A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage (reese and hudson)

Chapter 51

Hearing Gerald's words, Reese understood what he meant, but it still made her

feel uneasy.

She tried to keep a straight face as she said, "We should end this matter now. There's no need to continue

She was acutely aware that, even in Gerald's absence, another pawn might have been dispatched last

night.

In short, it was Ricardo who schemed last night to manufacture a threat against her.

Lukas subtly narrowed his eyes. He was surprised by Reese's quick forgiveness of Gerald.

As she glanced at Lukas, Elena's lips curved into a smile, "Lukas, now that Miss Roberts has pardoned Gerald, let's extend the same generosity and spare the Hughes family."

There was a moment of thoughtful silence before Lukas spoke carefully. "I am doing this not for your benefit but for the sake of Elias's dignity. The Hughes' ought to learn their boundaries."

Elena caught the undercurrents in Lukas's words. His concern was for Elias's reputation. Elena was Ellas's younger sister, and she shared a distant kinship with Gerald through the Schmidt family.

Was

Despite that, Lukas's deliberation primarily for his brother.

She nodded in understanding, her fingers curling around Gerald's arm as she impishly directed him, "Quick, offer your gratitude to Mr Strakovski!"

for your generosity. And Miss Roberts, thank you for your kind forgiveness. Rest assured, I

Lukas's demeanor didn't soften, the storm seemed to be

and asked, "Lukas, are you available tonight? Gerald and I would be delighted if you and

to leave." Lukas's directive

words. A flush of embarrassment tinged her cheeks as she nodded, then took her

began her exit, but Lukas's voice halted her in her tracks. "You stay. There's something I

to discuss.

Hides Behind My

surprise registered briefly, yet she

subtly pursed her lips. She cast a parting glance at the. mysterious Laikas before departing

Elena left, Laikas's

questions about his feelings for her throughout the day nagged at him, his

if she, too, had been contemplating along

intervention last night, I hope you won't misinterpret my actions. Any person with a sense of justice would have acted the same in

brows knitted, baffled by his insinuation. What did he

still nodded. "In any case, I was grateful for your assistance last night, Mr

question intensifying. Did she not

to your association with the company or its image. It's more about my aversion to being manipulated. Does that resonate?” His gaze deepened as he

her caution tangible. "I understand. Thank you

Strakovski."

amplified. Why did it appear that she still hadn't fully grasped his

pressed on, "Our marriage is a pragmatic arrangement. I won't allow anyone to coerce me with emotions. Unnecessary sentiments have no place in our union. Sometimes, I bantered with you merely because you intrigued me momentarily- nothing beyond that. Can

kept pursuing him and constantly standing