Chapter 18 - C17 - Captivate

Back at the restaurant...

"Any thoughts?" Cain's gaze shifted between the three, an air of anticipation enveloping him.

"As I said, didn't I?" he quipped, a smug curve playing on the edge of his lips.

Ren's smile reflected his amusement. "I anticipated the usual outcome."

His attention shifted to the enigmatic figure beside him. "Lucian's presence was the exception."

Kiran's smile carried an undercurrent of amusement. "Indeed, an anomaly."

All eyes converged on Lucian, awaiting his response. Unperturbed, he continued engrossed in his laptop, disinterested in engaging with their curiosity. Ren leaned in, curiosity piqued. "You've been focused on your laptop since Lei's departure. What's occupying your attention?"

Kiran couldn't resist a playful comment, his gaze darting to the screen. "Hacking I assume? Isn't that Cain's territory?"A pause followed, Lucian's concentration unbroken. Kiran pursued further.

"Whose information are you extracting?"

"Cain"

The utterance of that name catalyzed a coughing fit in Cain, his tea nearly claiming victory over his airway if Kiran hadn't intervened, patting his back. Swiftly retrieving his laptop, Cain began typing in retaliation. Yet, before he could voice his warning, his screen turned black.

"..."

"..."

A smirk played on Lucian's lips as he reclined into the sofa, fingers interlaced, an air of quiet triumph about him. "Remember, I taught you."

Glancing at his phone, a faint smile traced Lucian's typically impassive visage as he perused the data he sought.

Meanwhile, Cain endeavored to ascertain Lucian's intentions. The revelation struck him like a bolt of lightning, inciting disbelief."Lei! You were after Lei?!"

Cain's incredulity knew no bounds, the thought of Lucian hacking his computer to glean information about Lei was beyond his comprehension.

"Lei will be livid!"

Kiran exchanged an amused glance with Ren, their gaze shifting to the shameless figure beside them. Of all possible reasons to hack Cain's computer, the target being a young man was unprecedented. The same individual who evaded both genders with meticulous precision? It was a revelation that confounded even these seasoned observers.

.

.

The clock struck 7 in the evening. Seated on my couch, engrossed in a favored book, I indulged in light snacks and beverages positioned on the nearby couch and table. A chime from the doorbell disrupted my solitude. I answered, greeted by the concierge's image on the small screen."Good evening, sir. Your dinner from 𝘙𝘢𝘺𝘢 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 has arrived."

Perplexed by the situation, I regarded the lady on the screen. "I haven't placed an order."

With a gentle smile, she responded, "It's a delivery from Lucian Fei."

Adoration laced her voice and demeanor as she mentioned his name. Why would he send me food? Is this an apology? I opened the door, greeted by several individuals in black aprons adorned with the 𝘙𝘢𝘺𝘢 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 logo. My bewilderment was palpable. As I began to decline the delivery, the ensemble had already arranged the meal on my dining table, bowing before departing.

"Enjoy your meal, sir."

Left to my own devices, I stared at the offerings on the table, uncertain of my course of action. A complete feast awaited me, spanning from appetizers to desserts. Despite my hunger, I hesitated. Just as I considered venturing into the kitchen, my phone rang.

The number was unfamiliar. With thoughts of Cain, I answered the call.

"Good evening?"A deep, slightly husky voice resonated, a trace of warmth inflecting his tone. "Did you enjoy the meal?"

"I was about to, and apology accepted."

"My regrets for earlier."

"Thank you for the food." If an apology manifested in the form of a meal, forgiveness seemed assured. The spread before me was tantalizing—a feast for the senses.

"My pleasure." His voice held an intriguing quality, captivating my senses and grounding me in the moment. For an instant, time suspended. Our breaths seemed to harmonize, creating a fragile connection across the line.

"I've sent the contract via email. I'll collect you tomorrow morning for discussions."

"Hmm..." At this juncture, the specifics eluded me, yet agreement felt natural.

"Savor your dinner. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Relegating the conversation to a mere contract, I dismissed further contemplation. Nonetheless, how had he managed such an extensive takeout order from the restaurant? They were renowned for their exclusivity and weren't known for accommodating large takeout requests. This gesture suggested both payment and apology.

Saving his number, I labeled it as 'IceBlock'. Before indulging in my late dinner, I contacted the reception to inform them of Lucian Fei's forthcoming visit. Satisfied with my preparations, I began my meal, intending to lose myself in a movie and cast aside my lingering questions.