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.

faintly. “I’m

took a step closer, gently patting her head.

he said, his

I…” Kaia’s voice cracked, words failing

drawing her head to his

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

watched, her lips

she

her voice. “That witch! She’s

and brushed

Lucien asked, his eyes

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

are done, Kaia. That’s final,” he

chest tightened

calling me ‘Mr. Graves.’ I’m only seven years older than you.

off guard. Her mouth parted slightly.

his head.

want me to

mean it. Alden’s my nephew, but if

she’d lost. “Say the word, Kaia. Whatever you want, name it. I’ll

raised an eyebrow,

said firmly, barely hiding his

up on the shift in his

she muttered, her

don’t forget what I said. I gotta

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