Chapter 180
Ethan’s carefree voice boomed through the speaker immediately. “Hey, Second Brother! Where did you run off to? Did you go to Switzerland again p>
“Spit it out,” Kingsley snapped, having zero patience for chit-chat.
Ethan, oblivious to the icy tone, continued enthusiastically, “The books I bought you arrived! Make sure you read them seriously. If you don’t understand anything, ask me. We’re brothers, I’ll help you out p>
Kingsley’s temple throbbed. “Save them for your own research p>
He hung up without waiting for a reply.
Two seconds later, his phone pinged. A message from Ethan appeared: [No good deed goes unpunished p>
Kingsley twitched his lips and tossed the phone onto the desk, not bothering to reply.
Right now, piercing Lucy’s defenses was a far bigger headache than Ethan’s
nonsense.
That evening, Kingsley, dressed in a sharp dark suit, entered a business gala.
Peter strode over immediately, whispering conspiratorially, “Good news-Lucy is coming tonight p>
Kingsley’s grip on his champagne glass tightened. “With Jules p>
“Most likely,” Peter gauged his dark expression and teased, “Why don’t you drink a bit more and use the alcohol as an excuse to go ‘teach him a lesson p>
Kingsley shot him a look that clearly asked “Are you insane p>
Peter laughed. “Kidding! Fair competition, fair competition p>
Kingsley sipped his wine, his gaze drifting involuntarily to the entrance.
Soon, a stir at the door announced them. Lucy appeared in a black velvet gown, arm-in-arm with Jules. They moved in sync, looking perfectly matched.
Mr. Smith walked over to greet Kingsley. “Kingsley p>
Kingsley nodded, clinking glasses with him. Mr. Smith turned, saw the new arrivals, and waved enthusiastically. “Smith!” Lucy greeted back with a smile.
Kingsley locked eyes with her. “Lucy, you look beautiful tonight p>
Lucy raised a brow, her tone arrogant and distant. “I’m always beautiful. I don’t need Mr. Sherwood to remind me. Save the compliments for others p>
exchanging glances. Peter to
The men nearby looked awkward,
red trying to suppress his
velmet
laughter-ho owed Kingsley money, so he swallowed the guffaw.
Kingsley remained calm, eyes fixed on her. “I only compliment you p>
Lucy looked away, taking a glass of red wine from a waiter. She took a sip, her voice cold. “Too bad I don’t feel honored. I only feel haunted p>
She turned to Mr. Smith with a polite smile. “Mrs. Lucas is waiting for me. Excuse me p>
Mr. Smith watched her walk away with Jules and patted Kingsley’s shoulder. “Kingsley, hang in there p>
Peter leaned in with advice. “What does she like? Worst case, just cater to her whims p>
Kingsley smiled self-deprecatingly.
Old Lucy loved money. But he had
seen her file yesterday her mother had left her a substantiat
inheritance. She was free and
wealthy.
Money couldn’t touch her anymore.