Chapter 183

After Dominic stormed out of the office, Lucas stepped back inside.

His concerned gaze swept over Evelyn. "What did your ex-husband want? He looked like he was about to tear the place apart. Did he hurt you?" Lucas guided her gently to her chair and handed her a glass of water.

Evelyn's pulse still raced with anger, but Lucas's kindness soothed her frayed nerves. "He thought you were my boyfriend," she admitted with a tired sigh. "I didn't correct him. Will that cause problems for you?"

Lucas's lips curved into a playful smirk. "Just your boyfriend?" He leaned in slightly, mischief dancing in his eyes. "If you'd like, I could be your husband. We could get married right now."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I have no plans to marry again. Save that space for your true love."

His expression dimmed. "Neither do I. My ex shattered my heart too thoroughly. I don’t think true love exists for me."

Years ago, Lucas had suffered from a brain tumor. Evelyn had been the surgeon who saved his life. But during his illness, his partner of five years had abandoned him. After his recovery, they founded Apex Innovations together.

"Enough dwelling on the past," Evelyn said, shaking off the melancholy. "Have you found a place to stay? I can book you a hotel if needed." She pulled out her phone, ready to search.

Lucas grinned. "I'm staying with you. I already dropped my bags at your place. Your mother was lovely, by the way." He winked. "Think about our partnership. Your home is my home. Why waste money on a hotel?"

Evelyn opened her mouth to argue but stopped. Arguing with Lucas was pointless—especially since he was gay.

Meanwhile, Henry skipped school today. He and Lily had a mission: uncover the truth about their real father. Since Dominic was nearly impossible to approach, they decided to start with Julian.

During lunch, Julian stepped out of his office, heading to a nearby café.

Lily appeared in front of the building, her backpack slung over one shoulder.

Julian recognized her instantly—those doll-like curls were unforgettable. She’d haunted his nightmares ever since she’d hacked his phone with a Trojan virus.

Every time he woke, he dismissed the idea. How could a child barely old enough to tie her shoes master such advanced tech?

"Hey, kiddo!" Julian crouched to her level, gripping her small arm. "What are you doing here? Looking for me?"

Lily blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "Yes, Uncle! I’ve been searching everywhere for you!"

"Why?" Julian frowned. "Last time, you borrowed my phone to call your dad, but I never saw the number you dialed." He guided her toward the café, shielding her from the blistering sun.

Lily’s voice was sweet and precise. "Because I forgot his number. But I found him later, and Daddy wanted me to thank you. He even sent a gift!"

Julian chuckled. How could he ever suspect this angelic face? Her father must be a refined gentleman.

"Did your dad bring you here?" he asked.

Lily nodded. "Daddy works nearby. He had to go back to his office."

Before Julian could ask more, Lily pulled out a small electronic toy and set it on the ground.

"Uncle, can you turn it on?" she asked sweetly.

As Julian bent down to find the switch, Lily moved swiftly—plucking a few strands of his hair between her tiny fingers.