I nodded. "Mm, I have to make sure he signs the contract before leaving the office next time."


    But to my surprise, when Lucas came back the second time, he signed the contract without hesitation.


    Looking at his bold, flowing signature-"Lucas"-and the bright red official seal, I suddenly felt like the whole thing was a bit surreal. I also felt guilty for doubting his intentions.


    Maybe he really did have something urgentst time and wasn''t just dragging things out on purpose.


    "Now that the contract is signed, your task isplete. Serena, I have a small request. Would that be okay?" His smile was as warm as ever.


    "What request?" I carefully put the contract away.


    "Come shopping with me," he said mysteriously.


    I immediately recalled what L had said to me and hesitated. "But... But it''s work hours, and... And shopping..."


    "I... want to buy a tie for my grandfather." He scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed. "There''s an old artisan in Grandview who handcrafts ties, and my grandfather really likes his work. I want to get him one as a gift, but I have no idea which style to choose. I thought you could help me pick."


    Hearing that, I froze for a moment.


    Who did I think I was? Why was I so full of myself? Not everyone was trying to get close to me.


    After mentally scolding myself, I nodded. "Alright, but we need to be quick. I have things to do this afternoon, so I can only step out for an hour."


    Three hourster, I nced at the time and suddenly panicked.


    Time really did fly. Just having lunch with Lucas had already taken three hours. And now, we were only just starting to discuss styles-we hadn''t even picked out a color yet. There was no way I could leave now.


    A message popped up on my phone. It was from Patricia.


    "Mr. Hastings came to the office looking for you just now! He asked me where you went, and I told him you went to sign the contract with Schneider Group. He looked really pissed. You idiot, where the hell are you?"


    I let out a helpless sigh. "I''m just


    helping


    fchneider Group''s repp


    gift for his grandfather. What Mr. Hastings say?"


    "Nothing, but he was really mad. Serena, you''re in danger!"


    I stared at Patricia''s text, followed by a meme of a tiny cartoon figure coughing up


    blood. I started feeling anxious.


    Just as I was debating whether to call Alex and exin, my phone rang. It was Alex.


    "Where are you?" His voice was sharp and usatory.


    Hearing his tone, I suddenly thought of how he always gritted his teeth whenever he talked about Lucas. I


    t help but feel guilty, and I


    stuttered a little. "I-I''m outside."


    "With who?" His voice wasced with displeasure.


    I nced at Lucas, but at this moment, with Alex on the phone, I just couldn''t


    bring myself to say his name out loud.


    "Serena, who is it?" Lucas walked over with a smile and casually asked.


    I quickly motioned for him to stay quiet, but it was toote.


    On the other end of the line, Alex let out a coldugh. "Hah. Why do I hear Lucas'' voice?"


    "Uh..." I fumbled for words. "Well... Lucas wanted to buy a tie, and I... I came with him to take a look."


    "Location," Alex demanded icily.


    "What?"


    Alex''s tone was firm and impatient. "I said, send me your location."