A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage novel Chapter 163

Reese pivoted in surprise, her attention now squarely fixed on Lukas. "Mr Strakovski, is there something else?"

Lukas's mood, already soured by her casual tone, seemed to darken further.

He couldn't help but feel that Reese's formal gratitude was merely an act driven by his assistance.

Suddenly, his thought process halted abruptly, a jarring realization hitting him. Did he desire something more than Reese's gratitude?

His face instantly turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. He felt like his brain had gone haywire.

"Are you interested in seeking out your biological parents?" Lukas maintained his outward composure, his voice steady.

Reese pursed her lips, shaking her head gently. "Not at the moment. They abandoned me once. They might not want to be found in this lifetime."

Lukas's expression remained impassive. "Understood, you're dismissed."

As Reese returned to her station in the design department, Raven approached her with an air of urgency. "Reese, a client is waiting for you in the reception area. They're here for a personalized jewelry design."

Quickly regaining her focus, Reese nodded. "Fetch the contract and my notebook. I'll join them shortly."

Raven promptly retrieved the requested items, and Reese stepped into the reception area, her professional smile in place. "Hello. I assume you're here for a custom jewelry design?"

The visitor returned her smile. "I'm here on behalf of my employer."

Arching an eyebrow, Reese clarified, "You're not the one seeking the jewelry design?"

The individual shook their head. "No, our employer has a tight schedule. I'm representing them to finalize the contract with Designer Roberts. The specifics of the jewelry design will be discussed directly between you and our employer."

"So, your employer decided to hire me for this project without even reviewing my portfolio?" Reese's interest was piqued.

The person chuckled. "As I mentioned, our employer is busy. But someone highly recommended your work. They have seen and admired the designs you've created."

At that moment, Raven entered, carrying the contract and Reese's notebook.

An unsettling feeling began to settle in Reese's gut as she observed the unfolding events. The visitor had provided a tentative price, placed a deposit, and swiftly signed the contract.

Once the representative departed, Reese remained unsettled, a nagging suspicion lingering.

It wasn't until the close of the workday that Reese's phone rang, an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen.

"Miss Roberts."

"May I inquire who's calling?"

By the time Reese arrived, it was already dark outside. The bar's entrance buzzed with activity. Her entry went unnoticed as she was guided toward Magnus's private room.

She was so engrossed in following her guide that she didn't detect a pair of malevolent eyes trailing her every move from a dim corner. Those eyes only turned away when she entered Magnus's room.

As the door closed behind her, a wicked smile curled on Elena's lips—a sinister satisfaction emanating from her. Downing her cocktail, she rose from her seat and left the bar.

Reese was about to step into a storm with Magnus, a person far from virtuous. Tonight, she would come to realize the depths of her suffering. She wanted Reese to feel the full force of ruthlessness of an Elena.

Last night, Lukas snubbed her birthday party, and she had become the subject of mockery. The reason for his absence was now glaringly apparent—it was all due to Reese. The revelation had fanned the flames of her resentment. In Elena's eyes, there was no longer a reason to play nice with Reese.

Intriguingly, the connection between Reese and the person seeking her jewelry designs today was rooted in Elena's manipulations. She had subtly hinted to Magnus about Reese's unique association with Lukas. If she could cause Reese a modicum of anguish, she was confident it would provoke Lukas's reaction.

Elena was well aware of the risks entailed in partnering with someone like Magnus, akin to coaxing a tiger into cooperation. But her patience was wearing thin. While Magnus might not dare harm Lukas, he wouldn't hesitate to target a mere designer.

Enduring any danger for the sake of seeing Reese pay the price seemed a risk worth taking to Elena. However, Elena hadn't anticipated the rapidity with which Magnus would spring into action. Contemplating the impending events, her smile twisted into a more sinister shape.

Meanwhile, Reese found herself in a room already occupied by several boisterous individuals, their rowdiness creating an unpleasant atmosphere. Her expression grew uncomfortable, and she instinctively turned to leave.

But a man with vibrant yellow hair intercepted her exit with a smug grin. "Hey there, don't be in such a hurry to leave. Why not join in on the fun?"