Chapter 418
Summoned Home
Edward gave her an indulgent smile and nodded. “Whatever you say.”
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Soon, they arrived at a restaurant not far from the office. It wasn’t fancy, but the decor was tasteful—the kind of place that felt comfortable and low–key.
“The food here is actually pretty good,” Edward said.
“If you’re recommending it, I’m sure it won’t disappoint.” Lucas glanced around at the space. “And yeah, the place has a nice vibe.”
“Hope you like it.” Edward handed the menu to Arabella. “You order first. Pick whatever you want.”
“Okay.” She took it, chose a few dishes, then passed it to Lucas. “Here, see if there’s anything you want to add.”
Lucas added a couple of items before handing it back. “Anything else for you?”
“I’m good.” Edward smiled. “Arabella already ordered for me. She knows what I like.”
The server took the menu. “Got it. Shouldn’t be too long.”
‘So, how’d you two end up coming together?” Edward asked casually. “Where were you coming from?”
‘Nowhere special. Training ended, and Lucas didn’t have anywhere to be, so he gave me a lift since it was on his way,” Arabella explained.
‘I see.” Edward glanced at Lucas, his gaze lingering just a moment too long.
Lucas felt an odd pressure and quickly added, “Yeah, she didn’t have a ride today, so I just dropped her off on my way.”
‘Appreciate it,” Edward said politely.
Lucas waved it off. “No need. Arabella and I are friends. That’s what friends do.”
‘Right. Friends should help each other.” Edward’s tone was even, but something in it felt pointed.
Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Lucas‘ attentiveness toward Arabella went beyond ordinary friendship.
He glanced at Arabella. She looked completely relaxed, utterly unaware,
Edward’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. This girl probably had no idea how Lucas felt—she genuinely just saw him as a
friend.
After a moment’s thought, Edward asked, “Lucas, is your family also from Doranor City?”
“Yeah,” Lucas replied.
“So, who’s in your family? What do they do? And
A
“Edward!” Arabella cut him off. “Are you running a background check or something?”
“Just making conversation,” Edward said smoothly.
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8:33 am Pppp.
Chapter 418 Summoned Home
“But why all the questions? Lucas hasn’t asked you any of that,” Arabella pointed out, confused.
They were friends, sure, but not at the level where they needed to know each other’s entire family history.
“It’s… It’s fine,” Lucas said, looking a little flustered.
“You can share if you want, but if you’d rather not, that’s okay too,” Arabella said firmly.
She wasn’t curious about his family. They got along, she liked him as a friend–that was enough. The rest didn’t matter.
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“It’s not that I don’t want to talk about it.” Lucas quickly clarified. “It just never came up naturally. Bringing it up out of nowhere felt weird.”
Arabella gave him a reassuring smile. “Really, don’t worry about it.”
‘Excuse me, your food’s here,” the server arrived, interrupting.
‘Alright, let’s eat.” Arabella redirected everyone’s attention.
Lucas nodded. “Yeah, let’s eat.”
Seeing Lucas‘ slightly deflated expression, Edward’s eyes narrowed a fraction. His suspicions were confirmed.
But looking at Arabella, who remained completely oblivious, Edward felt a complicated tug in his chest.
As her brother, part of him would be reluctant if she got a boyfriend. But another part knew she deserved someone who’d always be there for her.
Right now, though, Arabella clearly didn’t feel anything special for Lucas. Maybe it was better to wait and see how things played
>ut.
So, how’s that project of yours coming along?” Arabella asked, steering the conversation away from Lucas‘ personal life.
Oh, it’s going well. Smooth sailing.” Edward snapped back to the present.
Good.”
They chatted through the meal, and before long, lunch was over.
Arabella, where are you headed next? I can give you a ride,” Lucas offered.
To the office. That work for you?” she asked.
Lucas nodded. “Yeah, no problem.”
‘Thanks, then.”
Back at Macdonald Capital, they were about to part ways.
‘Do you even have a heart?!” A sharp, angry voice cut through the air.
They all stopped and turned.
Harper was being held back by security, struggling to break free, her eyes red–rimmed as she glared at Edward.
“Harper?” Edward frowned. “What are you doing here?”
After the last incident, she’d been told not to come back.
‘Are you really going to wait until Mom dies before you come home?” Harper’s voice cracked.
‘What?” Edward’s stomach dropped.
You don’t answer my calls, you don’t reply to my messages. I come here, and security won’t even let me in. I’m your sister!” Harper’s voice rose with anger and hurt.
Just tell me what’s going on.” Edward’s expression darkened.
Had something actually happened to Freya?