Chapter 6 Sugarboy
892 Words
Everyone froze at the remark.
Though Mr. West had been aloof all evening, he hadn’t outright embarrassed anyone like this before.
Had the Lucian family somehow offended him?
Even Ryan Lucian stood there in a daze, racking his brain for when they might have crossed the line with this “crown prince.”
“Mr. West, our family—”
“This is on me.” Mia stepped forward, cutting Ryan off. She remembered what Mr. Lucian had said—if she could secure this partnership, he’d agree to the divorce.
With a faint smile, she stood by Ryan’s side, then moved a step closer. “Surely, Mr. West, you’re not still holding a grudge over that little mishap a few days ago?”
“Oh?” Elliot leaned back in his seat, fixing Mia with a calm stare. “So, Mrs. Lucian, you do remember?”
His dark eyes betrayed no emotion.
Looking at that flawless, handsome face, Mia was now one hundred percent certain—this vindictive man was her “sugarboy.”
There wasn’t even time to wonder how her hired “duck” had transformed into the illustrious Mr. West. All Mia wanted to do was contain the situation. The last thing she needed was for her past to suddenly come to light.
Putting on a graceful smile, Mia crafted her excuse. “A few days ago, I ran into Mr. West at a restaurant and accidentally spilled something on his suit. I was in a rush and only left a few thousand dollars as compensation. I never had the chance to properly apologize—that was my fault.”
All eyes turned to Mia.
To the bystanders, this Mrs. Lucian was simply stunning.
Her radiant skin seemed to glow against the backdrop of her red dress. The revealing cut showcased her slender waist and drew attention to her enchanting, almond-shaped eyes.
She wasn’t the demure, soft-spoken woman most expected. Her bold, confident aura was a breath of fresh air.
Even so, Ryan Lucian was visibly annoyed. He pushed Mia slightly forward, signaling her to apologize immediately.
Mia, caught off guard and wearing heels, stumbled a few steps.
Just as she was about to hit the champagne tower, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her.
It happened so fast Mia didn’t have time to react. Elliot had already risen and pulled her aside.
His hand lingered on her exposed waist.
For a brief moment, Mia felt his fingers subtly brush against her skin.
Startled, she pulled away as quickly as she could. “Thank you, Mr. West,” she said stiffly.
Her mind, however, was replaying the memories of being close to this man.
A year ago, on her wedding night, Ryan had left her for Lila Wren. Furious and heartbroken, Mia went to a nightclub to drown her sorrows.
She’d ended up drunk and had stumbled into Elliot in an elevator. One thing led to another, and they’d ended up in bed.
When she woke up, Elliot had the audacity to ask her to take responsibility.
Still reeling from Ryan’s betrayal, Mia impulsively agreed—and ended up “keeping” him.
Over the next year, they’d met frequently, but it was always straight to the point.
Hotels became Mia’s second home. Elliot had certainly profited from the arrangement—$50,000 a month, plus countless luxury watches and belts.
Elliot never asked too many questions, which Mia appreciated. For once in her life, she didn’t have to be the one making sacrifices. With Elliot, she could let loose and enjoy herself.
To be honest, if Ryan hadn’t returned so suddenly, Mia would’ve been reluctant to end things with Elliot.
“Mia, you’re so clumsy you can’t even apologize properly! Spilling something on Mr. West’s suit? What’s wrong with you?” Ryan scolded, clearly exasperated.
The onlookers whispered amongst themselves.
“Wow, Ryan doesn’t even give his wife a shred of respect.”
“No surprise. The Lucians are known for their messy family drama.”
Ryan and his mistress, Lila, had long been an open secret in their circle.
Yet despite Ryan’s harsh words, Mia didn’t seem fazed in the slightest.
Ryan didn’t matter to her anymore.
But Elliot did.
“I apologize, Mr. West. It was my mistake,” Mia said, standing upright and meeting his gaze.
Her words carried a double meaning.
Mia silently prayed their personal history wouldn’t affect the Lucians’ business prospects.
Elliot chuckled softly. After studying her for a moment, he leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs. His smirk carried a hint of mischief. “A few thousand dollars was rather stingy. That suit was a one-of-a-kind piece by a world-renowned tailor. What do you think it’s worth?”
The last part, directed at Ryan, made Elliot’s intention clear.
Gasps rippled through the room. This man’s temper was no joke.
Still, no one felt sorry for Ryan. A man who publicly flaunted a mistress wasn’t exactly likable.
“Don’t worry, Mr. West. I’ll handle it,” Ryan stammered, relieved that Elliot seemed willing to let this slide.
Mia, however, was done.
Her back hurt from where Ryan had shoved her earlier. She wasn’t in the mood to stay any longer.
As she followed Ryan out, her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen.
The caller ID read: Sugarboy.
- Writer
