Chapter 3

Ivy Laurent POV

This was London's most exclusive private club, the place Lucas and his circle frequented.

In the past, whenever I came here, I always felt awkward and inferior, trailing behind Lucas like a shameful little shadow.

But today, I wore my press badge, held my voice recorder, and kept my spine straight.

When I pushed open the private room door, smoke and alcohol fumes filled the air.

A group of rich kids were laughing with their female companions. When they saw me enter, the room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in louder jeers.

"Isn't that Ivy? Long time no see!"

"Wow, you've got some pull! Three days without seeing him and now you're here to check up on him?"

The man sitting in the center of the sofa wore a black shirt with the top two buttons undone, revealing his pale collarbones.

He was playing with a lighter, the flame flickering on and off, illuminating his sharply defined face-the kind that made countless women throw themselves at him.

Lucas Brooks.

He leaned lazily against the back of the chair, his gaze cutting through the crowd to land on me.

His eyes lingered on me for a moment. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, then smoothed out. He patted the empty spot beside him.

"Come here."

Like summoning a well-trained pet.

In the past, I would have obediently walked over, sat down, poured him drinks, waited on him.

But this time, I stood where I was and gestured for the cameraman to set up the equipment.

"Mr. Brooks, we're on a tight schedule. Let's just do it here."

I pulled out my equipment.

"About fifteen minutes."

The atmosphere in the room instantly chilled.

Everyone exchanged glances.

Lucas's hand playing with the lighter paused. The lid snapped shut.

He narrowed his eyes, his expression amused.

"Ivy, what are you trying to pull?"

"You've got it wrong, Mr. Brooks."

I turned on the voice recorder, meeting his gaze directly.

"This is strictly business. If now's not a good time, we can do this another day. Or I can have someone else take over."

I started to pack up my things.

"Stop."

Lucas's face darkened. He slammed his glass on the table with a sharp clink.

"Everyone out."

He waved his hand at the others.

Though curious, no one dared to anger Lucas. They all filed out with their companions, but as they passed me, their eyes held a voyeuristic gleam.

The photographer hesitated.

"Should I..."

"Wait for me outside," I said.

The private room door closed.

The vast space held only the two of us.

The lighting was dim. The air was filled with expensive perfume and lingering cigarette smoke.

Lucas stood and walked toward me step by step.

He was tall, his presence overwhelming.

He lowered his head, leaning close to my face, his warm breath brushing against my ear.

"Still mad about that morning? Didn't I say I'd have Steve send you a card? Not enough?"

I stepped back half a step, avoiding his breath.

"I didn't accept the card. I already sent it back to your company's front desk."

I lifted my head.

"Lucas, that night was an accident. We're both adults. It's over. I'm here today purely for work."

"Over?"

Lucas looked like he'd heard a joke. He suddenly grabbed my chin, his fingertips grazing my delicate skin.

"Ivy, you've followed me around for eight years, and now you're playing it cool? I don't believe you feel nothing for me. That night, you clearly..."

"That was the drug's effect."

I interrupted him.

"Mr. Brooks, I'm resigning. This interview is my last assignment at this company. After this, I'm leaving London. We probably won't see each other again."

Lucas's fingers tightened abruptly, the pressure making me wince.

"Leaving London? Where to?"

"That's none of your concern."

"To avoid me?"

Anger flickered in Lucas's eyes.

"Ivy, is this really necessary? Just because I never made you official? You never cared about that before."

"I was naive before."

I pried his hand off forcefully and stepped back twice, smoothing my wrinkled collar.

"Now I've come to my senses. Someone like Mr. Brooks, up in the clouds-you're not suitable for someone ordinary like me. I apologize for bothering you all these years. It won't happen again."

I raised the voice recorder again.

"Mr. Brooks, first question: regarding the Brooks Group's strategic plans for next quarter..."

Lucas stared at me.

He laughed in fury and sat back on the sofa, lighting a cigarette, his expression dark.

"Fine. Very good. You want an interview? Ask away. I'd like to see how long you can keep up this act."