**Chapter 251: Miranda's Lament**

That evening, after the party ended, Luca was driving his car, slowly leaving Marian Bay.

"Luca, I thought you were going to take Ivanka home tonight," Miranda teased from the backseat, crossing her long legs.

"You're overthinking it. I just danced with her; there's nothing going on between us."

"But you two looked pretty cozy while dancing. Everyone's saying there's definitely something going on."

Luca wiped some sweat off his forehead. "Stop saying that! Ivanka's dad isn't someone to mess with. If he hears this, he might send someone to break my legs."

"Haha, you're such a coward," Miranda joked, tapping away on her phone.

"What about you, Miranda? You seemed to be hitting it off with Orlando," Luca asked.

"Why? Are you concerned?"

Miranda blinked at him.

"No, I'm asking for Kate. She wouldn't want someone cheating on her."

"Relax, Kate knows about it. It was Nina's idea. She thinks Orlando has potential, and that rumors with him would increase exposure, while also covering up our situation," Miranda replied casually, still playing on her phone.

Luca shook his head. "Orlando's not dumb. He won't do something without getting something out of it."

"That's fine. If it's not him, there's still you. We were originally going to use you as the cover-up, but you're already surrounded by too many rumors. If we added me to the mix, you'd be completely ruined," Miranda said with a sly smile.

*Ring ring~* Her phone rang.

"Hey, Kate, are you off work? Luca and I just left the party and are driving back. Haha, guess what? Luca hooked up with another beauty at the party. Guess who?"

"Stop making stuff up!" Luca protested. If Lima misunderstood, he'd be in for a beating.

"Hear that? Luca's getting anxious," Miranda said, laughing and kicking her legs in amusement.

"Here's a hint: she used to be a model, has a great figure, worked with CG, and has a building in New York named after her. Haha, yep, you guessed it, it's Ivanka! Luca says they only just met, but they were all over each other while dancing. If I hadn't been there tonight, they'd definitely be in bed by now. Yes, I agree, he's lying. We need to interrogate him, maybe even beat it out of him. He'll confess."

"Miranda!!" Luca yelled, his face darkening.

"Haha, Luca's mad now. For my own safety, I better stop teasing him," Miranda said with a grin. "How's your fashion show going? When's it opening? The 25th? That's next weekend, right?"

"Luca, the SUN series fashion show is next week. Want to come with me?" Miranda asked after hanging up.

Luca thought for a moment. "Let's see next weekend. If I have time, I'll come."

"Alright!" Miranda agreed and relayed the message to Kate and Lima.

Luca continued driving quietly, the car's headlights piercing through the darkness, lighting the road home.

Miranda kept chatting in the backseat, laughing and talking until they finally arrived at the estate. Only then did she put down her phone.

*Meow meow~* As they got out of the car, they heard a few soft meows coming from the lawn.

"Oh no, the kittens must be starving!" Miranda exclaimed. She turned on the garden lights and called out softly to the lawn, finding four small kittens by the wall.

The kittens were sleeping and only meowed when they heard the noise.

"Luca, should we wake them up for a midnight snack?" Miranda asked, picking up two kittens and gently stroking their heads. The kittens closed their eyes, purring softly.

"No need. I gave them goat milk before we left, and they licked it all up. There are also plenty of insects on the lawn—they're probably full by now."

"Kittens eat bugs?" Miranda asked, surprised.

"Yes, cats eat anything. Once they grow up, they'll catch mice, birds, and even snakes."

"Don't be ridiculous! Our kittens wouldn't eat anything like that," Miranda said, handing two of the kittens to Luca.

The kittens were too small to find their way back to their shelter, so Luca had to carry each one inside.

After taking care of the kittens, it was time to deal with the bigger "cat."

"Miranda, do you want something to eat?" Luca asked.

"Whatever, as long as it's low-sugar and low-fat," Miranda said lazily, lying on the sofa.

Luca shook his head. "And that's what you call 'whatever'?"

He sliced up some fruits—oranges, apples, strawberries, and blueberries—added some salad dressing, and a small cup of yogurt, making a decent-looking fruit salad. While Miranda stuck to her low-fat diet, Luca indulged in roast meat, pizza, and some fruit.

"Aren't you worried about gaining weight eating meat at night?" Miranda asked, fork in hand, eyeing his plate with envy.

"No worries. No matter how much fat I eat, it turns into muscle," Luca said, flexing his bicep proudly.

"Ugh, not fair. Us female models have to diet and exercise constantly just to stay barely acceptable. But you male models can eat whatever you want and never have to worry about weight," Miranda complained.

"You all make more than us, though," Luca laughed, cutting another piece of meat. "Want some? Kate used to eat meat at night all the time. As long as you work out a little more in the morning, it won't make you gain weight."

"Really?" Miranda blinked.

"Of course, a little meat won't hurt."

"Fine!" Miranda said, gathering her courage as she stabbed a piece of meat from his plate.

"Mm, so good!" She inhaled the smell of the meat, savoring it. "Meat tastes way better than fruit. I haven't eaten meat in so long because I gain weight so easily."

"That sounds rough."

"It is. Models, especially female models, have it tough. Before we retire, we have to restrain ourselves from so many things. We literally earn money with our youth and sweat," Miranda said, her mouth full as she enjoyed the meat. Luca chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"Tomorrow morning, I'm going to work out for half an hour longer—two and a half hours total. Luca, you better keep an eye on me," Miranda said, eyes closed as she chewed.

"Got it!"

The next day, as usual, the two got up early to work out, then headed to rehearsals and shows. Every day was busy and full.

For a whole week, Luca participated in more than ten shows—CK, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and other brands. It was a busy but fulfilling time.

*Ring ring~* One morning, while working out in the gym, Luca received a call from Ed.

"Luca, do you have time to come by?" Ed's voice sounded serious.

"What's up?" Luca wiped some sweat from his brow, puzzled.

"There's some bad news. We'll talk when you get here."

"Some?"

"Yes," Ed sighed softly.

"Alright, I'll be there around noon."

Luca put his phone away and shook his head, then continued working with the ab roller. His eight-pack glistened under the morning light, radiating strength and sex appeal.

"Awesome!" he thought. 

(End of Chapter)