Chapter 57

I turned around and coldly looked at him. "Mr. Strakovski, is there anything else?"

"It's not a big deal. Just stay away from James in the future. He's not someone I get along with," Lukas said with a frown.

"All right, Mr. Strakovski. I understand," I nodded, then left.

Lukas rubbed his temples, feeling uncomfortable with my attitude that night. I returned to my room, tossed the sleeve link on the bedside table, and went to sleep. Meanwhile, Lukas stood in place for a while before going to the guest room to shower. After his shower, he stood at the master bedroom entrance for a few seconds, thinking about our conversation. He couldn't help but feel that even hugging me to sleep hadn't felt quite right. He turned and walked towards the guest room.

Before going to sleep, he popped a mint candy into his mouth. Since quitting smoking, having a mint candy had become an occasional habit. He thought about how easily he'd fallen asleep hugging me the previous night and believed he would fall asleep quickly again. However, he tossed and turned for over three hours, unable to find sleep. Growing restless, he sat up in bed. Thinking of me in the next room, he hesitated for a few seconds before taking two sleeping pills. Only then did he cover himself with the blanket and try to sleep again.

The following day, during breakfast, Lukas suddenly asked, "What shower gel do you use?"

I was startled. "I don't pay much attention. I just use whatever I have around."

"Oh, what brand are you using?" he asked again.

I told him the name of the shower gel.

Lukas asked another question. "Do you use body lotion?"

I frowned, not understanding his sudden questions. I shook my head. "I don't have that habit."

"What shampoo do you use?" Lukas seemed restless, as if he hadn't slept well.

I gave him a puzzled look, wondering why he cared. Suppressing my emotions, I calmly told him, "Kerastase."

Lukas nodded and took a few more bites of his breakfast. He seemed a bit absentminded and then prodded, "What about perfume? Do you use it?"

Facing such a weird question, I didn't know what to say. I finished my breakfast quickly and replied, "Sorry, I don't use perfume. It's not my habit."

Lukas nodded and didn't ask any further questions. After finishing my meal, I stood up to change my shoes.

"Where are you going?" Another question from Lukas.

"To work!" I replied succinctly.

Lukas furrowed his brows slightly. "Not coming with me?"

This time, I appeared aloof and indifferent. "Mr. Strakovski, I can drive myself, so there's no need for you to trouble yourself. Also, considering our discreet marriage of convenience, I think it's better to avoid suspicion."

It was then that Lukas suddenly recalled the two comments he'd made the previous day. His tone turned cold. "Do as you wish!"

I left after changing my shoes, and Lukas's eyes showed a trace of displeasure. Once I was gone, he instructed the housekeeper to buy the shower gel and shampoo I'd mentioned. He believed the scent that helped him sleep must have come from those products.

My car, a regular Volkswagen sedan, was at my family's residence. I'd left it there when Ricardo tricked me and hadn't intended to drive it back. After Lukas's comments yesterday, I decided I wouldn't ride in his car to work anymore. I politely informed the housekeeper at Hillcrest One Residence, and the car was promptly returned to me. I had to admit that everyone at Lukas's residence was very professional, from the housekeeper to the servants.

I rarely saw anyone in the villa except for the occasional housekeeper. However, the garden was well-maintained, and every corner of the villa was spotless. The meals, too, were particularly well-prepared.

Driving my Volkswagen, I went to work. To my surprise, no one was gossiping. I sat down and saw Raven walking over, whispering, "Sophia, I heard Director Hopkins will be here today!"

I was taken aback, realizing why the secretary's office was so obedient. I nodded. "I see."

"If you impress Director Hopkins, Olivia won't dare bother you!" Raven's voice was squeaky and silly.

I glanced at her and smiled, nodding. "All right, I'll listen to you!"

As soon as I finished speaking, I heard someone greet, "Good morning, Director Hopkins!" I raised my head to see the rumored Director Hopkins, but froze in shock at the person. My face was full of astonishment.

(Note: The final two lines, "Unspoken Farewell at 31,000 Four" and "Espoken Farewell at 101,000 Feet," appear to be chapter titles or section headings and need to be incorporated appropriately into the larger text structure. They are not grammatically incorrect, just out of place.)