CHAPTER 50 I'm Just Your Tool

　　Stumbling towards the staircase, I suddenly froze—not because of Frank's question, but because a flicker of firelight emerged in the darkness of the stairwell.

　　Even in my drunken state, my intuition remained sharp.

　　I knew—it was Lucas.

　　A few seconds later, the firelight hit the floor, extinguished under the pressure of a polished shoe.

　　Lucas stood up and walked towards us.

　　My instinct was to retreat, and in my unsteady state, Frank continued to support me.

　　"She's drunk," Frank said calmly.

　　Lucas responded with a low hum. "Thanks, Frank. You've had a long day after your flight. Go rest now."

　　He reached out to take me from Frank, but I reacted violently, trying to push him away and nearly collapsing again. Frank held me steady.

　　"I'll take her back," Frank offered. "Whatever misunderstanding there is, it's best cleared up when she's sober."

　　Lucas shook his head, remaining firm. "That's not appropriate."