Chapter 163
Lucy returned to the banquet hall and was immediately intercepted by David. Just
as they were having a pleasant conversation, Kingsley approached slowly, holding a glass of red wine.
“Kingsley, if you have any upcoming projects, you should definitely consider collaborating with Lucy,” David said, taking the initiative to make an introduction.
Kingsley’s gaze swept over Lucy as he spoke indifferently, “Lucy might not think highly enough of Sherwood Group’s projects p>
Lucy raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery in her expression. “It’s more that I lack the ability. I’m afraid if I take on too much, I’ll ruin my own reputation p>
David was lost listening to them banter like that. But he could feel it-there was some heavy, unsaid stuff between them.
“Lucy should trust in her own abilities. The Sherwood Group has always been very inclusive,” Kingsley added.
Lucy didn’t take the bait, retorting directly, “I don’t trust myself p>
Just as she spoke, Jules walked over quickly. He gently draped his suit jacket over her shoulders and nodded to the two men. “David, Mr. Sherwood p>
Then he lowered his head and whispered so only Lucy could hear, “I’m here to save you p>
Raising his voice, he naturally smoothed things over. “Lucy, let me take you to meet an important client p>
Lucy raised her glass to David, speaking concisely. “Excuse me p>
Kingsley’s eyes were locked onto the suit jacket on Lucy’s shoulders. Outside, when he had tried to offer her his coat, she had thrown it aside without mercy. Now, she wore Jules’s jacket openly. The difference in treatment was night and day.
His expression gradually darkened.
“Kingsley, what’s wrong?” David asked, noticing his distraction.
Kingsley swirled his wine glass, clinked it lightly against David’s, and downed the contents in one go. He placed the empty glass on the t of a passing water, dropped a curt “I’m leaving,” and turned to walk away.
Jules led Lucy out of the banquet hall, and the two got into the car together. Once seated, Lucy handed the suit jacket back to him.
Jules turned sideways, his gaze resting on her face. “Is he still harassing you p>
“No,” Lucy shook her head gently, her tone indifferent. “Just a few words here and there. I wouldn’t call it harassment p>
Jules could tett Kingsley’s jealousy had been thick in the air earlier. This wasn’t just about control; maybe some part of him still cared. Jules didn’t call him out, his voice just deepening with quiet assurance Anything you need, just say the word p>
Lucy curved her lips into a smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t be polite with you p>
Jules stared at her smiling eyes and suddenly added, “Even if you need me to be your boyfriend, I can do that p>
The smile on Lucy’s face faded slightly. She looked up at him seriously. “I have no plans to date for the time being p>
As soon as the words left her mouth, she took out her phone and pretended to focus on scrolling through the screen, avoiding his gaze.
Jules didn’t press further, simply saying softly, “Okay. When you want to date, I’ll be there p>
Lucy paused, looking up at him with sincerity. “Jules, there are many people better suited for you p>
“You’re right,” Jules paused. The words “But none of them are you” tumbled in his throat before he swallowed them back down. He didn’t dare say them, fearing it would burden her.
For the rest of the journey, Lucy kept her head down, looking at her phone, while Jules leaned back in his seat in silence. Neither spoke, leaving the car filled only with the occasional glow of the phone screen and a shared quiet.
Kingsley had just stepped out of the banquet hall and got straight into his car.