Reese couldn't help but chuckle softly, shaking her head as she spoke with genuine sincerity. "I truly appreciate your concern, James, but I have my own principles when it comes to handling things. I'll exercise more caution in the future. And for tonight, thank you again for coming to my rescue. I won't forget it."

In response, James let out a playful snort, his eyes gleaming with amusement. She offered him a warm smile before opening the car door and stepping in.

Back at the Hill Crest One Residence, Reese found Lukas absent. Reflecting on the events of the night, a sense of unease washed over her. However, upon introspection, she recognized her own impulsiveness as the root cause.

She resolved to address the contract with Magnus alongside Cole the next day and knew it had to be terminated. She wanted no part in these murky waters again. She couldn't count on someone rescuing her a second time.

Meanwhile, Lukas sat quietly at the bar, nursing his drink at their usual haunt.

Elias, his friend, raised an eyebrow, sporting a mischievous grin. "Rumors are flying about the Rhodes family incident. Did you really do it?"

"What do you think?" Lukas responded coolly.

Undeterred, Elias locked eyes with him, testing the waters with his tone. "Come on, tell me the truth. Was it just a prank? Some say you hit three birds with one stone-Gerald, Alexa, and Ella."

Lukas remained expressionless, refusing to utter a word.

Elias was taken aback. "Seriously? Did you purposely have me invite Gerald just to make Alexa a laughingstock and provoke her?"

leaving Elias bewildered. He was too stunned to even think about getting

question was met with a sidelong glance from

you've got

"Is there anything else on

better of him, Elias probed further, "If it's not about her, then why go through all this trouble to help her? That elaborate scheme? It even scared

them. It had nothing to

He wasn't wholly convinced by the flimsy excuse.

the house was empty, except for Little Reese peacefully

on the alcohol, but in a somewhat childish manner, he entertained a fleeting idea. Since she owed him, could she repay him by allowing him to sleep

she held the cure to his insomnia, more potent than any medicine-an almost magical

meow from Little Reese. Startled back to reality, Lukas

time to go upstairs, freshen up, and get some much-needed sleep. But as he ascended the stairs, he came face to face

took a few steps closer, the faint scent of alcohol lingering around

irritably, "Do I need to report to you every time I have

her lips. "No, I was just making conversation." Noticing his irritated demeanor, she tried to diffuse the

"Is there something else on your mind?" Lukas regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. That

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