I originally wanted to refuse, but for some reason, I answered, "Where to?"


    Lucas lifted his chin, signaling me to get in the car.


    As if possessed by some unseen force, I actually followed him in.


    Lucas took me to an elegant café, where warm sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    He ordered two more cups of coffee despite the fact that the one he had at my apartmentplex entrance was still unfinished.


    I couldn''t help but mock him, "Tell me, Mr. Schneider, just how much do you love coffee?"


    I pointed at the three cups of coffee on the table, varying in shades of darkness. "You haven''t even finished the first one, and now, you''ve ordered two more. Are you hosting a coffee-tasting event?"


    Lucas simply smiled, unconcerned. His long fingers idly fiddled with the freshly served mocha in front of him. It released a rich choctey aroma.


    "This one''s for you. Try it. Their mocha is really good," he said, pushing the cup toward me.


    I nced at the beautifully crafted mocha, then at the half-finished Americano in his hand. "I don''t like things that are too sweet."


    "Not into sweet things?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, looking slightly surprised. "I thought all girls liked sweets."


    "Girls?" I let out a coldugh. "Mr. Schneider, your understanding is truly shallow."


    Instead of getting annoyed, he looked even more amused. "Oh? Then what do you like? Enlighten me."


    I couldn''t be bothered with him, so I simply picked up my ss of water and took


    a sip. "Women are human too. And as long as someone''s human, they like money. Isn''t that right?"


    Lucas let out a low chuckle, a hint of indulgence hidden in hisughter. "It seems you''re quite the pragmatist."


    "Right back at you," I shot back without hesitation.


    For a moment, an awkward silence settled between us.


    Then, he suddenly said, "Mypany is hiring. Are you interested?"


    I was taken aback and instinctively asked, "What position?"


    "My assistant." His gaze met mine, and he didn''t even bother to hide the scheming look in his eyes.


    Lucas'' assistant? That was undeniably a huge temptation for me.


    Hispany was among the top in the industry. Working by his side would be a massive boost to my career. "About the sry and benefits..."


    I hesitated, feeling a little embarrassed. Given my current situation, having a job


    at all was already a blessing. Who was I to negotiate sry?


    "I can offer you 15 grand a month." His tone was casual as if he were merelymenting on the weather.


    I nearly spat out my water, coughing uncontrobly. "What? Did you just say 15 grand? Are you sure?"


    widened my eyes, wondering if I had misheard.


    Lucas handed me a napkin. "What? Too little?"


    I took the napkin and wiped my mouth, rolling my eyes at him. "No, no, no. I just


    think... it''s a bit too much."


    He chuckled and leaned in slightly. "Ms. Ashford, I''m offering you what you deserve. Your capabilities are worth this sry."


    Capabilities? What capabilities?


    Both Lucas and L had praised my capabilities before, but I had never seen myself that way. After all, fi were trulypetent, would my life be in such a mess?  fo


    "Mr. Schneider, you wouldn''t happen to have a


    ing for me, would you?


    That''s such ame excuse," I


    half joked, my gaze holding a hint of


    provocation.