---- Chapter 222 Thalia couldn''t resist Lucia''s persistence and finally epted the gift. "Thank you, Ms. Schulz." Lucia''s lips curved into a captivating smile. "Calling me ''Ms. Schulz'' feels so formal now. We''ve literally been through life-and-death together. Just call me Lucia." Thalia couldn''t help butugh.
That was sudden: When Thalia didn''t immediately use her first name, Lucia pretended to be offended with a little "hmph." "Is it because we''re love rivals that you won''t call me by my first name?" Her demeanor waspletely different from before. Especially that little "hmph" - it had a yful, almost flirtatious quality that contrasted sharply with her usual powerful ---- executive image. Thalia could see genuine sincerity in Lucia''s eyes. She tried it out, saying "Lucia" softly.
Lucia''s smile deepened as she replied with a cheerful "Thalia." It was a strange feeling. Could rivals for the same man actually get along like this? It felt refreshingly novel. Thalia smiled. "Thank you for the gift. I really do love it." "I''m d you like it," Lucia replied, looking genuinely happy. "I was worried you might think it wasn''t good enough." Thalia said, "I thought you came to discuss the case." "What''s there to discuss? I''ve already told you everything before.
I believe in your abilities. Just do your best." "Twill." ---- In truth, Thalia had realized since the Annika incident that Lucia was actually quite innocent and kind-hearted. Lucia had given her friendship wholeheartedly, only to be betrayed. Honestly, Thalia felt sorry for her. But out of respect for Lucia''s pride, she kept her sympathy hidden. Someone as proud as Lucia wouldn''t want to see pity in anyone''s eyes. Thalia hadn''t expected Lucia to actively seek friendship with her.
"So, can we be friends?" Lucia asked with sincere earnestness. Thalia was momentarily taken aback. Lucia lowered her head dejectedly. "You don''t want to?" "No, that''s not it," Thalia reached out and took Lucia''s hand. "I''m not unwilling at all. I''m just surprised and didn''t react quickly ---- enough." "So you''re saying yes?" Lucia''s eyes lit up with delight. Thalia nodded. "That''s wonderfull" Lucia''s face broke into a radiant smile. Thalia''s mood brightened in response.
"But I need to make one thing clear,'' Lucia said seriously. "Even though we''re friends now, I won''t give up on Asher. We canpete fairly." Thaliaughed at Lucia''s grave expression. "I''m not even thinking aboutpeting with you." Lucia red yfully. "Oh my! You know that saying about how those who are favored take it for granted? You''re so confident because you know he likes you." Thalia lowered her eyes, her smile fading. Her voice was soft, tinged with resignation.
"It''s not that I''m taking anything for granted. Between Asher and me... we really ---- can''t go back." Looking at Thalia''s dejected expression, Lucia felt, surprisingly, a pang of regret. The feeling startled her. Had she lost her mind? Shouldn''t she be happy about this? Why would she feel regret? Lucia quickly shook her head, trying to dislodge this absurd thought. Thalia couldn''t helpughing at Lucia''s head-shaking. "What are you doing?" "I must be going crazy..." Lucia said with augh. "I actually just felt sad that you and Asher couldn''t work things out." Thalia: "..." "You really have lost your mind..."