CHAPTER 140: NEW YEAR OUT OF TOWN

Flying from Paris to Finland for the New Year celebrations.

The moment the plane touched down, Beauty gazed through the window at the vast expanse of white blanketing the ground.

This was her first time celebrating the Spring Festival abroad.

Though it lacked the festive atmosphere back home, it wasn’t as quiet and lonely as she had imagined.

After all, people from New York were everywhere in the world now.

No matter which country you visited for the New Year, the scene was always lively and bustling.

The Marson family’s villa in Finland was far grander than she had expected.

Compared to the one in New York, it was like comparing a minnow to a whale—and of course, the New York villa was the minnow.

As the black sedan glided into the gated community, the household staff immediately swarmed over with warm welcomes.

Knowing they were coming for the Spring Festival, the villa had been adorned with bright red lanterns creating a festive ambiance that felt just like home.

Lucas hadn’t celebrated the New Year in Finland for a long time.

In previous years, he had simply brought his grandparents back to Finland for the occasion.

But this year, wanting to take Beauty on a relaxing getaway, he had flown her across the ocean to ring in the New Year here.

"Beauty, this will be your and Lucas’s room."

Grandmother personally led her and Lucas to their quarters.

The room was much larger than the one she had back in New York, and the décor—soft pinks and delicate pastels—seemed specially arranged just for her arrival.

Yet the thought of sharing the same room, the same bed, with Lucas made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

After all, the nature of their relationship was still so ambiguous—even she couldn’t make sense of it.

Once Grandmother and the staff had left, she shut the door firmly behind them.

Straightening her posture, she lifted her chin and fixed her gaze on him.

"Since we have to keep up appearances in front of your family, we’ll have to share this room.

But you are not getting into my bed."

Lucas raised his eyes to look at her, one hand tucked into his pocket as he unwound the scarf from his neck.

His voice was icy. "There’s only one bed here. Where do you expect me to sleep?"

"I’m the guest, you’re the host.

I take the bed, you take the couch."

"On what grounds? This is *my* home.

*You* should be the one on the couch."

With that, Lucas shrugged off his overcoat, leaving only a thin sweater as he sprawled across the large bed, ignoring the indignant pout on her face.

*Fine, the couch it is!*

As long as he wasn’t sharing the bed with her, she could endure a few nights on the sofa.

The thought eased her frustration a little.

She glanced around the room, taking in the lavish suite—more than enough space for two people.

Now she truly understood the Marson family’s extravagant wealth.

No wonder Laura and Emily walked around like they owned the world, noses perpetually in the air.

Owning a villa this massive in such a prime location was something most people couldn’t achieve in several lifetimes.

"Um... Uncle Lucas, can I discuss something with you?"

Whenever Beauty used that tone, Lucas knew she wanted a favor.

Instantly, he assumed the demeanor of a high-and-mighty CEO, lifting his eyelids just slightly.

"Spit it out. Don’t play coy with me," he said coldly.

Beauty frowned, but since she was unfamiliar with the place, she quickly trotted over, a bright smile plastered on her face.

"Uncle Lucas, I’m new here and didn’t bring any luggage.

There’s a lot I need to buy.

Could you take me shopping later in your fancy car for some daily essentials?"

Lucas shifted against the plush cushions, his cold gaze flickering.

"Everything you need is already here.

Just grab some spare clothes and basic skincare—that’s it."

"As you command!"

Beauty gave Lucas an exaggerated military salute, laying on the flattery thick—only to be met with an eye roll from the man himself.

After lunch, the two prepared to head out for some shopping, but Laura immediately insisted on tagging along.

Beauty didn’t object.

After all, when you’re living under someone else’s roof, you don’t exactly have a say.

The car sped through the streets of Finland, noticeably less congested compared to New York.

Lucas pulled up in front of the largest mall in town.

The moment they stepped inside, a group of sales associates swarmed them, greeting them—so polished it nearly rivaled Beauty’s own.

She couldn’t help but click her tongue in amazement.

Surviving in Finland. really wasn’t easy—you even had to master a foreign language just to get by.

Her eyes darted across racks upon racks of dazzling clothes, overwhelmed by the sheer variety.

Laura had already grabbed several outfits and disappeared into the fitting room, while Beauty still stood there, agonizing over which one to pick.

Lucas watched her with visible impatience before snatching a few sets off the racks and handing them to a sales associate.

His tone was as cool and detached as ever.

"Let’s see how these look on her."

Beauty immediately grabbed his arm in shock, her expression that of a timid wife. "I—I already checked the price tags on these.

They’re all five figures at least.

I can’t afford them."

Lucas’s lips curled into an exaggerated grin, as if she’d just told the funniest joke in the world.

He leaned down, his voice a low murmur by her ear.

"Do I look like I’m going bankrupt to you?"

"What do you mean?"

She nearly bit her tongue in surprise, her almond-shaped eyes widening as she stared at him.

A pair of large hands settled on her shoulders, and his voice came cool and commanded: "Money isn’t an issue for me, Lucas.

If I say try it on, then try it on.

No more backtalk."

Huh.

Same domineering attitude, yet somehow today, Lucas seemed taller, more imposing than ever.

Apparently, a man looked his most attractive when making decisions for a woman—especially when he didn’t even glance at the price tag before ordering it wrapped up.

That image instantly solidified in her mind. The sales associate handed her the outfit, then considerately closed the dressing room door behind her, her smile stretching ear to ear.

With a big spender like Lucas, it was probably impossible not to grin.

Anyone would wish for a customer like him every day—no more worrying about monthly sales quotas.

Inside the dressing room, she dawdled before finally slipping into the black-and-white ensemble.

The cropped sweater paired with a knee-length tulle skirt made her legs look endlessly long and sleek, as if the outfit had been tailored just for her.

No wonder luxury brands felt different.

Ever since she started working, she’d barely spent Lucas’s money, stretching her meager salary so thin that buying clothes had become a rare indulgence.

Pushing the dressing room door open, she stepped out to find Lucas scrolling through his phone.

At the sound, he immediately lifted his chin, propping his hand under it as he studied her, his deer-like eyes narrowing slightly.

"So... what do you think?"

Beauty gazed at him expectantly, fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of her skirt, her lips pressed together in a shy smile that was impossible to look away from.

"Miss, this suits you perfectly," the sales associate gushed.

"Your figure is stunning—it’s like this was made just for you."

Then, as if seeking approval, she glanced at Lucas.

After all, anyone with eyes could see who was footing the bill.