The subtle words carried a hint of ambiguity.
Emma suddenly felt a bit uneasy; perhaps it was the dim and quiet room that fostered thoughts she shouldn't be having.
She steadied her heartbeat, walked over to accept the cup of coffee he handed her, and silently took a couple of sips.Her gaze fell on the gift bag he had casually placed on the table, which contained a box of pastries.
He opened it and offered it to her, saying he had brought them from his grandfather.
Emma picked up a piece of light yellow cake and put it in her mouth.
It was soft and had a faint buttery aroma that lingered.After finishing, she habitually went to lick the crumbs off her fingers.
Suddenly, her hand was gently taken. She looked up, startled, to see Lucas producing a pristine handkerchief to carefully wipe the residue from her fingers.
The handkerchief was soft to the touch, with his initials embroidered in the corner.
This meticulous care made her heart race uncontrollably."I'll wash it and return it later," Emma said, a bit embarrassed."Just keep it," Lucas replied nonchalantly.
Of course, Emma didn't throw it away. After returning home, she secretly washed the handkerchief and tucked it under her pillow.
As he wiped her fingers, his fingertips inadvertently brushed against the back of her hand.
The unexpected touch sent a slight tremor through her heart. She instinctively looked at him, her mind a jumble of thoughts.
"Sorry," he withdrew his hand, casually sipping his coffee as if nothing had happened.Unable to hold back any longer, Emma spoke up, "I wanted to ask about the contract..."
"Hmm, go ahead."
"Did you... have any private discussions with Titan Mining?" She felt she already knew the answer but wanted confirmation.Lucas paused briefly before calmly saying, "You're wondering whether the company's decision to choose you was based on a comprehensive assessment or because of our personal relationship?"
One sentence pierced straight to her heart, laying bare the question she found hard to voice.Lucas gazed at her slightly flushed face, a meaningful smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
"I recommended you because I believe in your abilities. As for whom they ultimately choose, that's their decision."
His tone was gentle, but his deep voice resonated within her, each word carrying an irresistible force that compelled her to ponder seriously.
Her face grew even hotter—not just from embarrassment but from an indescribable emotion welling up inside.
"Emma, do you really think Titan Mining reached its current stature through personal connections? If that were the case, why would so many people be vying to collaborate with them?"
Her inner anxiety hadn't dissipated. Lucas's eyes softened as he leaned closer, his voice low and direct, "Do you have so little confidence in yourself? I always thought you were a woman who knew her own worth."
At that moment, she felt her heartbeat quicken, as if he had struck a chord deep within her.
Lucas was so close that his breath was almost in her ear, carrying an irresistible allure.
Just as everything seemed to become clear, Lucas suddenly chuckled, "But, those words were just teasing you. In fact, I had Alex pave the way specifically for you. All future resources will be tailored just for you."
"You..." She widened her eyes, her emotions complex—a mix of anger, helplessness, and frustration—leaving her at a loss for words.Lucas looked at her unconcernedly, "Are you angry?"
"How could you do this!" she murmured softly, carrying a hint of grievance and discontent.He raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Emma, this is reality. The sooner you accept it, the better. Pure idealism holds no value in this world."
He stated the facts calmly, as naturally as discussing the weather. That matter-of-fact tone made her feel powerless.
Lucas seemed casual, but each word was like a heavy hammer striking her reason directly.
She lowered her head, not daring to meet his gaze, her heart filled with unease and conflict.
After a moment of watching her, Lucas suddenly stood up. "Let's go.""Where to?" She stood up, following him in a daze.
"Dinner." He grabbed his coat, a hint of helplessness in his tone. "Just finished playing chess with my grandfather and got called out by a phone call.
Now I finally have some time."She hurriedly took his coat, instinctively handing it to him.
Lucas paused, his eyes lingering on her for a moment, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
"You do know how to take care of someone."Her face flushed again involuntarily, but Lucas just smiled. "Come with me."They walked into the restaurant in silence. Looking down at the menu, Lucas's eyes showed a hint of teasing.
"Aren't you afraid I'll eat you into bankruptcy?"Emma met his gaze and replied with a smile, "Do you think I have that capability?"Lucas didn't respond immediately but handed her a piece of rolled roast beef, his eyes fixed intently on her.
"Eat. I have enough resources not only to support your work but to let you keep eating like this indefinitely."
This straightforward flirtation made Emma's heart skip a beat. She took the food, her heartbeat accelerating.
The atmosphere between them grew increasingly ambiguous, as if every word carried a hint, leaving her unsure how to respond.