Chapter 25 The best news

4) 12 min

Kaia’s eyes turned cold. “Joanne, that’s not okay. Once the ceremony’s done, won’t everyone think I’m already married? Is it fair to a girl’s name?”

Joanne said nothing.

“You have five days. That’s the most I can do. Figure out how to tell Sir Graves. If not, I won’t show up to that wedding either.”

Kaia stood up. “I’ve got things to do. Tell Sir Graves I’ve gone.”

That was her final grace–dignifiedi, /ibut firm.

Alden came down empty–handed, annoyed. Seeing Joanne alone at the table, he frowned.

“Where is she?” he asked.

Joanne shot him a re. “Your fiancée just walked out on you. Happy now?”

Kaia drove herself today, just bin /bcase she needed to make a quick getaway if things got awkward.

But the moment she left Graves Manor, it hit her that she hadpletely forgotten to ask Lucien about the contract.

Shortcuts or not, she just wanted herpany to have a real

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Chapter 25 The best news

chanceb. /b

She pulled to the side of the road and grabbed her phone, clicking on the contact marked with a little gxy.

[Mr. Graves, are you staying at the manor tonightb?/bb] /b

She thought it’d take a while for him to reply. But to her surprise, he texted back almost instantly.

[What? Want me to walk you bout/bb?/bb] /b

Just reading that made Kaia’s cheeks heat up.

Lucien always looked so proper and distant, but his texts had this… strange tone.

Is ihe /iteasing ime/i?

Maybe it was just her overthinking, but something about it felt like a low–key flirt.

Sitting in the car, not even seeing him, Kaia still straightened up on reflex.

[No. Already left. But if it’s not too much trouble and you’re okay with going out, I’m parked around the corner.]

The wait felt like itsted forever. After a full minute, his one–word reply came through,

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bChapter /b25 The best news

[Sure.]

bIn /bthe study, Lucien rubbed his thumb across the screen, ia /ifaint smirk tugging at his mouth.

He stood upzily. “Dad, Zane, I’ve got something to handle. I’m heading out.”

Allen and Zane turned, caught off guard.

Allen blinked. “Didn’t you say you were staying over tonightb?/b”

Lucien smiled lightly, “Can’t. I forgot ito /ifeed my rabbit. Gotta head home and fix that.”

He walked off, leaving the two men staring after himb. /b

Allen squinted. “Since when does he have a rabbit?”

Zane shrugged. “Beats me.

Allen sighedi. /i“Try to get your brother over more often. He’s been more like a guest than familytely.”

Ever since Lucien came back, Allen felt this weird gap between him and his youngest son. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something was definitely different.

***

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Chapter b25 /bThe best news

Kaia had her car idling by the curb, softly humming bto /bherself. Then, she spotted a familiar license te.

She hopped out and waved at the other car.

Lucien’s car stopped right in front of hers.

“Mr. Graves!” she called, voice bright. She was clearly d to see himb. /b

Lucien chuckled silently.

So much for her ducking him earlier, and now she was practically waiting with open arms.

His face stayed cool as he rolled down the window and motioned for her to get in.

Kaia wanted to talk outside–being stuck in that small car space with him made her nervous.

But they were right near Graves Manor, and hanging out on the sidewalk would’ve looked sketchy too.

Lucien’s eyebrow went up, all amused. “So… you were waiting for me, huh?”

Kaia fought the urge to roll her eyes and forced a fake smile. “Well, I just wanted to talk about that agency contract.”

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Chapter 25 The best news

As soon as she said that, Lucien’s smile dropped.

“That’s why you were waiting here?” his voice went a bit colder.

Kaia nodded sheepishly. “Yeah. But I’m not asking you to pull strings. I just want Jude to have a fair shot.”

Lucien kept his cool. “Hmm. Sounds like you think someone’s being unfair to him now.”

Kaia hesitated. She didn’t know how to exin the whole mess between Jude and Miles.

She stammered, “Mr. Graves, please don’t take it the wrong way…”

Seeing her difort, Lucien dropped it and said softly, “Look, there used to be all these shady deals and connections pushing clients around. When I took over, I shut that down. If you want a fair shot, that’s exactly what you’ll get.”

Hearing that, Kaia lit up.

“Thank you, Mr. Graves!”

She had no doubt he meant it. If he gave his word, it wasn’t for show.

As long as the case came to Vanguard Law Firm, her team

ild /i

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Chapter 25 The best news

take the lead.

b11 /bbmin /b

Lucien’s lips curled into a smirk. “Business aside, how about something more personal?b” /b

Kaia’s stomach did a small flip.

She forced out an awkwardugh. “What kind of personal stuff, Mr. Graves?”

Lucien’s eyes grew darker. “You told them you’re breaking off the engagement with Alden?”

“You heard about that?” Kaia blurted out.

Lucien arched an eyebrow. “Overheard it while passing the bathroom.”

Since he knew already, Kaia didn’t bother hiding it. “Yeah, I’m not going through with the marriage. I told Joanne. She said Sir Graves might need some time to process it.”

Lucien nodded. “Makes sense. But… the wedding’s only a few days away.”

Kaia bit her lip. “I knowb./b”

Five years of holding on, crumbling in the final stretch…

“You sure about this?” Lucien asked again.

bChapter /b25 The best news

A bsharp /bglint of determination shed in Kaia’s eyes. “Absolutely.”

Lucien’s voice remained steady. “Alright.”

Kaia stared at him, confused. “You’re not trying to talk me out of it?”

iHe’s /ia Graves. iWhy /iiisn’t /iihe /iipushing /ibacki? /i

“Of course not.” Lucien’s gaze slowly traced her lips, his throat bobbing as he spoke bin /bba /bdeep, dangerous purr, “Actually, Kaia… this is the best news I’ve heard in a while.”

The realization hit Kaia like lightning. She froze.

iWhat /iidid /iihe/ii… /imean iby /iithat/ii? /i

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