Chapter 3 Public Confession
1063 Words
Amused by her serious expression, Lucien replied, "About what?"
"I want to leave..."
"If we're going to talk, it has to be in bed," he interrupted.
Lucien interrupted her with his blunt and flirty words, spoken as casually as if he were inviting her for afternoon tea.
Claire flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "You!"
‘Oh my God, is this all he thinks about?’ She couldn't help but scream inwardly.
"Still want to talk?" Lucien asked, his gaze teasing.
He was doing this on purpose!
Claire decided to shut her mouth and stay silent!
"When the time is right, I'll help you out."
"What time?!" Claire asked, exasperated.
"When you're no longer in danger. But for now, I need you to do me a favor."
Claire didn’t respond, and Lucien went on, "Just pretend to be my girlfriend for a bit."
"Why should I… help you?"
"Because you can't leave right now." Lucien shrugged, acting as if it was no big deal.
Claire turned away, fed up with his insufferable attitude.
Suddenly, the room filled with whispers as a strong perfume wafted through the air. A woman in a black skirt appeared in the center of the hall. It was Cherry Vantis, the auction house owner's daughter.
She wore seductive smoky makeup, her ample chest displayed prominently, and a rose tattoo adorned her collarbone. Her skirt was so short it nearly revealed her underwear.
Her gaze fell on Lucien, filled with both flirtation and delight.
But when she noticed Claire, her eyes turned hostile.
Claire felt the weight of his piercing gaze and instinctively looked away.
She was already entangled with Lucien and couldn’t afford to make enemies with anyone else here!
Fortunately, the woman didn’t linger on her for too long and quickly turned to address the crowd. "I'm sure you've all heard. The French royal family's Blood Diamond recently came into my possession."
A servant approached, holding a golden box.
Under the crowd's watchful eyes, Cherry slowly opened the box, revealing a crystal-clear diamond.
The diamond sparkled brilliantly, with a hint of blood-red hue that seemed to dance on her palm as if it were alive. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd.
Cherry smiled seductively, "But I'm not here to auction this diamond today. I plan to give it to someone special."
Her eyes roamed the room before settling on Lucien, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Claire wasn't a fool. From Cherry's initial hostility to her now blatant affection, it was obvious that she had feelings for Lucien.
So, she was being asked to be a decoy?!
"I'll help you, but you need to let me go," Claire said in a low voice.
"I'll consider it," Lucien replied.
Cherry looked at Lucien. He was a regular at their auctions, bidding only once per auction but always securing the most valuable item.
She couldn't be sure of Lucien's identity, but from the moment she saw him, she knew he was the one for her!
That god-like appearance, that kingly aura...
Only a man like him deserved her and this auction house!
Amidst the crowd's astonished murmurs, Cherry slowly walked towards Lucien.
Ignoring the whispers around her, she took a deep breath and stood before him, her eyes full of expectation.
"Mr. Stacey, I..."
Lucien didn't even glance at her, calmly sipping his wine with elegant grace.
Claire felt the awkwardness of the situation creep over her, making her toes curl inside her high heels.
Cherry's face faltered, but she mustered her courage. "Mr. Stacey... I want to..."
"You're John's daughter?" Lucien interrupted her.
Cherry's face lit up with joy. "Yes..."
But then Lucien's gaze shifted to Claire. "Do you like that diamond?"
Claire smiled, looping her arm through Lucien’s. “Not really.”
Her performance was so convincing it almost seemed genuine.
"She doesn't like it much," Lucien said coldly, looking at Cherry as if she were a stranger.
Cherry panicked and immediately declared her love, "Lucien! I like..."
"Cherry, are you crazy?!"
Cherry's father, John Vantis, stormed in, interrupting the awkward confession.
He grabbed Cherry, trying to drag her away, but she stood her ground.
She stubbornly looked at Lucien, raising her chin proudly.
"Lucien, I've always liked you! If you agree to be with me, I can give you 30% of our family's shares and this diamond!"
She was deeply in love with Lucien. This mysterious and incredibly handsome man was always on her mind...
She was confident Lucien wouldn't refuse her!
John stared in disbelief at his unreasonable daughter. Then, he slapped Cherry hard. "You disgraceful girl! Get out of here now!"
He knew Lucien's business dealings weren't clean, and his methods were ruthless and violent.
Such a man was not suitable for his daughter!!
And now, she even wanted to offer him the shares of their family business!
Cherry was shocked. She held her cheek, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Dad... you've never hit me before!"
John gritted his teeth, pretending not to hear her, and hurried to Lucien's side with a smile.
"Mr. Stacey, Cherry is still young. She didn't mean it. Please don't take it seriously."
Lucien swirled his wine glass, seemingly unfazed, and said flatly, "I don't mind, but my girlfriend might be upset."
John knew Lucien was pressuring him!
He gritted his teeth and placed the Blood Diamond in front of Claire. "Miss, consider this a token of our apology." His gaze lingered on Claire, full of indulgence.
"Dad!" Cherry was furious. She had worked hard and spent a lot to acquire that diamond, only to have it given to this wench!
Cherry was sure Claire was just a gold-digger. She didn't know how Claire got close to Lucien, but such a woman didn't deserve him!
"Will you accept it?" Lucien asked Claire.
At this moment, everyone's eyes were on her. She couldn't refuse even if she wanted to.
Because she didn't know what this unreadable man might do next!
"Okay... I'll take it. Thank you, darling." She accepted the diamond. Terrified by its presence, she quickly passed it to Lucien!
Cherry's furious gaze remained glued to her.
Claire turned away, pretending not to notice. She had no other choice!!
Lucien took a sip of wine, sensing his little kitten's anger.
But why?
He felt a bit confused. He thought Claire would be happy to receive such a special diamond.
- Writer
