face. He wondered if he recognized her.

Madilyn fretted internally, relieved her best friend had left. This guy's energy is unbearable! I feel like I could suffocate! she thought. Who knows what would have happened if Roxanne were still here?

"I don't know what you're talking about! Who are you? It's incredibly rude to barge in without knocking!"

Concealing her emotions, Madilyn expertly pulled the little girl into her arms, cautiously watching the men.

The crease between Lucian's brows deepened. "That's my daughter. Were you the one who called me?"

Madilyn stiffened. "Yes, it was me," she replied rigidly.

Lucian stared at her impassively, scanning the room. She does sound like the woman on the phone. But does she think she can fool me? The state of this room is a clear attempt to hide something. There are only two sets of plates and cutlery, but three chairs appear to have been moved. The Drunken Fairy's staff wouldn't make such a mistake; others must have been here. And this food isn't for just a woman and a child.

He fixed his gaze on Madilyn. She felt a sudden unease. Lucian took his assistant's phone, swiped the screen, and looked up at her. Roxanne's phone, which Madilyn possessed, began to ring.

Startled, Madilyn quickly composed herself, glanced at the phone, and rejected the call. "Since you're her father, you can take her," she said, meeting his gaze. She caressed the girl's head, set her down, and nudged her toward Lucian.

Lucian took two steps forward. Madilyn was about to sigh in relief when he spoke skeptically.

"You seem to have quite an appetite, miss. To think you ordered all this food for yourself and a little girl."

He stood casually by the table, his words laced with implication.

Madilyn fell silent, then forced a smile. "My appetite is none of your concern. I invited friends; they haven't arrived yet."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "And you've started eating before they got here?" He glanced at each dish.

Madilyn felt her panic rising. After regaining her composure, she offered another strained smile. "I'm very close to my friends; they don't mind me eating first. They're used to it."

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "I found your daughter and made sure she was fed. I don't need thanks, but why are you interrogating me like a criminal? What have I done to deserve this?"

Please stop asking me questions! she thought. I'm going to spill the truth! Who can stand this guy's presence?

Meanwhile, in the parking lot, Roxanne waited with a child on each side, a growing sense of unease washing over her. Lucian is too perceptive; even the smallest clue will arouse his suspicions. I wonder how long Madilyn can keep up the act. If our cover's blown what then?

She couldn't find an answer. Suddenly, she scoffed at herself. What am I even scared of? He probably never wants to see me again after what I did. Even if he saw me, he'd probably pretend not to know me, or just see me as an eyesore. And here I am, scaring myself before I've even seen him. Seriously?