The Real Heiress Rules the World

Chapter 230 Where Feelings Begin

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Chapter 230 Where Feelings Begin

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Sloane heard the horn and looked up to see a familiar black sedan parked at the gate. The window slowly rolled down, revealing Lucas‘ cool, sharp–featured face. He stared in her direction, his gaze calm, but with a faint trace of displeasure beneath the surface.

She paused in surprise–she hadn’t expected Lucas to show up. She walked over quickly and asked, a little taken aback, “Lucas, what are you doing here?”

Lucas glanced briefly at the team captain standing on the steps and replied, “I’m your coach for this tournament, I should be there to supervise. Get in. Ride with me.”

Sloane looked back at the bus where the rest of her teammates were already boarding. She hesitated. “But everyone else is taking the team bus…”

Lucas didn’t give her a chance to refuse. He stepped out and opened the passenger door. “It’s a long drive. If you ride with me, you’ll get to rest a bit.”

Sloane had been busy lately researching herb cultivation and was, in truth, pretty exhausted.

Lucas gently guided her into the front seat before she could react. Then he leaned in and pulled the seatbelt across her, buckling it with natural ease.

Their proximity closed in an instant. Sloane caught the clean scent on him–cedar mixed with a hint of mint, cool and grounded.

She looked up at his chiseled profile, and her heart began to race, her ears warming without warning. Lucas finished securing the belt, straightened up, shut the door, and circled back to the driver’s side.

He started the engine, eyes focused on the road ahead. “Close your eyes and rest. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

Sloane stole a glance at him. She picked up on something off about his mood. He seemed calm on the outside, but his eyes held a quiet edge of coldness.

She opened her mouth, wanting to ask if he was upset, but in the end, she just nodded softly. “Okay.”

Leaning back against the seat, she closed her eyes and tried to relax. The car moved smoothly down the road; Lucas‘ driving was steady and composed, making it easy to forget they were

even in motion.

Sloane had thought she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but maybe she really was too tired. Before

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230 Where

and she slipped into a

glanced at her. Her breathing was soft and even–she

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softening. He reached over and raised the temperature on the

car was quiet, filled only with gentle music and the sound of Sloane’s steady

her face, outlining the soft curve of her features. Lucas looked at her again, his eyes full of

about the way he’d felt earlier, and gave a self–deprecating smile. Unbelievable… I’m actually

turned to

blinking her eyes open. Her voice came out

His voice instinctively softened. “Yeah, we’re here. Take a second to

the passenger door. “The others are already inside. I’ll take

was tastefully decorated, filled with

brief words. The receptionist smiled and handed

your room is

to Sloane. “Come on,

was stunned. The space was bright and spacious, with floor–to–ceiling windows looking out over an endless

fresh bouquet of lilies sat by

“Get some rest today. The tournament starts tomorrow.” He pointed next door. “I’m staying right beside you. If you need anything,

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Where

knock.”

:

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that this wasn’t the standard room her teammates got. Lucas had clearly arranged it specially

She answered softly, “Okay.”

stir in his chest. “Unpack, take it easy.” With that, he

he reached the door, Sloane called

turned back, and looked at her

her head. “Nothing.

moment, and his gaze softened even more. “You don’t have to thank me. Rest for a bit–I’ll come get

and watched him