Lucas neither admitted nor denied it. He simply looked at me with a meaningful gaze. "Ms. Ashford, what do you think?"


    His ambiguous attitude made him even harder to read. What did he mean by this? Did he truly admire my capabilities?


    My thoughts were a mess, and I didn''t know how to respond.


    "Don''t overthink it. Just consider my offer," Lucas said, adjusting his posture.


    "A-Are you sure?" I stammered.


    He smiled, his tone light as he said, "Of course. You''re absolutely worth it. Take your time to think it over. If you''re interested, you can contact me anytime."


    I still wasn''t sure, but with a job offer right in front of me, I couldn''t help but hesitate.


    Just then, a familiar figure suddenly appeared at the café entrance-Alex.


    Lucas nced at Alex walking toward us and let out a chuckle.


    "What are youughing at?" I didn''t understand. Even from a distance, I could tell from Alex''s expression that he looked like he was ready to tear someone apart. How could Lucas still beughing?


    Lucas didn''t reply. Instead, he pushed one of the cups of coffee to the side, another toward me, and picked up the remaining one for himself.


    I froze for a moment, ncing between the coffee in front of me and Lucas, unsure of what he was up to.


    He simply smiled. "Now, the coffee is just right."


    Alexpletely ignored Lucas. His expression was dark as he strode directly toward me. "Serena, why are you here?"


    Before I could exin, Lucas said, "Mr. Hastings, I''m discussing work with Ms. Ashford. I don''t believe that''s any of your business, is it?"


    Alex''s expression darkened even further. He turned to me and said bluntly, "Serena, I strongly advise you not to work for him."


    Lucas let out a coldugh. "Alex, who are you to make decisions for her?"


    Not only was Lucas annoyed, but I was too. What the hell was Alex trying to do? Who was he to decide for me?


    "Alex, you''re overstepping." My words were sharp, and Alex''s face instantly turned ashen.


    He stared at Lucas, enunciating each


    yourd, "Lucas, don''t forget t


    wooo het


    family is in chaos


    now. You have no right to


    about


    me."


    I was stunned for a moment. I had heard some things about Lucas''plicated family matters, but how did Alex know about them?


    "I''m just epting a normal job offer. There''s no need for you to be this tense."


    I had no interest in digging into their personal grudges. I just wanted to end this awkward conversation as soon as possible.


    But Alex acted as if he hadn''t heard me. He pulled out a document from his bag and handed it to me.


    "I''ve already arranged everything for you. Go to thispany. The sry and benefits won''t be any worse than what Lucas is offering you."


    I stared at the offer in my hands, feeling nothing but anger. Who did Alex think he


    was to arrange things for me? What did he take me for?


    "Alex, what exactly are you trying to


    I.ne


    do?" I asked, my patience finally snapping. I clenched the offer.


    tightly that the paper crumpled in my hands.


    He looked at me as if he hadn''t expected me to be upset. "I just want to help you."


    "I don''t need your help!" I threw the offer back at him and turned to leave.


    Stepping out of the café, I tried to


    calm the fury burning inside me. Alex''s behavior was suffocating. desperately wanted to escape his control.


    Suddenly, I heard hurried footsteps behind me. Alex soon caught up and grabbed my wrist.


    "Serena, listen to me—"