Chapter 195: The Super Third Wheel

Lauren propped one hand against the table, glaring at the two people across from her who were exchanging affectionate glances. "Hey, we all know you two are back together and super lovey-dovey. But do you really have to go overboard? Is staring into each other's eyes enough to replace eating? The food's been here for ten minutes, and you two haven't even touched it. I'm starving!"

Claire blushed and shifted her gaze away from Lucas's face, turning to Lauren. "Lauren, Roy hasn't arrived yet."

"Oh, him? He's probably off with some pretty woman, taking endless calls from the same person all day. I doubt he's coming," Lauren huffed, the irritation in her voice unmistakable.

"What? Who's Roy with?" Lucas asked, perplexed. "I left work with him earlier. He said he was going to pick you up."

"Pick me up, my foot!" Lauren snapped. "Some woman called him, and he disappeared without a trace." Her tone grew sharper as she vented her frustrations.

"Lauren, maybe you misunderstood," Lucas offered diplomatically. "Roy isn't like that. We all know how much he cares about you."

"Misunderstand?" Lauren raised an eyebrow, her frustration boiling over. "Do you think this is just a one-time thing? That woman's calls are everywhere! And the way he talks to her—it's way too intimate."

Lucas frowned slightly. "Did you hear how he addressed her? Maybe I know who she is. Most of the time, Roy's work interactions are with people at the company."

"Oh, please," Lauren retorted, rolling her eyes. "Since Claire left, you've either been a workaholic or a ticking time bomb. When have you ever spent time with other women?" She paused before continuing, her voice tinged with annoyance. "He called her Lena. And you wouldn't believe it, Lucas. He sounded so affectionate, speaking in the softest tone possible."

Lucas chuckled lightly. "Roy always speaks gently. And just so you know, Lena is the new perfume spokesperson we recently signed. Roy has been handling her account. You've really misunderstood him this time."

"Really?" Lauren's indignation faltered for a moment. "Are you sure you're not just covering for him because you're such close friends? If I find out you two are lying to me, I'll make sure neither of you has a peaceful day. Having a mob boss for a dad does have its perks, you know." Her expression was half-threatening, half-uncertain.

"Lauren," Claire interjected, her tone soft yet reassuring. "Lucas wouldn't lie to you. When I called Roy to tell him I was back in town, he mentioned he was about to take a call from a spokesperson. It must have been Lena."

Lauren gave the couple an unimpressed look. "You two are really a perfect team, huh? Always backing each other up. Weren't you the one who kept calling Lucas a liar? And now he's suddenly trustworthy?" She let out an exasperated sigh. "Can't you two tone down the sweetness a little? I'm already feeling like a giant third wheel here."

"Lauren, do you actually wish we'd break up?" Lucas teased, wrapping an arm around Claire's shoulder. "Claire and I have resolved all our misunderstandings. From now on, if we have any disagreements, we'll address them immediately and never let things fester. That way, there won't be any more unnecessary breakups."

"Love is truly amazing," Lauren said, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "It can turn an angry lion into a fire-breathing dragon and then into a sweet-talking romantic. Claire, does your CEO snack on sugar every day now?"

"Huh?" Claire blinked, then broke into a smile. "He's changed a lot, but I like both the old and the new him."

"Just 'like'?" Lucas cut in, his voice filled with mock offense. "I've already told you I love you, and you're only at 'like'? That's so unfair."

"Stop it," Claire whispered, nudging his leg under the table. But when she tried to withdraw her hand, Lucas caught it and held on tightly.

Claire shot him a warning look, but Lucas only gazed back at her, his eyes brimming with affection.

Lauren groaned loudly, grabbing her utensils. "Ugh, I can't take you two anymore." She started digging into her food.

"Hey, honey, how could you start eating without me?" Roy's slightly breathless voice suddenly cut through the air.

The trio turned toward him in unison.

"What's with those looks? You're staring at me like I'm some kind of product up for evaluation," Roy said as he slid into the seat next to Lauren. To his surprise, she shifted away slightly, leaving him baffled. "Honey, you don't look so good. Are you okay?"

"Not as good as you, obviously," Lauren shot back, her tone icy. "After all, you just came back from a date with some gorgeous woman."

Lucas and Claire exchanged a knowing smile.

"Hey, you two," Roy said, turning to them in confusion. "Care to explain why my wife is acting so sarcastic all of a sudden?"

"Not our place," Lucas replied, smirking. "You'd better explain yourself before Lauren thinks we're all in on this."

"What's going on here? Why does it feel so serious?" Roy's usual cheerful demeanor gave way to concern.

"Are you upset because I left when I was supposed to pick you up?" Roy asked, leaning toward Lauren. "If that's the case, you're wronging me! I had to meet the new perfume spokesperson we signed with. Her name's Lena, and Lucas can vouch for me."

Lauren glanced at Lucas, who gave her a look that clearly said, *See? Told you so.*

"I wasn't mad at you," Lauren muttered, sliding closer to him. "I was mad because you took so long to get here. I'm starving!"

"My fault entirely," Roy said, grinning sheepishly. "Here, let me feed you. Open up." He cut a piece of lamb and held it up to her. Lauren rolled her eyes but accepted the bite.

Watching them, Claire and Lucas exchanged amused smiles, shaking their heads in unison.