C16 - Captivate

Back at the Restaurant...

"Any thoughts?" Cain's gaze flickered between the trio, anticipation evident in his stance.

"As I said, didn't I?" he quipped, a smug smile curling at the edge of his lips.

Ren mirrored his amusement. "The outcome was predictable."

He shifted his focus to the quietest presence among them. "Lucian, however, was the exception."

Kiran's smirk carried an undertone of intrigue. "An anomaly."

All eyes settled on Lucian, awaiting his response. Unbothered, he remained absorbed in his laptop, seemingly indifferent to their curiosity. Ren leaned in slightly, his interest piqued.

"You've been glued to that screen since Lei left. What's so fascinating?"

Kiran, unable to resist, stole a glance at the display. "Hacking, I assume? Isn't that Cain's domain?" He paused, watching for a reaction. Lucian didn't spare him one.

Undeterred, Kiran pressed on. "Whose information are you digging into?"

Lucian's fingers never faltered on the keyboard as he answered, "Cain."

The casual remark nearly sent Cain choking on his tea. Coughing violently, he might have fallen victim to his own drink if Kiran hadn't intervened, patting his back. Regaining composure, Cain swiftly retrieved his own laptop, fingers flying across the keys in retaliation.

Before he could utter a word of protest, his screen went black.

"..."

"..."

Lucian reclined leisurely against the sofa, fingers interlaced, exuding quiet triumph. "Remember, I taught you."

Cain stared at his lifeless screen, incredulous. Meanwhile, Lucian's gaze flickered to his phone, a subtle smirk ghosting his lips as he reviewed the data he'd sought.

Cain, recovering from the shock, narrowed his eyes. Then, realization struck like lightning.

"Lei? You were after Lei?"

His disbelief was palpable. Of all things, Lucian had hacked into his system... for Lei?

"He is going to murder me ."

Kiran exchanged an amused glance with Ren before shifting his gaze to the utterly unbothered man beside them. Of all the possible reasons for Lucian to flex his skills, none had expected this. A man who evaded both genders with surgical precision, suddenly taking an interest in someone? It was, without a doubt, a revelation.

7 PM – At Home

I lounged on my couch, immersed in a book, light snacks and a drink within reach. The quiet evening stretched before me—until the doorbell rang.

Glancing at the screen, I saw the concierge.

"Good evening, sir. Your dinner from Raya Restaurant has arrived."

I frowned. "I didn't order anything."

The concierge smiled, a touch too delighted. "It's a delivery from Lucian Fei."

Her tone practically dripped with admiration at the mere mention of his name. I stared at the screen, processing. Why would he send me food?

Before I could refuse, several staff members in black aprons bearing the Raya Restaurant logo stepped inside. Moving with seamless efficiency, they arranged the dishes on my dining table before offering a polite bow and departing.

"Enjoy your meal, sir."

Left alone with an extravagant spread, I could only stare. From appetizers to desserts, it was a complete feast. Hunger gnawed at me, yet suspicion lingered. Still, resistance felt futile. I sighed, considering my next move, when my phone rang.

An unfamiliar number. My thoughts flickered to Cain as I answered.

"Good evening?"

A deep, slightly husky voice greeted me, warm yet composed. "Did you enjoy the meal?"

"I was about to."

"Hmm"

"Thank you for the food." The meal before me was nothing short of indulgent.

"My pleasure."

There was something about his voice—smooth, steady, yet faintly compelling. For a brief moment, silence stretched between us, breaths synchronized as if suspended in time.

"I've sent the contract via email," he continued. "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning for discussions."

"Hmm." I didn't have the details yet, but accepting felt... natural.

"Savor your dinner. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Hanging up, I set my phone down. Rationally, it was just business. Yet, something about the entire gesture gnawed at me.

How had he even managed such an extensive takeout order from Raya? The restaurant was notoriously exclusive, rarely accommodating large requests—especially not for takeout. This wasn't just an apology. It was an effort.

Saving his number, I labeled it IceBlock.

Before indulging in the meal, I contacted reception, ensuring they were informed of Lucian Fei's visit tomorrow. Satisfied, I finally sat down, ready to enjoy my late dinner while losing myself in a film.

For now, I'd let the questions rest.