Chapter Bo

Lucian muttered into the phone but said nothing. Julie felt a little embarrassed. However, as she looked at the corridor full of flower baskets, she decided to speak up anyway. “Why did you send so many flower baskets?” she asked. “For the opening of your studio,” Lucian replied in a low tone. “Thanks,” she said in a small voice. “If you want to thank me, let’s have dinner together tonight, hmm?” Lucian suggested casually as he leaned back in his office chair. As soon as he finished speaking, his office door opened from the outside and Blaine walked in with two men trailing behind him. Seeing Lucian on the phone, he helped himself to the nearby couch and started chatting with the other men. “I told you that Mr. Ninth Son over there has been busy with his career-colored hair.” As he spoke, he glanced sideways at Lucian. Lucian returned his look before continuing to talk to Julie over the phone. “I sent you guys that cent, but you wouldn’t listen and insisted on following me over,” he told the man with chestnut-colored hair. The other man shrugged and said, “Looks like Lucian’s changed. He hasn’t contacted us despite being back in the country for so long.” Lester choked back his tongue. “Do you think everyone is as idle as you, Mr. Kurt?!” Just as the words left his mouth, Lucian’s voice carried over to them, “Why are you guys here?” Lester Kuntz grinned and looked inquisitively at Lucian. “I say, Lucian, what have you been up to? Which lady are you on the phone with?” Lucian glared disapprovingly at him. “Stay out of my business.” Lester stared at Lucian, who was wearing his hair slicked back. Lucian met his gaze, and they engaged each other in a staring contest. Then Lester clicked his tongue and commented, “I overheard you just now. You even sent her flowers. Does your family know that you’re so openly courting someone?” Lucian stood up and strode over to the couch, casually taking the empty seat next to Blaine. He reached up to pick up the cigarette box on the table, pulled out a cigarette, and held it. Seeing this, Lester hurriedly took out a lighter to light it for him. Lucian took a puff before finally saying offhandedly, “What does that have to do with them?” “I heard from my aunt that you were introduced to several noble ladies from wealthy families during the auction held by your family last time,” said Lester. “Don’t tell me that the lady you were talking to was one of them?” “She wasn’t,” Lucian said immediately. Everyone present, with the exception of Blaine, stared at him in mute shock. “Who? Which noble family is she from?” asked Lester. “Are you guys private investigators or something?” Lucian drawled lazily. Lester almost choked on his spit. He looked over at Blaine. “You’re awfully calm, Blaine. Do you know something, by any chance? Hurry up and tell me and Hal!” Blaine glanced at him and said in a low voice, “Do you think this is something we can just reveal?” Lucian gave him a look of disdain before saying lightly, “Out with it! What did you guys come looking for me for?!” It was only then that Lester recalled their purpose for coming over today. He slapped himself in the forehead, then explained, “Let’s have a get-together at the dinner party tonight. Don’t forget your good friends, alright?” Lucian rejected him without even a moment’s thought. “I’m not free tonight; I already have prior arrangements with someone.” Hal York, who had been silent up till now, finally spoke up. He said, “I heard them talking about it just now. Lucian has arranged a dinner date at 7:00 p.m. with the lady on the phone.” Lester chimed in, “Bring her with you then! It’s not as if you’re not allowed to bring family members to the dinner party.” Lucian refused again. “Forget it; she’s easily embarrassed.” As he spoke, he glanced at his watch, then said lightly, “The meeting’s starting soon. You guys can do whatever you want.” Lester and Hal watched dumbfoundedly as Lucian left the office just like that. Lester sidled up to Blaine and asked, “Who exactly is the woman in question, Blaine? Is there really such a need for secrecy?” “Whoever she is, she’s most definitely Lucian’s sweetheart,” Blaine replied carelessly. Lester tried again. “How about you tell us about her?” Blaine shook his head. “Can’t. Come on, let’s head back. It doesn’t look like we’ll be getting him on board today.” As he spoke, he walked right out of Lucian’s office without waiting for the other two. Lester and Hal exchanged glances. Lester could not help but ask, “Do you know anything about who they’re meeting up with?” Hal shook his head. “I don’t, but what I do know is that we read that Lucian and the woman are meeting tonight.” The moment the words left his mouth, he and Lester grinned at each other, as if coming to some kind of silent agreement.