I nced at Xena, who was looking at Alex pitifully. "I was nning to get along with Ms. Ashford since she''s your sister, but she... brutally told me I didn''t deserve you. Even if our marriage is because of business, it''s still a mutually beneficial arrangement. Besides, I really like you, Alex."


    Xena sounded sincere, but all I felt was disgust and fear.


    Both Xena and Henry looked pleased while Alex continued staring at me coldly. ncing at Lucas who was on the floor, he asked, "Who is he?"


    Stunned, I quickly exined, "It''s not what you think."


    However, Henry interrupted me before I could continue. He questioned frustratedly, "How is it not? Don''t you have a close rtionship with Lucas? You even stood up for him during the cocktail party in Jershor."


    Sure enough, Alex''s expression darkened as soon as Henry finished his sentence. Alex took a step toward me, asking, "You knew each other before the cocktail party? How did I not know about it?"


    "The cocktail party was a coincidence. Lucas and I only met once in the past, so I didn''t tell you about it." My exnation sounded weak at that point.


    "Was he the one who saved you in the underground parking lot?"


    I nodded in response. Alex smiled, but I could tell that smile was full of


    disappointment and mockery. It made my heart ache. "Alex, I didn''t mean to lie to


    you."


    "Then why?" questioned Alex instantly.


    I had not told Alex about Lucas after meeting Lucas for the first time, so it was difficult to do so after my second encounter with Lucas. And now, I did not have the courage to exin it to Alex.


    Deep down, I knew Alex had


    misunderstood me. But every word that came out of my mouth did not sound convincing at all. I could only hang my head helplessly, letting Alex stare at me with a look of disappointment.


    "I didn''t mean to hide it from you." My voice was so soft that only Alex and I could hear it.


    Despite hearing me, Alex did not say anything.


    Just then, Xena strode over and


    hooked her arm around Alex''s. "Don''t be angry, Alex. It''s bad for your health. Lucas is my family''s illegitimate son, and he usually has dozens of tricks up his sleeves.


    Serena could''ve fallen for them."


    I nced at Xena, saying icily, "Lucas didn''t trick me. You''re a scheming woman, Xena. Your true colors will be exposed one day."


    At first, Xena''s gaze held a hint of disdain. However, she quickly turned to Alex with a pout. "How could Serena say that to me?"


    Lowering his gaze at me, Alex said, "That''s enough. Return to the hotel now. I''ll pretend as if this never happened."


    I shifted my gaze from Alex''s furious gaze to the unconscious Lucas on the ground. Although I was worried about Alex getting mad and misunderstanding the situation, I couldn''t leave Lucas alone.


    "What about him?" I pointed at Lucas.


    "It''s the Schneiders'' matter. They''ll take care of him," uttered Alex in a frosty tone.


    I responded firmly, "No. Xena and Henry will kill him."


    Alex hissed through gritted teeth, "Serena, do you care that much about him that you''d disobey me?"