CHAPTER 143: OUTING WITH LUCAS

The Marson family’s Spring Festival holiday, like most companies’, lasted only seven short weeks.

After spending a few days vacationing in Finland—strolling with grandparents, walking the dog, playing chess—time seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye.

Beauty stood in the biting wind, bundled in a pink suit and a cashmere knit cap that obscured half her delicate face.

Her slender frame looked almost fragile enough to be swept away by the gusts.

"Beauty, you must bring Lucas back to visit us more often, alright?

And make sure to take good care of yourself—you’re far too thin.

A little more weight would suit you better, understand?"

Grandma Marson leaned on Grandpa’s arm as they stepped forward, their voices thick with reluctance.

Snowflakes settled on their silver hair like delicate crystals, melting into Beauty’s eyes and stirring waves of emotion.

The chauffeur loaded her luggage into the trunk while Lucas, draped in a sleek gray overcoat, moved to embrace his grandmother.

His gaze softened with warmth.

"The snow’s getting heavier.

You and Grandpa should head back inside—I’d never forgive myself if you caught a chill."

"That’s right," Beauty chimed in, wrapping her scarf tighter and tugging on her gloves until she was practically cocooned.

She’d nearly forgotten the warmth awaiting her in the car and on the plane.

"Please, go back to the lobby.

It’s freezing out here.

I promise we’ll visit again soon."

As the plane took off, it carried with it the old couple’s longing.

To Beauty, these past few days in Finland had felt like a dream—a fairytale so enchanting she never wanted to wake from it.

Now, Lucas was back to work, his sharp eyes scanning Marson Corporation’s stock reports on his laptop.

There was something undeniably magnetic about his focus, the way his brows furrowed slightly in concentration.

No wonder people said men were most attractive when they worked.

A man like Lucas—wealthy, powerful, effortlessly commanding—was practically the living embodiment of every woman’s fantasy.

She couldn’t help but stare, propping her chin on one hand as she admired him, her heart fluttering wildly.

Honestly, what could possibly top the fact that she’d slept with the richest man in the world?

Countless women would kill to be in her shoes.

Back in school, when Hannah found out she’d been adopted by Lucas, the girl had gaped at her with starstruck envy—as if she’d just witnessed someone shaking hands with

God. ... In the blink of an eye, graduation day arrived.

Time flew, and with it, the moment she’d leave Lucas’s side drew nearer.

She and Hannah had made plans to collect their diplomas together, then treat themselves to a lavish meal at the fanciest restaurant near campus.

After that, she’d finally be free—truly free.

That morning, Lucas had seemed unusually chipper, practically humming as he got ready.

His mood was suspiciously bright—brighter than hers, which left her puzzled.

*Is the old man actually celebrating my departure?

* Six years under his roof had transformed her into someone entirely new.

If her mother were still alive, she might not even recognize her own daughter standing before her.

As for Lucas, the once tyrannical, overbearing man had softened—just a little.

He wasn’t as harsh anymore, and sometimes, there was even a hint of indulgence in his demeanor.

The moment she held her diploma, tears welled up, threatening to spill.

A flood of emotions surged through her.

From now on, she’d walk her path alone.

The future was a vast, uncertain void.

To outsiders, she was a top-tier graduate with extraordinary design talent and experience as an assistant to a multinational CEO.

Her career prospects should be smooth sailing.

But only she knew the truth—her future was anything but certain.

If Lucas refused to give her a job, no other company abroad would dare take her in.

Then where would she go?

What would she do?

Stepping out of the restaurant, she found herself inexplicably drawn to a men’s clothing store—a brand she recognized all too well from Lucas’s wardrobe.

"Beauty, are you shopping for men’s clothes?" Hannah eyed her with playful curiosity, her round eyes gleaming with mischief.

After a brief hesitation, Beauty stepped inside.

"I’ll be leaving Uncle Lucas soon," she explained softly.

"After all these years of selfless care, I want to give him a small token of gratitude."

She had come prepared today, emptying her savings account—just enough, she hoped, to buy him a tie.

As she entered, a sales assistant glanced at her attire before approaching with a practiced smile.

"How may I assist you today, miss?"

Beauty scanned the store and headed straight for the tie section.

"I’d like to buy a tie for my uncle."

"These are our latest arrivals, perfect for mature gentlemen," the assistant chirped, gesturing to a display.

"What style are you looking for?"

Beauty pressed her lips together, suppressing a mischievous grin.

If Lucas ever heard himself described as a "mature gentleman," he’d probably shut the entire store down in outrage.

"My uncle is actually quite young—a distinguished, accomplished man in his prime," she clarified with a hint of amusement.

"These might not suit him."

Beauty explained to the shop assistant with a patient smile, her face unable to conceal her delight.

The assistant immediately beamed and guided her to another section, enthusiastically recommending, "These wider styles are perfect for young professionals—designed with high-end clientele in mind.

Does your uncle usually wear clothes from our store?"

"Most of his shirts and suits are from your brand, which is why I wanted to come in and pick out a couple of nice ties for him.

Something reasonably priced would be best—after all, we’re just students and don’t have much to spare."

With a polite smile, Beauty finished her explanation before pulling Hannah along to browse the selection.

Normally, she had no clue about men’s fashion, let alone what was considered trendy or upscale, so she had to rely on her friend’s judgment.

"This blue style is our bestseller—versatile enough to pair with any suit.

The pattern has a great dimension, and the silk fabric feels incredibly smooth."

Beauty studied the ties with genuine focus.

True to its reputation, the brand’s quality was undeniable—the sheen was so rich it almost dazzled under the store lights.

"Beauty, what do you think of this navy one and the solid black?"

She held up two ties of different patterns and widths, comparing them.

Honestly, she thought Lucas would look good in anything—he had the kind of frame that made even accessories stand out effortlessly.

"Mm, not bad.

Why not just get these two?

It’s not like your uncle is short on ties anyway."

The assistant promptly led them to the checkout counter to ring up the purchase.

Places like this were dangerous—one visit and she was nearly broke!

At least she still had some savings left.

As she pulled out her wallet, the black card slipped out unexpectedly.

Hannah, quick as lightning, snatched it up, her eyes widening as if she’d just uncovered a hidden treasure.