CHAPTER 23: TESTED ON THE SPOT

Hilton Group

"Mr. Hilton, everything has been handled exactly as you instructed."

Lucas didn’t even lift his head, just gave a curt nod.

"What was Andrew’s reaction?"

"He understood perfectly. The money you gave him was just enough to patch the hole in his company’s finances. He’ll be grateful, no doubt. But... about Sophia—Mr. Hilton, do you really intend to be this ruthless? If the truth ever comes out, it might—"

Lucas’s cold gaze cut him off, sharp as a blade. "How long have you been at my side? Since when did you think you could make decisions for me?"

"No, I just meant—"

"In the past, none of the women around me ever caught your approval. So why Sophia? Don’t tell me you’ve suddenly grown fond of her. Or is it that you think she’s too good, too special, and even you can’t help but be moved?"

"Of course not, Mr. Hilton! I just mean—you’re twenty-eight now. Maybe it’s time to settle down."

Lucas wasn’t lacking women. What he lacked was someone who made his heart skip.

And Sophia... she did that—but not because of love. He blamed it all on the resentment he’d carried for years.

She had slept with him, stolen every cent from his wallet, and left behind nothing but a mocking IOU. He’d searched for her for years, only for her to reappear acting as if nothing had ever happened.

Even now that she was a renowned designer, so what?

What she owed him, she would pay back.

"Get the car."

"Where to, sir?"

"Richard’s coming to the office this afternoon. He wants a show. I’ll make sure he gets one."

Richard Hilton was on his way. Officially, it was just a friendly visit, but in truth, Aiden had pushed him to come. They wanted to see for themselves if Sophia was real, if her connection to Lucas was genuine. After all, she had only been back for a few days, and suddenly Lucas was claiming her? No one would believe that so easily.

But before Lucas could make a move, a few little shadows were already lying in wait outside Hilton Group headquarters.

"Billy, you think he’ll come out?"

"He has to—unless he plans on living in that office."

All six of the kids were hidden outside, ready to ambush.

"Billy, I’m scared..."

"Faye, don’t be scared. I’ll protect you. He’s our future daddy, remember? He won’t hurt you."

"Billy—he’s coming!"

Charles pointed toward the entrance. Lucas was being wheeled out by Alex.

Billy immediately barked orders. "Eric, Faye, stay sharp. Keep your earpieces on."

Just as Lucas was about to get into the car, he heard a small voice call out behind him.

"Uncle!"

His gaze shifted. That same little girl again.

"Uncle, do you want a lollipop?"

Faye held one out to him with her tiny hand.

Lucas raised a brow, his chiseled features still cool as ever, but he took the candy. That’s when Faye shook her head.

"Eric, come out."

Another boy stepped forward—and Lucas froze. The kid’s face was exactly like his own.

Alex’s eyes went wide in shock.

Eric pulled three things out from behind his back—a gold necklace, a silver one, and a cheap fake. "Uncle, pick one."

Lucas frowned. The fake was worthless, the silver plain. He ended up choosing the gold chain.

Faye and Eric sighed at the same time.

"What’s with the sighs, kids?"

"Mommy said anyone who takes candy from strangers isn’t very smart. Looks like you might not be that clever after all."

Before Lucas could respond, Eric added sternly, "And don’t you know honesty matters? None of these things belong to you, but you still chose one—of course, you picked the most expensive. That’s not what a good man does."

His little voice carried all the weight of disappointment, like a teacher scolding a failing student.

For once, Lucas was stunned.

Wasn’t he supposed to choose?

And the candy—wasn’t that given to him?

Faye pulled out a tiny notebook and put a neat checkmark under "Dishonest" and "Low IQ."

"You kids are...?"

"Mr. Hilton, we’re Sophia’s children. As far as we can see, you’re not qualified to be with our mommy. But don’t give up—we expect you to try harder next time."

Faye gave his leg a light pat and added sweetly, "Mr. Hilton, your leg... it doesn’t seem to work that well. Mommy would never be with a cripple. You really need to exercise more~"

Her little pigtails brushed against Lucas’s jaw, tickling him.

"Your goal... is to protect Sophia?"

"Ah! You figured it out? You’ve been investigating us!"

Faye’s innocent eyes suddenly sharpened, full of suspicion. For a five-year-old to look like that—it was obvious Sophia had raised them well.

Lucas didn’t bother to deny it. "Yes. I investigated you."

Before Faye could retort, Billy’s voice crackled in her earpiece.

"Retreat."

Eric gave Lucas a hard stare. "Mr. Hilton, I don’t have time to play with you. But if you dare hurt our mommy, I’ll make sure you regret being born."

Lucas’s brows arched, a strange glint flickering in his eyes. In his entire life, no one had ever dared to threaten him—least of all two children.

In the blink of an eye, the kids vanished.

"Mr. Hilton, what do you think? If they find out the truth..." Alex trailed off nervously.

Lucas’s voice was calm, but steel edged every word. "They carry my blood. Thinking they’ll stay with Sophia forever? Impossible. Such scheming little minds at their age... Enough. Get in the car. I’ll bring Sophia back myself."

...

Inside, Sophia was just finishing a cup of coffee when the doorbell rang.

She frowned slightly when she saw the man outside. "You’re Mr. Hilton’s secretary?"

"Miss Morgan, I’m Alex. Mr. Hilton is waiting for you in the car."

The car door opened. Lucas sat inside, his gaze sweeping over her with cool detachment.

For some reason, the weight of his stare unsettled her.

"What does he want?"

"Mr. Hilton needs your help."

"Then he can wait."

Sophia strolled back inside, took her time finishing her coffee, changed her clothes, and only came down half an hour later.

In the car, Lucas had already checked his watch more than ten times.

"Half an hour," he muttered.

Sophia glanced at him, then casually slapped his thigh. "Scoot over."

His pupils widened in shock, his sharp features snapping toward her.

"What? Don’t tell me... even you think you’re too untouchable to be touched?"

As she leaned closer, the faint scent of her perfume drifted into his nose. The distance between them shrank—dangerously close.

And then—

The car lurched forward!

Sophia lost her balance, toppling sideways—her soft red lips brushing against Lucas’s cheek.

Both of them froze.

Alex stammered from the front seat, "S-Sorry! I missed the brake!"

Lucas looked like he could kill someone on the spot. Sophia wasn’t much better—she jerked back, sitting up straight, face burning.

Accident. Just an accident, she told herself furiously.

But beside her, Lucas’s eyes were dark, dangerous... and his ears, almost imperceptibly, had turned red.