CHAPTER 197: FORCEFULLY

As Beauty remained silent, Lucas’s face turned dark with displeasure.

He forcefully set the wine glass down on the dining table, producing a sharp, crisp sound.

Beauty felt her heart skip a beat and swallowed nervously.

"Lucas... Lucas, have you taken the wrong medication recently?"

"No."

Beauty: "..." She hadn’t expected such a serious response from him, yet she somehow felt like laughing out loud.

But when she met his cold, deep gaze, as if it could pierce through her soul, she held back.

Otherwise, she’d undoubtedly regret it.

She took a bite of her fried, followed by a leisurely sip of red wine.

Under his intense stare, she finally surrendered, "I don’t know why your attitude towards me has suddenly changed, but I’m really not used to it.

Maybe you should go back to yelling and scolding me like before, I might actually feel a bit better."

Beauty’s voice grew quieter as she noticed a change in him, a shadow seemed to cast over his entire face.

In the past, when he was like this, he’d certainly get angry at her the next moment.

Unexpectedly, Lucas tilted his lips into a cold smile and picked up the napkin to wipe his mouth.

Raising an eyebrow, he looked at her, "Do you really see me as a man who blows up at the slightest thing?"

"That’s right.

In my eyes, you’re just like one of those tyrants..." Lucas: "..." His eyebrows twitched twice sharply. No one had ever dared to speak to him like that, except for this audacious little girl by his side, seemingly fearless and always ready to defy him.

To his chagrin, he’s completely enamored with her now.

The first time seeing Lucas not retaliating after being retorted by her was quite surprising.

Her heart instantly felt a sense of satisfaction, as an old saying goes: A gentleman takes revenge even after ten years, fortunes change in turn.

Who would have thought that he would have a day where he couldn’t find words after being countered?

After the meal, the restaurant staff promptly cleared the dishes from the table.

Beauty sensed that the atmosphere was not in her favor and was about to slip away, but a pair of large hands firmly held her in place.

"BOSS, I need to get to work now.

Isn’t the jewelry event very important?

You let me... mmm..." Before she could finish speaking, she was lifted off the ground, her lips seized in a kiss that left her dizzy.

She wanted to break free, but her legs were securely held, wrapped around someone’s waist in a bold and suggestive posture.

Fortunately, everyone in the restaurant had retreated to the kitchen by now, and none dared to come out; otherwise, she might have wished to find a hole to hide in just to prove her innocence, even though her innocence was long gone.

The restaurant was surrounded by exquisite glass walls, with a magnificent chandelier hanging from the ceiling. In the sunlight, the crystal sparkled brilliantly, casting a luxurious aura over her and Lucas.

On the soft sofa, the man gazed at the woman beneath him with a sly look, a dangerous and possessive gleam in his eyes.

Beauty exhaled deeply, her cheeks flushed as she looked at Lucas.

In a hoarse voice, she pleaded for mercy, "BOSS, I beg you... please let me go!

I know I was wrong..." "And what was wrong?"

A hint of mischief flashed in his eyes, his hand gently brushing through her dark hair, his breath warming her cheeks, making her flush even more.

Beauty pitifully lowered her gaze and softly said, "I was wrong to talk back to the big BOSS.

You’re the CEO, whatever you say is right, and besides, you’re not a tyrant..." Beauty spoke with a fawning tone, knowing that if she didn’t surrender now, this wolf-like man would certainly make her suffer immensely.

Lucas snorted with a cold expression.

He lifted her bangs and planted a light kiss on the scar there, sending a tingling sensation through her.

"Remember, I am your man, and that’s my only identity."

His thin lips parted slightly as he spoke coldly, word by word, with a hint of sternness in his eyes.

Beauty wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled gently: "At home, you’re my man, but here in the company, you’re my big boss.

So big boss, can I start working now?

I’ve just eaten, and if you keep pressing me like this, what if I can’t help but vomit on you later?"

The man’s eagle-like eyes sparkled with a burning brilliance.

It must be said, although Lucas was no longer young, his face was as well-maintained as that of a young man.

His finely carved features could captivate anyone at any time.

Beauty quickly turned her head away, fearing that she would be bewitched by this handsome face again.

It’s often said that women are troublemakers, but a man with a face like Lucas’s could just ruin the country.

Lucas finally let go of her, wrapping his arm around her waist to lift her up, then gently setting her on the ground.

As he released her, his cool lips parted slightly: "There’s a video conference coming up later.

Go ahead and get busy."

"Oh!"

Beauty hummed in response and quickly walked out, glancing around cautiously like a thief.

Luckily, there weren’t many people on this floor.

She straightened her clothes in the elevator mirror and finally exhaled a long breath of relief.

She was so absorbed in looking at diamond ring catalogs and the little stories behind them that she didn’t even hear the director talk to her several times.

"Beauty, come with me to the office."

She finally realized and immediately set down the album in her hands, entering the office behind the director.

"Take a seat so we can talk."

Jennifer’s voice was cold, but her face carried a hint of warmth as she motioned for her to sit on the sofa and poured her a cup of hot coffee.

Beauty gently placed the coffee cup on the coffee table and looked earnestly at the director.

She spoke softly, "Director Jennifer, what’s the matter you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Don’t be too nervous; I just want to chat with you about this year’s jewelry gala.

Our headquarters is designing a series of diamond rings, and I believe you’ve seen the previous collections.

I wanted to ask if you have any good design ideas."

Jennifer’s voice was exceptionally pleasant, soft and gentle, quite contrary to her stern-looking face.

Beauty clasped her hands together, remaining silent for two serious seconds.

With a smile, she said, "I finished reviewing all the collections today.

Almost every piece is unique, and perhaps that is the charm of Marson’s jewelry line.

Each release consists of only 99 pieces, and they are pre-ordered before hitting the market.

Every collection has its own unique story, and each design carries the designer’s soul.

The theme of this diamond ring series is ’protection.’ I think incorporating some Eastern cultural elements and Western art could create a classic and memorable diamond ring.

I’m currently brainstorming; what do you think, Director?"

"Integrating classic culture with trendy elements will surely make this global diamond ring series No. 1 in the jewelry world.

I have no doubt you can do it.

Assistant Lena and I discussed over the phone, and Mr. Marson holds you in high regard.

He hopes you can deliver a perfect draft."