Chapter 163: Lucas Exhaled Softly in Relief

Lucas exhaled softly in relief. ‘Thank goodness. Dad made me promise to protect his image in front of Sienna. If she finds out he was waiting outside like a lovesick fool, it would ruin everything.’ The restaurant was one of Kingsport’s most exclusive establishments, renowned for its impeccable privacy and discreet service. Its staff were accustomed to hosting high-profile celebrities and dignitaries, so the appearance of Lucas Harrington and Sienna Bennett caused no visible stir. The doorman greeted them with practiced calm.

“Good evening.”

The manager recognized Lucas immediately and glided forward. “Mr. Harrington, your usual room is ready.” Lucas maintained a permanent private dining suite here. It remained reserved for him, regardless of whether he had a reservation. Once they were seated in the elegant, soundproofed room, Lucas turned his gaze to Sienna. His voice was infused with a soft, almost tender warmth. “What would you like to order?” The manager nearly faltered, stunned by the unfamiliar gentleness in Lucas’s tone. Lucas Harrington never brought women here. Seeing him with Sienna Bennett was a revelation.

Sienna settled Noah into his chair. “I’ve already eaten. Just order for yourself and Noah.” She handed the menu to the boy. “What would you like, sweetheart?”

“Hmm…” Noah pondered, tapping his chin dramatically before brightening. “The pork chop! And the crispy chicken wings! And the special family platter!”

“Excellent choices,” the manager said, inputting the order onto his tablet.

Lucas added one more savory dish and then swiped to the dessert menu. “We’ll also have the signature chocolate fondant cake.”

“Right away, sir,” the manager replied, bowing slightly before exiting to place their order.

Sienna raised a skeptical eyebrow at Lucas. “Since when do you have a sweet tooth? I thought that was more of a… feminine preference.” Lucas’s eyes held hers. “It’s for you. I thought you might want something to enjoy while we eat.” Her heart gave a traitorous, frantic leap against her ribs. Why did he have to be so perceptive? So damn considerate?

“I need to use the restroom. Watch Noah for me.”

Lucas gave a single nod. “Of course. Be careful.” Sienna stood and left the room, her mind a whirlwind of conflicted emotions. In just two days, the dynamic between them had shifted into something dangerously intimate. If this continued, she was terrified she’d fall for him completely, irrevocably.

Inside the restroom’s opulent silence, she braced her hands on the cool marble vanity and stared at her reflection. ‘Sienna Bennett, get a grip! You cannot fall for Lucas Harrington! You’re leaving in six months. This can’t happen… it just can’t!’

The restroom door swung open, breaking her reverie. A woman walked in. It was Giselle Marchand. Recognition flashed in Giselle’s eyes, followed by a calculated gleam. “Sienna?” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with false warmth. After the recent scandal, Giselle had made herself scarce. She couldn’t risk anyone discovering she was the one who leaked the video to Bianca. She knew Sienna was a formidable force, an enemy she couldn’t afford to make. For days, she’d tried every channel to contact Sienna, all failing. Running into her here was an unbelievable stroke of luck.

Sienna shot her a dismissive glance and moved to leave. Giselle quickly intercepted her. “Sienna, Summit Media is utterly serious about signing you. What’s the hesitation? We offer the absolute best resources, backed by immense capital. Have you heard of the Duval family from America? Oil magnates. Their resources dwarf even a diamond mine. Summit Media has access to it all. Just sign with us, and we promise to make you the biggest star in the world.” Sienna froze. The Duval family? Celeste Duval’s family? She hadn’t known they invested in Summit Media.

“Does Celeste Duval know you’re trying to sign me? Did she actually agree to this?”

“Absolutely,” Giselle affirmed smoothly. “When she heard, she personally instructed me to secure your contract at any cost.”

Sienna’s eyes narrowed into slits. What game was Celeste playing now?