A Philanderer

The tension in the air was thick, but Lucian pretended to remain oblivious to it. He laughed around with Amelia and affectionately fed her food occasionally. As for the woman, she felt awkward and pressurized under that fierce glare from Alicia.

Valerie decided to not look at the couple lest she lost control over herself and concentrated on the spaghetti in front of her. Although delicious, she could barely feel the taste on her tongue.

It probably had do with how downhearted she felt.

"Baby, do you want to eat dessert now? I asked them to make your favorite cookies and cream parfait," Lucian voiced out in a sweet tone. "Haven't you craving for it today?"

Alicia's face contorted due to disgust, and Valerie saw that the woman was very close to flinging that fork— no, that wouldn't be enough, the plate instead— towards Lucian.

Because of the guests being present, she didn't shred away that elegance of hers and maintained a smiling expression. Due to this, Lucian dared to act out of line.

Jonathan noticed that a fight was close to breaking out and attempted to deal with the situation by saying, "Valerie, I have heard that you're planning to buy plot at Lakeheart. Are you planning to delve into real estate business? There are talks of Sunrise acquiring Fern."

Valerie nodded.

"The business venture is new for Sunrise," Valerie said, "but there is large opportunity for success at this time."

Jonathan laughed.

"You are truly ambitious. Good to see! Sunrise's future is really in great hands," Jonathan commented.

Following that, Jonathan started to advise her, and Valerie silently listened. Arnold would chip in his comments as well when he considered it to be necessary.

Once the dinner was done, Lucian stood up, holding Amelia's hand, and stated, "Then, I will be showing her the garden. I don't understand business. You all can go on about it."

Before Alicia could even say anything, Lucian was out of the scene, and the woman gritted her teeth.

"This boy!"

°°°

Valerie leaned against the column in the patio, watching the couple interact. Both of them seemed to be having fun, judging from the scene, and Valerie's eyes narrowed at the constant skin ship between them.

She did not wish to torture herself by being at here, but there was something important she wanted to say to Lucian.

However, the relationship between both of them was ticking her off. Mentally she cursed at Laura for limiting her dosage or else she shouldn't have to go through this agony.

As the cool breeze hit her face, she took in a deep breath and tried to hold in the ugly emotions that fought for dominance.

Lucian walked over to the patio with Amelia— his hand around her shoulder. Valerie squinted her eyes at that, and all of a sudden, Amelia shuddered, sensing a menacing aura.

Her eyes fell on Valerie. Although Valerie was expressionless, Amelia felt pressed down by a murderous intent.

"Darling, you must be cold. Let's go inside. I don't want you to catch a cold," he gently spoke out.

Amelia hastily nodded. She really wanted to get away from here.

As Amelia was about to enter the house, Lucian said, "Hold on," making the girl's steps halt.

She turned back to face him questioningly. Nervously, she looked at Valerie from the corner of her eyes. The woman showed nothing on her face, but those eyes of hers, on a closer inspection, were getting more menacing.

Amelia gulped nervously as Lucian forwarded his hand. She then noticed that he pulled out a delicate pink petal from her hair before chuckling and commenting, "How silly."

After that, he bent down, bringing his face closer to hers, and Amelia tightly closed her eyes in fear. There was no way Valerie would spare her if this happened.

But before the contact between their lips could happen, a hand touched Lucian's lips, pushing him back. Lucian's eyes fell on Valerie's.

"That's enough," she said— her tone being authoritative.

Removing her hand from his lips, he sneered and said, "Why? Is this too much for Ms. Valerie? But what to do? This is the type of man I am. I can never be satisfied with one woman. You know that, right?"

Valerie was aware of the rumors and his flirtatious personality.

"I know," she responded, "you are a philanderer."

Lucian froze for a second at her words, feeling offended, but then realized that this was opinion he wanted Valerie to have of him.

Feeling the intensity in the room, Amelia rushed into the house, unable to bear this.

"That's why, you shouldn't expect me to be loyal to you if you are planning to go through this."

"You want to commit infidelity. Alright, I understand."

Lucian did feel somewhat dumbfounded. She had no issue with that?

Even if a couple had no feelings between them, shouldn't they feel uncomfortable about it? Valerie did feel too robotic.

Realizing how the atmosphere between them was growing tense, Amelia understood that it would be best if she left. Therefore, she rushed out from the scene.