Chapter 179



Silence fell between them following the exchange. Lucas resumed his meal, his brow furrowed in displeasure. What was wrong with the chef here today? Why did everything taste so off?

During their meal, Lucas’s curiosity overcame his irritation, prompting him to inquire, “Johnson, why do you have feelings for Belinda? What’s so special about her?” What on earth was so great about that woman?

Johnson replied with a soft smile, his gaze thoughtful. “It’s difficult to explain. Even if I could articulate this, you wouldn’t understand what I feel. You have to interact with Belinda in person and really see her with an open heart to understand the nuances that make her so charming.”

Lucas’s gaze dropped, his long lashes veiling whatever emotion flickered in his eyes, rendering his thoughts unreadable to Johnson.

Looking at Lucas’s reaction, Johnson spoke up, his smile tinged with relief. “I’m actually glad to hear you don’t have feelings for her, Lucas. Otherwise, I’d have no chance competing against you.”

Lucas remained silent, offering no response.

With a casual shrug, Johnson added, “Because, you know, Belinda has feelings for you. If you felt the same about her, I’d be out of the running.”

At this, Lucas’s expression softened slightly, but it was fleeting.

After their lunch, Lucas and Johnson went their separate ways, heading back to their respective companies.

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At Triumph Consortium, tension hung thick in the air throughout the afternoon. Employees trod carefully, their voices barely above whispers, anxious not to stir any trouble.

Everyone at Triumph Consortium knew that their CEO, Lucas, was not in the best of moods today.

Outside the CEO’s office on the top floor, Lucas’s voice could be heard sharply cutting through the quiet.

“Is ‘sorry’ the only thing you have to offer when you fail? If you can’t manage such a simple task, how do you expect to run a department? I expect a satisfactory proposal on my desk by the end of the day tomorrow, or you can pack up your things and leave this company!”

Several minutes later, the assistants and secretaries outside the CEO’s office watched as the director of the creative department walked out of the office with his head hanging low.

With a gulp, the on-duty secretary swallowed nervously.

The general assistant said, “Can you see it? Mr. Clark is in a foul mood today. Tread carefully and stay alert!”

“Understood,” the secretary and the other two assistants responded quickly, nodding in agreement.

One assistant whispered, “It’s odd, though. Mr. Clark was fine this morning. What could’ve happened at lunch to change his mood so dramatically?”

“I’ve never seen him like this before,” another assistant added, clearly bewildered.

“Enough talking. Let’s all get back to work,” the general assistant said, his voice low as he frowned.

With that directive, everyone scattered, returning to their tasks.

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