A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage novel Chapter 177

Reese's eyes widened in an instant. She realized the situation and immediately started struggling frantically.

However, Lukas tasted a bit of sweetness. Driven by the alcohol and clouded judgment, his strength became astonishing. He seemed as if he wanted to crush Reese into himself.

One of his hands firmly gripped Reese's struggling hands, pinning them above her head. The other hand encircled her waist, pressing her against the wall, not allowing her to escape.

Reese's struggles were in vain, and her eyes turned red from frustration.

Lukas's imposing aura surrounded Reese, like a conqueror laying siege to a fortress.

Reese's body grew weak, her face flushing red with anger. Unable to bear it any longer, she fiercely bit his lips.

Lukas's mind instantly cleared up.

He was momentarily stunned, a hint of panic flickering in his eyes. He released Reese.

As soon as he let go, Reese slapped him. "Mr. Strakovski, I respect you, and I hope you can show some self-respect."

Lukas rubbed his face with his hand, pressed his tongue against the inside of his mouth, and stared at Reese with deep, suppressed anger. "We agreed to fulfill the marital agreement before we get the certificate."

Reese's face turned red with anger, and her eyes were filled with a deep sense of grievance. "That's different. At the very least, it should be willingly. Were you trying to force yourself just now?"

Seeing Reese's restrained yet furious and pitiful expression, Lukas's inner anger suddenly subsided.

He thought about his behavior earlier, fueled by the alcohol.

When did Lukas ever need to use force on a woman?

Lukas furrowed his brow tightly, pinched the bridge of his nose with his hand, and irritably loosened his Windsor knot tie. The tie hung loosely around his neck, giving him a somewhat disheveled look. "Go back and rest."

With that, Lukas turned around and went downstairs.

Reese stood at the top of the stairs, watching him leave.

For the next two days, Lukas didn't show up at Hill Crest One Residence. At the company, Reese deliberately avoided him and didn't run into him again.

Reese didn't expect that she and Lukas, who were only nominal husband and wife, would end up in a cold war.

However, it had to be said that she didn't feel too good about it in her heart.

On the second day of the gathering, a photo of Rose and a certain wealthy young man in an intimate pose circulated online.

The photo didn't capture Lukas very clearly, and most people wouldn't recognize him. However, Rose's face was very distinct. It appeared to be taken at the entrance of the villa where they had the party.

Lukas seemed to be drunk, and Rose was struggling to support him.

When Reese saw the photo, she ignored the faint discomfort in her heart and thought, after Lukas left last night, he actually returned to the party.

The following day, Rose landed a major endorsement deal with a top-tier brand, further solidifying the rumors about her and Lukas.

Due to the incident where Gwendolyn had arranged to switch Reese's design drafts, a rift had formed between James and Lukas.

Despite Lukas letting Gwendolyn experience being taken to the police station, and Steven going to great lengths to get her out, James was still unwilling to continue their previous collaboration.

Over the years, his company mostly relied on James's support to survive.

If James terminated the partnership, it would spell disaster for him.

James gave a cold snort. "I can see that Gwendolyn is quite capable. Why do you need my help? Just let her manage the company for you."

Steven's expression became a bit embarrassed.

Gwendolyn sat quietly on the side.

At that moment, James's other phone rang. He saw it was a call from one of the company's vice presidents, so he picked up the phone. "Second Uncle, please have a seat. I'll go upstairs to take a call."

James went upstairs with his phone, leaving another phone on the sofa.

The other phone rang once, indicating an incoming message.

Gwendolyn lifted her head and glanced at James's phone. She suddenly stood up and walked over to pick up James's phone.

Steven was completely caught off guard by his daughter's sudden action. He was astonished and lowered his voice out of fear. "Gwendolyn, what are you doing?"