“She was a master of concealing her genuine emotions, while you effortlessly display yours." Lucas asserted, causing Kate to blush at his unexpected praise and tenderness."I simply follow my instincts, that's all." Kate replied softly, her words causing Lucas's gaze to soften as he gently brushed his thumb down her cheek."Following your heart can lead to heartache, you know.""You wouldn't do that to me though. You understand the pain and betrayal that comes with it." Kate stated, causing Lucas's eyes to widen and look away."Is that why you were hesitant about our plan? Despite having everything to gain, you were reluctant to agree to it."Kate's heart skipped a beat as she carefully chose her words, "You have always been transparent with me about the plan and your intentions."She thought of how Lucas had always maintained boundaries between them, trying to protect her from falling in love. He was true to his word, and she trusted him. He was nothing like Elizabeth.Lucas remained

"Nothing in our world is ever truly simple, Kate," Lucas explained, his tone laced with frustration. "The deal went awry, and some fool on the other side thought it necessary to force things in their favor. At least, that's how it appears on the surface. But with the number of men they had ready to go, I have a feeling this was their plan all along." Ace opened his mouth to speak, but the sound of another car pulling up outside interrupted them, causing everyone to pause. Turning to look out the window, Lucas's expression darkened. "Excuse me," he said curtly before opening the door and stepping outside. Kate wasted no time in following him, with Ace trailing behind. Outside, Wilson and Elizabeth had just arrived at the front of the villa. Kate's blood boiled at the sight of her. Lucas glanced back at them, his gaze cold and unyielding. "What are you doing here?" he asked sharply. Wilson laughed, trying to make light of the situation. "Now, is that any way to greet your savior? No

The following day, Matteo's caution lingered in her thoughts as she stirred from her slumber and prepared for the day ahead. 'What should I do if Wilson and Elizabeth truly have dark intentions towards me?' She pondered while making her way to the dining area, where she found Lucas already waiting for her. "Good morning, Kate." Lucas greeted, causing her to freeze in surprise at his disheveled appearance. His hair was slightly tousled, and her gaze fixated on the skin peeking out from his unbuttoned robe. 'Oh my, those abs.' Kate gasped inwardly, momentarily lost in her thoughts. "What?" Lucas questioned, snapping her out of her reverie as she averted her eyes with a blush. "N-nothing..." Kate stammered. Lucas raised an eyebrow in response and then shrugged. "After breakfast, we must discuss our plans. I have something to show you." "Plans? Regarding Wilson, or for the upcoming wedding?" Kate inquired. "The wedding, of course. Why would I be discussing Wilson with you?" Lucas s

“I-I- I see. Well, I suppose I should take a hint and not linger where I'm not wanted.” Elizabeth commented and Lucas responded to her. “That's a good idea." He said and Elizabeth left as she glanced back at them as if dazed. Surprising to Kate, Lucas stood up to her in such a way that she couldn't believe. It was like he truly loved her. As Lucas still had her firmly in his grasp, her heart began to race. "Ummm... Lucas," she called out softly. "You wanted to see the car, right?" Lucas responded, avoiding any discussion of his previous behavior. Kate's heart sank as she realized he didn't want to address their earlier interaction. ‘It was all an act,’ She concluded in her mind as she replied to him. "Yes, the car. Right." "Why don't I get permission for us to take it for a test drive?" Lucas suggested, and Kate nodded with a hint of a smile. Before long, they were sitting side by side in the new race car, Lucas admiring the dashboard and running his hands over the steering whe

"Who is it?" questioned Lucas from his office as he heard a knock at his door. "It is me. Is everything fine?" responded Kate. Lucas remained silent for a prolonged period until he finally spoke, "Enter." Kate's heart skipped a beat at his words as she opened the door and stepped inside. She found Lucas at his desk, meticulously polishing his guns. His usually stoic expression softened as he laid eyes on her. "Were you concerned?" he asked her. "Yes," nodded Kate. "Do not fret. I will handle the situation," assured Lucas. "What is your plan?" asked Kate, curious. "For now, gather intelligence," commented Lucas. "With those?" raised one of Kate's eyebrows as she gestured towards the revolvers in his hands. Lucas gave her a stern look as he cocked the gun and said, "They seek to destroy my family, and they may come after you next. I will not allow that to happen. Too many lives and families rely on me." Kate looked at him in surprise, taken aback by his fervent determination.