A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage novel Chapter 174

Reese was about to respond when she saw Lukas stepping out of the car, his expression icy. He walked directly into the villa without acknowledging either her or James.

Suddenly, Reese recalled the morning call from Lukas, asking her to attend a gathering that Elias had arranged. She hadn't realized that the "drinking game" Lukas mentioned was the same party Cole was talking about. She had turned down Lukas, but here she was with Cole. The situation felt awkward.

Reese considered whether she should find a chance to explain things to Lukas privately. Just then, James quipped, "I never expected Lukas to be here too. Small world, huh? It's like we're neighbors at a police station."

Reese paid little attention to his teasing and said, "Mr. King, if there's nothing else, I'll head inside."

James smirked. "No rush. Let's chat a bit more. Lukas's perennially grim face can be quite contagious. You might catch it if you go in."

Reese felt a bit exasperated. "There are other people at the party."

James, seeing her reluctance, deflated his playful tone. "All right, fine. I won't keep you here. But my brother's advice is for your own good. Try to keep your distance from Lukas."

Reese had heard James express this sentiment before. However, her relationship with Lukas was a delicate balance that she had to navigate.

She nodded, and James waved as he turned toward the next villa.

The party venue was spacious, particularly the living room which could accommodate many people. The place often hosted parties for the wealthier second-generation individuals, a fact Lukas had not anticipated when choosing it for the gathering.

Upon entering, he observed the living room in disarray with celebrities, social media influencers, and wealthy youngsters mingling together, creating quite a chaotic scene.

Lukas stood at one corner, spotting Elias having fun with a young influencer. He went over and pulled Elias away from the commotion, guiding him to a sofa near the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"What's going on? Is this the private party you mentioned?" Lukas's forehead seemed ready to burst, his anger barely restrained.

The incident with Reese had already soured his mood, and he certainly hadn't anticipated Elias causing such a mess.

Elias seemed nonchalant. "I did say I wanted to celebrate, didn't I? Besides, you rarely suggest getting together, so I thought of spicing things up. I even brought along a bunch of people to liven up the atmosphere."

Lukas massaged his temples, visibly frustrated.

Elias's casual demeanor only worsened Lukas's irritation. "A party doesn't have to be chaotic to be lively. Aren't you at all concerned?"

Elias replied, "Why wouldn't I be happy about that atmosphere?"

Lukas glared at him coldly. "Do you think I can be happy with this pandemonium?"

Elias shrugged helplessly. "All right, I'll clear the place out."

Lukas didn't want to continue this argument, especially with Reese still outside talking to James. The annoyance in his expression deepened. "Get out of my sight and stop bothering me."

Elias shook his head, finding his brother's mood inscrutable, and proceeded to rejoin his flirtatious interaction with the influencer.

The online influencer, who was forgetful at times, saw Elias coming toward them and awkwardly tried to get his attention.

Reese joined Ava and Cole outside the villa, and the three of them entered together.

Inside, she recognized a few faces, mostly internet celebrities and similar figures.

She frowned, not understanding the purpose of this gathering. When Lukas mentioned it in the morning, she thought it was just a casual get-together.

Reese's expression turned serious. She didn't like this kind of atmosphere.

Scanning the hall, she spotted Lukas.

He was seated on a sofa by the window, his demeanor cold, and he looked like he wanted to keep his distance from everyone. Despite that, there was something irresistibly attractive about him.

He sat there, a mix of nobility and aloofness, emitting an aura that kept people away, yet strangely drew them in.

Reese considered whether to explain why she didn't come to the party in the morning and planned to come later. She didn't want Lukas to think she was unreliable.

But just as she took a step forward, she saw a familiar celebrity approaching and taking a seat beside Lukas.

At that moment, Lukas looked up and met Reese's gaze in the air.