Upon uttering these words, both the manager, still lurking near the exit, and Mr. Zhang, observing from the side, were rendered speechless, jaws nearly dropping in disbelief. No one had anticipated that Lupercus and Miss Lin were acquainted.
Lupercus raised an eyebrow, casually wrapping an arm around Seraphelle's waist. "One day apart feels like three autumns."
Seraphelle had anticipated his displeasure, yet instead of reproach, he granted her dignity and a graceful escape. Smiling coyly, she tilted her head, pressing her crimson lips against his cheek. Lupercus, expecting a kiss, did not flinch; yet the rose-scented petals merely brushed against his ear.
"Sir, may we have a discussion?"
Understanding that Lupercus was no ordinary man, Seraphelle knew she had to employ extraordinary tactics. Between a man and a woman, equilibrium was crucial; an imbalance could inflict harm upon either party. Just as the original protagonist suffered through a love that was both humble and arduous.
As soon as she finished speaking, Lupercus glanced toward her. His expression was neutral, but the danger lurking in his eyes was palpable to Seraphelle. After a moment of hesitation, Lupercus turned his gaze toward the neglected Mr. Zhang.
"Old Zhang, I have an urgent matter to attend to; let us discuss this another day."
"Uh, of course! I won't intrude any longer. We can reconvene to support the young lady another time," Mr. Zhang chuckled awkwardly, demonstrating his understanding as he discreetly departed.
With Mr. Zhang gone, the room fell silent, leaving only Lupercus and Seraphelle. Without the presence of others, Lupercus finally allowed his expression to harden, observing the woman still seated on his lap with a hint of irritation.
"My lady, I have made it clear; do not let our paths cross again. Why do you persist in disobeying me?"
"What 'my lady'? Just call me Seraphelle. I have filed for divorce from Faolan, and I have also moved out of the Young Marshal's residence. I am now a free woman."
Feeling a twinge of thirst, Seraphelle reached for a half-glass of wine on the table, taking a sip. Lupercus watched her every move, noticing the red imprint she left on his glass, tainted by her lips.
"Sir, let us discuss serious matters."
Clearing her throat, Seraphelle leaned on Lupercus's shoulder to rise, standing before him with newfound gravitas. "I wish to sing here. Grant me the opportunity, and I assure you I will earn a fortune for you."
Seraphelle felt confident in her abilities, yet she realized that without support, her talents alone would not catapult her to success. Additionally, the man she aimed to win was already among the elite of this world; to inspire his desire for marriage, she must become exceptional herself.
However, after she made her proposition, Lupercus remained silent, offering no response. As time passed, Seraphelle began to feel uneasy. She lowered her gaze, biting her lip, her confidence waning.
As she contemplated her next move, Lupercus finally spoke. "If you seek fame, it is possible. However, you must understand: I can provide you with everything you desire, but you will also be mine."
At his words, Seraphelle felt a surge of energy, her eyes sparkling with renewed hope. "That condition seems fair! You truly are the president of the chamber of commerce, engaging in equitable trade. However, I haven't finalized the divorce from Faolan yet. I wonder if that could pose any complications."
Though Faolan had sought to divorce her, based on the plot's trajectory, Seraphelle harboured doubts about whether he would readily agree to her initiation of the process. This uncertainty gnawed at her.
"Hmph!"
With a dismissive sound, Lupercus stood from his chair. "I acknowledge him as the Young Marshal, but in truth, he is merely the son of a commander. You need not concern yourself; I will handle this situation."
"Thank you, sir," Seraphelle replied, beaming as she wrapped her arms around Lupercus's.
Her radiant smile was like that of a young doe, colliding tenderly with Lupercus's heart. Following the direction of her gaze, he caught sight of lingering red marks on her neck, memories of the previous night flooding his mind.
A dry and uncomfortable sensation spread through him, though he maintained his composure. "Where do you reside? I will ensure you return safely."
"In the French Concession."
A little over ten minutes later, Seraphelle settled into Lupercus's car. It was the latest model of a Mercedes, and the rear seat exuded comfort and spaciousness. Gazing outside at the swiftly passing buildings and neon lights, Seraphelle unconsciously began to hum a melody, hauntingly beautiful yet tinged with melancholy.
Lupercus, listening intently, turned his face slightly towards the woman who had unexpectedly entered his life. Earlier that day, he had thoroughly investigated her background.
Her family hails from the North, enjoying considerable affluence. The commander had once been indebted to her grandfather, thus arranging her engagement with Faolan. After their marriage two years ago, following the commander's relocation to oversee Golden Beach's defences, she followed Faolan there. In the past two years, as Faolan indulged in debauchery with numerous women, he had now brought Lily back to the Young Marshal's residence—a situation Seraphelle could no longer endure.
Additionally, memories of last night…
The image of her entwined beneath him, pleading for him to come no more, stirred Lupercus's emotions, making restraint increasingly challenging.
"Drive into the alley ahead."
"Understood, boss."
By now, Lupercus's voice had grown slightly hoarse.
Seraphelle heard his exchange with the driver and turned to look at him. At that moment, the car veered into a shadowy alley. Once the driver parked and extinguished the headlights, he exited the vehicle.
Seraphelle was confused, glancing back at the alley entrance where another black car positioned itself, its occupants stepping out.
"Sir? What does this mean?"
Lupercus remained silent, first removing his glasses and setting them aside before loosening the top button of his long robe.
"Sir?"
The darkness of the vehicle unnerved Seraphelle. She called out once more, but the next instant, her breath was stolen away.
"Mmm…"
The kiss enveloped her senses, rendering her mind blissfully blank. She had thought him clumsy with affection the previous night, but now she understood her grave miscalculation."