Chapter 197: Don’t Misunderstand

Roy Lin rushed into the office, setting a stack of documents onto the desk before addressing Lucas Zeller, who was absorbed in researching online. 

"Lauren just called," Roy began, urgency in his tone. "She's feeling unwell and is undergoing acupuncture. I need to head to the hospital to be with her." 

"Then go," Lucas replied without looking up. 

"But," Roy hesitated, "Lina will be stopping by the company soon to familiarize herself with our fragrance lines. Someone has to attend to her. Here—these documents should help." 

"I know what you're going to say," Lucas interrupted, gesturing dismissively. "Just go. I'll handle it." 

"But… just be careful, okay? Don't let her take advantage of you." With that cryptic warning, Roy dashed out the door. 

Lucas frowned, puzzled. What did Roy mean by "don't let her take advantage of you"? Was this Lina some kind of con artist? 

As he mulled over the remark, a knock came at the door. 

"Come in," Lucas called out. 

The door opened, and a pleasant fragrance wafted in, accompanied by the soft clatter of high heels. 

"Hello, Mr. Zeller, I'm Lina," a coquettish voice chimed from the doorway. 

Lucas looked up and offered a polite nod. "Pleasure to meet you." Standing, he extended a hand. "Roy mentioned how stunning you are, and I can see he wasn't exaggerating." 

The compliment wasn't unfounded. Lina stood before him, an image of elegance and allure. Her figure was striking, her face flawless, and her every move exuded confidence and charm. 

"Thank you, Mr. Zeller," Lina replied, taking his hand and holding on just a little too long. 

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his voice calm. "Do you have an interest in palm reading, Miss Lina?" 

"Excuse me?" Lina blinked, momentarily confused before catching on. "Oh, Mr. Zeller, you're quite the joker. I just wanted to soak up a bit of your brilliance—it's said to bring luck and prosperity." 

"Luck and prosperity? Surely you've already achieved that," Lucas remarked, a touch of irony in his tone. Her words sounded more like an attempt to flirt than genuine flattery. 

"Not at all," Lina said, leaning forward just enough to make her intentions clear. "Compared to you, Mr. Zeller, my success is insignificant. It's truly an honor to collaborate with you." 

Lucas suddenly understood Roy's parting warning. This woman wasn't here just to familiarize herself with the company's perfumes—she had ulterior motives. 

"Miss Lina," Lucas began, his tone sharp, "are you genuinely interested in becoming the face of our company's fragrance line?" 

"Of course," Lina replied, feigning surprise. "Didn't Roy tell you? He seemed very pleased with me." 

"Very pleased?" Lucas echoed, narrowing his eyes. "Interesting." 

"Spend some time with me, Mr. Zeller," Lina purred, her voice like silk. "I'm sure you'll find me just as agreeable as Roy does." Her hands slid around Lucas's arm, her touch uncomfortably intimate. 

Before Lucas could extricate himself, his phone rang. 

"Lucas, guess where I am?" Claire Grace's voice came through, light and cheerful. 

Lucas's mood shifted instantly, a smile spreading across his face. "Still at work, I assume? Or at Blaine Jackson's shop?" 

"Wow, no hesitation?" Claire teased. "What if I told you I'm downstairs at your office?" 

"You call me with these jokes all the time," Lucas replied matter-of-factly. "I've stopped falling for them." 

"What if I prove it? I'll be at your office in a minute—believe me?" 

Lucas chuckled. "You know how fast a minute is, right?" 

"Fine, give me a specific time limit, and I'll meet it," Claire insisted. 

"One minute," Lucas said, his skepticism clear. 

"One second, actually," Claire countered, and just as she finished speaking, the office door swung open. 

Lucas turned, his eyes lighting up as Claire appeared. But her expression quickly darkened as she took in the scene before her—Lina clinging to Lucas's arm. Without a word, Claire spun around and stormed out. 

"Claire, wait!" Lucas called after her, moving to follow. To his shock, Lina's arms were now wrapped around his waist. 

"Miss Lina," Lucas said coldly, yanking her hands away, "what do you think you're doing?" 

"Who was that girl just now?" Lina asked, her tone laced with false innocence. 

"Let go," Lucas barked, shoving her aside before chasing after Claire. 

"Claire, stop!" Lucas called out, desperation edging his voice. "You'll regret misunderstanding me!" 

Claire halted but didn't turn around. 

Lucas caught up, dragging Lina along. "What you saw just now wasn't what it looked like," he explained, his tone earnest. "This is Lina, the new face of our fragrance line. Roy was handling the arrangements, but he had to leave for the hospital. I didn't realize the person he picked was… this." He gestured toward Lina. "She's nothing but a flirt trying to trap men." 

"What did you just say?" Lina snapped, wrenching her arm free. "Do you have any idea who I am? I'm one of the most sought-after ambassadors in the industry! You're lucky I agreed to this contract." 

"Well, I'm not," Lucas shot back, his voice icy. "I refuse to let someone like you represent our brand. Leave." 

Lina stared at him, stunned, before storming off in a huff. 

Lucas turned back to Claire, his expression softening. "Claire, believe me. I didn't do anything wrong." 

Claire's lips twitched, torn between anger and relief. "You'd better not have, Lucas. You know I'm not one to let things slide." 

Lucas grinned, his voice warm. "Trust me, Snail Girl. I only have eyes for you."