Chapter 13

After the banquet, Lucas took Joyce home. Just before they entered the room, Joyce hesitated and called out to him. Nathan's sudden appearance had left her shocked and unsettled. That familiar terror had returned, surging through her. If Lucas had not been there today, she might have been left flustered and helpless all over again. She took a deep breath. "Thank you for what happened today." "Syl, when will you stop being so polite with me?" He sighed, helpless. The way he said it, as if he were aggrieved, made Joyce chuckle. "At last, you're showing a real smile after the whole night." She froze for a moment. She had thought she had hidden her feelings well, but clearly, Lucas had seen through her. Her gut told her Nathan would not give up so easily, so she did not want to drag Lucas into it. "Don't overthink it. I'm here. Goodnight, Syl. Sleep well!" With one line, he eased her worries. He was still the same as when they were young—able to see right through her at a gla