A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage novel Chapter 166

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?"

A faint hum was Lukas's only response, leaving Elias bewildered. He was too stunned to even think about getting angry. "I can't believe it! Is it true? All of this because of Reese?"

His question was met with a sidelong glance from Lukas, who kept silent.

"I didn't see that one coming. So, you've got the hots for her," Elias continued, stunned.

Lukas gave a nonchalant shrug. "Is there anything else on your mind apart from 'having the hots'?"

Curiosity getting the 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 me, man!"

"I simply found those people unpleasant and thought I'd take care of them. It had nothing to do with Reese." Lukas took a sip of his drink, his tone unaffected.

Elias studied Lukas, sensing there was more beneath the surface. He wasn't wholly convinced by the flimsy excuse. Besides, Lukas had been acting rather unusual lately.

Reese had actually wanted to discuss Magnus with him. She had planned to discuss it with Cole the next day, but when she heard the door open and saw Lukas, she impulsively wanted to address it with him. After all, Magnus had primarily targeted him.

Now, Lukas's impatient tone echoed the request he made during the day not to bother him with such matters anymore. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Reese tried to hide her emotions, her voice turning cold and distant. "No, I heard some noise and came out to check if you were back."

With that, she turned to leave, but Lukas swiftly reached out, grabbing her arm, pulling her back, and pressing her against the wall.

Reese was highly startled, and her heart raced as Lukas's face came too close, and his breath, which smelled of alcohol, brushed against her face. "Reese, do you think I'm a fool? You said you were just checking, but were you actually checking?"

Feeling uneasy and wanting to free herself, Reese turned her head and attempted to push Lukas away gently. "Mr. Strakovski, you've had too much to drink. Please calm down. I was merely concerned about my fellow housemate and checking to see if you were back."

Lukas's grip remained strong, and she couldn't break free. Reese sighed in exasperation, not wanting to argue with a drunk person.

Upon hearing her words, Lukas unexpectedly chuckled. "Fellow housemate, huh? That's a novel way to put it."

Reese frowned, ready to retort, but before she could speak, Lukas leaned down as if he couldn't support his own weight anymore. His head came to rest on her shoulder, and his soft lips grazed against her collarbone as he held her. A hushed silence fell over them.