Chapter 56 Call Me ‘Lucien’

As she reached the corridor, she heard Kimberly’s cloying voice. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Lucien! I lost my balance and spilled coffee on your suit.”

“Let me clean it up for you,” Kimberly offered, her hand reaching toward the taut lines of Lucien’s frame, her heart

racing.

“No need,” he said curtly. “Also, we’re not that close. Don’t forget that.”

Kimberly faltered, stung by the disdain in his gaze, but she pressed on. “Well, Mr. Graves, could we be friends?”

“I didn’t mean to spill the coffee,” she added, inching closer, aiming to fall into his arms.

Lucien sidestepped swiftly, and Kimberly stumbled, crashing to

the floor with a thud.

“My apologies,” Lucien said, his tone tinged with impatience. “It’s your grandmother’s funeral today. Show some respect.”

With that, he turned and left.

Lucien wanted to find Kaia, to offer her some comfort. As he rounded a corner, he nearly bumped into her.

He licked his dry lips, his heart aching. Though Kaia seemed composed, he sensed the grief tearing her apart beneath the surface.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

nodded faintly. “I’m

took a step closer, gently patting her head.

fine,” he said, his voice

I…” Kaia’s voice cracked, words failing

her

features softened with a rare warmth, his voice low. “Kaia, you don’t have to

watched, her

she

voice.

a moment, steadied her breath, and brushed the last tears

now?” Lucien asked, his

a weak, lopsided grin. “Getting there. I’m okay, Lucien,

and Alden are done, Kaia.

chest tightened at the

stop calling me ‘Mr. Graves.’

off guard. Her mouth parted slightly. “Why?”

tilted his

me to call

that sounds like I’m young. Seriously, Kaia. I mean it. Alden’s my nephew, but if he messes up, I’ll take care of

gaze landing on how much weight she’d lost. “Say the word, Kaia. Whatever you want, name it.

an

Lucien said firmly, barely hiding his

would’ve picked up on the shift in his tone-but Kaia

her voice catching.

don’t forget what I said.

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