Chapter 124

"Isabella." I glanced up lazily at Lucas, then tossed my phone aside and opened a pack of cookies. "Thought you were done talking to me, Mr. Moore. Why’re you still hanging around?" Lucas didn’t sit. He stood there looking awkward as hell. "I know what I said earlier probably hurt you, and I’m sorry for that. But Isabella, I really need this shot. Back in college, sure, I didn’t achieve much — I was still a student, had my folks backing me. But now? I’ve graduated. My whole family’s counting on me to earn." He exhaled, face stiff. "I’ve never had much luck, you know? My parents think I’ve got no talent for this job. They even told me to consider delivering food or working security. Me? A top student going to be a security guard? That paycheck wouldn’t even cover my monthly expenses. So yeah… sorry, but I don’t really have a choice." I kept munching my cookie without changing expression. “Hey, it’s cool. Everyone’s got their own path. If cozying up to Charlotte is your way, then that’s