Warming

Chapter 8

tuale turned to look at Spencer. His side profite was fines opem OR HO

ook good from any angle. Her gaze traveled to his hands.

The thought of Mane made the ice in here/smat she though on for a ve then said softly, “Grandma doesn’t particularly the wnything. The only things can think of is that she Wes painting and drawing

‘1 see,” Spencer said. He was telling her that he was letening to her

Lucille paused as her eyes gleamed. Then, he continued, “It’s been a long time since she last painted or drew, though”

Spencer caught the hint of glumness in her tone. He said, ‘I’ll visit her with you ons day. I’m sure she’ll be much happier when she sees that you have someone to CHE

He turned his head slightly to glance at her, and his tone was gentle. She realized that he was always so gentle when he spoke to her. It put her at ease. Sometimes, she wondered whether he really was the ruthless man everyone made him out to be

“Okay,” she said.

He turned back to focus on the road, so she didn’t see him raise an eyebrow & trace of a smile flashed in his eyes. Later, Spencer switched the subject. They continued chatting

When they arrived at Zaytun Pavilion, he led Lucille to the private room on the top floor the Kingston Room. This surprised her. She knew Zaytun Pavilion’s mysterious owner was the only one who could use this room,

She looked at Spencer, who sat across from her. He was elegantly pouring her a cup of coffee. She asked, “Are you the owner of Zaytun Pavilion?

It was a question, but her tone was affirmative

“Yeah,” Spencer had no intention of hiding the truth from her. He admitted to it easily. There weren’t many people who knew he was the owner. “From now on, you can come here whenever you want if you fancy a meal”

He glanced at her as he placed a cup of coffee before her. At the same time, he placed a gold card before her il gleamed sobnightly that it was almost blinding:

She looked at him in confusion. He explained, “This is the card for the Kingston

Chalders

Room. You can come here anytime you want.”

Lucille had yet to tell him that she didn’t need it when he said, “Grandpa knows I own this place.”

“Alright, then.” She immediately caught his drift and gave up on turning him down. She would accept the card for now and return it to him some other time.

Lucille took the opportunity to subtly appraise him. He wore an expensive tailored suit, and his actions were graceful. Setting aside his handsome face, he was also a debonair gentleman. He was still nothing like the cold, rut sman the rumors

made him out to be.

Out of curiosity, she asked, “I remember JM Corporation doesn’t have any food and beverage businesses in its portfolio, Mr. Layton. Why did you…”

Zaytun Pavilion came into existence four years ago. It offered a variety of cuisines, and it only served a limited number of dishes daily. It attracted many customers. The prices were on the high side, but it was something of a heaven for foodies because of how tasty everything was.

It also only served customers based on reservations. One wouldn’t be able to enter without making a reservation beforehand, no matter how rich or powerful they were.

“Spencer,” Spencer suddenly said.

“Huh?” Lucille was confused. She met his gaze and felt like his eyes were whirlpools that would suck her in.

“Call me by my name.” He

call me ‘honey.’ I would “ped his coffee. Then, he smiled and added, “Or you can

mind that.”

Lucille was rendered speechless. To be honest, she couldn’t bring herself to do either. Spencer knew she wasn’t used to it when he saw the look on her face. He put on a tender look and said, “You’ll have to get used to it sooner or later, sweetie.”

God. Lucille looked calm on the outside, but her heart was a mess because of how he’d called her “sweetie.” How could he make it sound so natural? It was as if they really were a loving couple…

al

She’d always been cool and composed, but now, she felt rather lost. Suddenly, she felt like it hadn’t been a smart decision to get into a contractual marriage with Spencer. Was it possible to get a divorce?

-CE TONUS.

The server entered the room with their food That interrupted her train of thought and saved her from the awkwardness. Still she knew she’d only be able to avoid this

for now

Fortunately, Spencer continued with his gentlemanly act and didn’t push her to change the way she addressed him. Before they started eating, he said. “Because

For a moment, Lucile didn’t understand what he was talking about. After a few seconds, she realized he was answering her earlier question. Well, at least he finished everything he started.

She had to admire him, though. He’d started a restaurant out of boredom, yet it had become one of the top restaurants in the city. She recalled how ficcant he’d sounded when she’d asked him if he’d studied psychology

After lunch, Spencer dropped Lucille off at her company. It was good that thei companies were in the same direction. She wouldn’t have agreed to him dropping

her off otherwise

Before she got out of the car, he asked, “De you have anything on tonight?”

Lucile paused. She was captivated by his voice. Perhaps it was because of that that she answered obediently, I have a business negotiation tonight”

He looked into her eyes and smiled. Then, he acted like a loving husband and said Take care then. Call me if you run into any trouble, alright?”

She didn’t know how to respond to that so she gave him a habitual “Alright before getting out of the car. Spencer left after watching her head into the building.

Later in the day, Lucille received a call from Horace. He cursed her to hell and back because of her altercation with Sabrina. Then, he ordered her to return to Johnson Manor. She bung up without even rejecting him. Shortly after, she received a call from Sabrina, who had called to provoke her

Her whole day had basically been wasted on dealing with the psychos of the Johnson family. At 530 pm, she and Samuel headed to Nightvale Club. It was the biggest entertainment center in Whiteloop City, and it was a messy place.

Chapter B

It was frequented by the scions and socialites of Whiteloop City who liked to party. Lucille hated coming to places like this for business negotiations, yet her potential business partners had chosen this as their meeting place.

Since it was only 6:00 pm, the place was relatively quiet. There were no flashing lights or deafening music, but that was only because it was still early.

Lucille spent three whole hours there. She’d never been this patient in her life. Three balding middle–aged men were in the private room with her but none of them. showed any indication of talking business.

All they did was get her to drink. She’d already gone to the restroom more times than she could count. Fortunately, she could hold her liquor rather well.

Lucille returned from another trip to the restroom and took her seat. She narrowed her eyes at her refilled wine glass.

Then, she said, “Mr. Watson, Mr. Celton, and Mr. Zany. I think we’ve all had too much to drink tonight, so let’s discuss the contract some other day. I have something else to attend to, so I need to go.”

Keith Zany, whose seat was near hers, switched seats so he was right beside her. Her beautiful eyes turned cold under the dim lights, but none of the men noticed this.

“Why the hurry, Ms. Johnson? We’ll sign the contract after this,” Keith said. He gave Lucille a lecherous look.

Donald Watson chimed in, “Yes, exactly. Have a few more drinks, Ms. Johnson. We’ll sign the contract after that! There’s no need for further discussion.”

“Oh?” Lucille swept a gaze over them. As soon as she said that, a disgusting hand landed on her thigh. She turned to look at Keith.

“Yes, we won’t need to discuss anything else.” He leered at her.