Chapter 250 I Need a Favor

    After dinner, Sloane stayed with Tessa in the living room for a bit of conversation.

    Though Tessa was getting on in years, she was still energetic and witty. She held Sloane’s hand and said with a hint of anticipation, “Lucas said you’ll be staying here until school starts next year. When you have time,e keep mepany and chat. That boy’s always busy, and this house gets so quiet. With you here, it finally feels a little livelier.”

    Sloane smiled and nodded. “Alright. Just don’t me me if I’m too boring.”

    The two chatted a while longer until the housekeeper came in to remind Tessa it was time for bed. Tessa finally ended the conversation, reluctantly, and said goodnight.

    As soon as Sloane returned to her room, Molly knocked on the door.

    “Ms. Rivers, this is from Mr. Hawthorne,” Molly said with a smile, handing her a delicate diffuser with a faintvender scent. “Thisvender scent is supposed to help with sleep.”

    Sloane epted it. “Thank you, Molly.”

    Molly nodded, her tone warm and concerned. “Get some rest, Ms. Rivers. If you need anything, just call me.”

    Sloane gave her a smile and watched her leave before softly closing the door.

    She set the diffuser on her bedside table. The gentlevender aroma slowly spread through the room, soothing and calming.

    Sitting on the edge of the bed, ying with the diffuser in her hands, Sloane made up mind.

    her

    Lucas didn’t get back to the vi until well past midnight. Normally, he would’ve stayed at the condo near his office when it got thiste. But now that Sloane was living here, he couldn’t wait toe home. Just knowing she was under the same roof gave him peace of mind.

    He tiptoed up the stairs, but when he passed by Sloane’s room, his steps unconsciously slowed. The door was shut, but a soft light glowed through the crack–clearly, she was still awake.

    Lucas stood outside, frowning slightly as a wave of worry swept over him. Was she ufortable in this environment? Or… was she having nightmares again, likest time?

    Back when he had been forced to stay over at her apartment, she’d had a terrible nightmare in the middle of the night–only his blood had been able to bring her back.

    Lucas suspected her years in the asylum had left a deep psychological scar.

    His hand hovered over the doorknob, hesitating.

    Before he could decide, the door suddenly opened.

    Sloane stood there in a soft white nightdress, the hem brushing her knees. The light fabric swayed with her movements. Her long hair hung loosely over her shoulders, and in the warm glow of themp, her features looked especially delicate and serene. Her eyes were still heavy with sleep.

    Lucas froze for a second, unable to look away.

    “You’re back?” Sloane yawned lightly. “It’ste. Did something happen?”

    “No,” Lucas said softly, his tone unusually gentle. “I was just passing by. I saw your light was still on and wanted to check if you were having trouble sleeping.”

    Sloane rubbed her eyes, her voicezy and drowsy. “No, I was reading and lost track of time. I was just about to go to bed.”

    “Alright then. Get some rest,” Lucas said quietly. “Goodnight.”

    He turned and began to walk away.

    “Lucas.”

    He stopped immediately and turned back. “Yeah? What is it?”

    Sloane looked at him seriously. “Do you have time tomorrow? I need a favor.”

    “I do,” Lucas answered without hesitation, his tone almost eager. “I’m free.”

    Sloane gave a faint smile. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.”

    With that, she gently closed the door.

    Lucas stood in the hallway, staring at the closed door, his voice barely above a whisper.

    “Goodnight.”