I stared intently at Lucas, trying vehemently to figure out which was his true side.


    Under my obvious scrutiny, he suddenly hid his usual confidence and pouted at me. "Serena, do Ie across as... rather intimidating?"


    "Why do you say so?" I was surprised by his question.


    He scratched his hair like a bashful young man. "Well, I just thought you might think I''m two-faced."


    Having seen him bullied and also seen him struggling in life, I had nothing but respect for him. Chuckling, I reassured him, "Not at all! I think you''re brave."


    I made the remark earnestly, but he asked me in disbelief, "Is that true? Is that what you really think? Serena, your opinion matters a lot to me."


    His enthusiasm confused me. "Why so?"


    "That''s because..." He shed me a shy grin. "...you''re my best friend."


    Touched, I nodded in seriousness. "Every word I said was true."


    "So, if I fail to..... take power, will you look down on me?"


    I shook my head firmly. "Of course not. You''ve been through a lot. Failure or sess, we''ll still be friends. Just stay safe."


    "Sure." He nodded furiously. "The Schneiders are the most appalling people I''ve met. They''re hypocritical and untrustworthy. If I have the chance, I''ll certainly crush them."


    He spat out those words as though he had recounted some bad memories.


    I was taken aback.


    When I was in school, I read a book that imed everyone had a dark side. Perhaps this was Lucas'' dark side.


    "Hey, stop overthinking."


    The dishes had been served by now. I offered him a bowl of mushroom soup. "Mr. Schneider, you''ll only wear yourself out by overthinking."


    "I don''t want to be called Mr. Schneider." He frowned. "Just Lucas or Luke will do."


    I nodded. "Sure, Luke."


    ...


    After dinner, I went back to the hotel.


    To my amazement, Oliver informed me that Alex was already on his waya felt a mix of awe and expectations.


    I had a fallout with Alex at his office thest time we met. After that, hadn''t been speaking or meeting with him as I was busy with the business trip.


    Now that Alex was about to meet with me, I suddenly felt a little awkward and self- conscious.


    "Mr. Hastings would like you to pick him up at the airport with me," Oliver said merrily. "That will be 7:00 am tomorrow."


    I nearly bit my tongue out of


    surprise. He''s arriving at 7:00 am? What''s wrong with him? Does he need me to borrow the pom-poms from the cheerleading team and give him a warm wee while I''m at it?


    After I vented my frustration, I turned around and saw Oliver looking uneasy.


    "What''s that look on your face?" I shot him a confused look, wondering if he had lost his mind from all the business trips.