Chapter 306: She Bolted Up the Staircase

She bolted up the staircase as the maid attempted to block her path. “Ms. Duval, Mr. Harrington gave strict orders not to be disturbed—”

“Don’t touch me!” Valerie shoved the maid’s hand away and charged upward.

The sounds of laughter grew distinct and louder. The door stood slightly open when she reached it, and inside… Lucas lounged indolently on the charcoal sofa, encircled by a cluster of women attending to his every need. Some kneaded his shoulders, others attended to his feet, while one offered him tea. Sienna, clad in a form-fitting black lace dress, perched on his lap. She held a bunch of grapes, feeding them to Lucas one by one.

He accepted each grape, his hands resting possessively on her waist. Their bodies were pressed so close they seemed fused together. The scene was intensely provocative. Valerie stumbled backward, a scorching wave of fury and envy crashing through her. How… How was this possible? She had always believed Lucas to be virtuous and disciplined, maintaining a respectful distance from women—flawless as a storybook prince. Yet now… He was surrounded by so many women!

Meanwhile, Sienna leaned into Lucas’s embrace, her voice a silken murmur. “Lucas, do you enjoy the grapes?”

Her form was supple, her warmth and breath ghosting over his face. Lucas, unaccustomed to such feminine attention, naturally exuded a cool, detached aura. But at her words, he couldn’t help responding to Sienna. His world narrowed to her alone; everything else faded into obscurity. Gazing into her eyes, he replied, “I prefer you.” His voice was husky and magnetic. Whether intentional or not, his tongue grazed her fingertip as he took the grape. A jolt of electricity shot through Sienna’s fingers, making her heart stutter.

This man! He had been hesitant earlier, but now he was dominating the scene. Instinct urged her to push him away, but she remembered Valerie was watching. She had to stay in character. “Then will you marry me?” she purred. “Will you take responsibility? I want to be your wife. I want to be called Mrs. Harrington. And…” Her tone was exceedingly tender. Lucas looked at her with adoration. “Whatever you desire. Whenever you wish.”

He sounded utterly serious, not joking in the slightest. He lifted her chin, whispering, “But first, I need to inspect you.” He bent his head and captured her lips in a deep, fervent kiss. Sienna’s mind went completely blank. Her body tensed. She had asked Lucas to pretend, to be flirtatious—but she never said he could kiss her! And this kiss… it was too intense!

She pushed him away playfully, forcing a smile. “Oh, you’re so predictable! Lucas, darling, let’s all join in!” Sienna signaled to the other women, who began to disrobe. She started to remove her own dress as well. Valerie was horrified. She never imagined Sienna would sink this low! And Lucas seemed to enjoy it! The thought of what might happen next made her nauseated and disgusted. She stormed out of the hallway. No… She needed air! She couldn’t accept what she had just witnessed!

Hearing Valerie’s hurried retreat, Sienna’s lips curved in a triumphant smirk. She stopped undressing. But abruptly, a pair of strong arms pulled her, and she tumbled back into Lucas’s embrace.