CHAPTER 106: DRAKE PROPOSED TO SAMANTHA

Sensing Sarah’s unease, Ryan tightened his grip on her hand.

He leaned down and murmured softly in her ear, "I’m here.

You’re safe."

"Mmm."

His words acted like a sedative, soothing her restless heart.

Gradually, the tension in her chest eased, and she managed a faint smile before turning away to indulge in the buffet.

Meanwhile, Beauty and Lucas stood among the crowd, their expressions unreadable as they watched Drake and Samantha flaunt their affection.

A flicker of surprise crossed Lucas’s eyes—clearly, even him hadn’t expected Drake to pull such a stunt.

"Is Drake serious about this?

What about Sarah?"

Beauty frowned, her displeasure evident as she glared at the lovey-dovey pair on stage.

Her voice was icy when she spoke.

Lucas smirked thoughtfully.

"Grown-up matters aren’t for kids to worry about.

Even I can’t guess what’s going through his head."

*Kids?*

She hadn’t been a kid for three years now!

His dismissive reply instantly darkened Beauty’s expression.

She scanned the crowd, searching for Sarah—she could’ve sworn she’d spotted her familiar silhouette earlier, but now she was nowhere to be seen.

Lucas’s gaze lingered on her face, as if reading her thoughts.

He tilted his head toward her ear and said lazily, "If you’re looking for Sarah, I’d bet she’s tucked away in some quiet corner."

Sure enough, when Beauty turned, she spotted Sarah in the shadows of the room, quietly nibbling on a dessert.

She looked even more stunningly beautiful than usual today, her makeup flawlessly applied, though her eyes carried a hint of melancholy.

"You go ahead and mingle.

I’m going to find Sarah."

With that, Beauty strode toward Sarah.

The grand hall was packed, shoulder to shoulder, as if every influential figure in town had gathered—just like the birthday party Lucas had thrown for her.

Sarah happened to glance up and spot her, immediately waving with a warm smile, the first genuine one she’d worn all evening.

Until now, she’d been forcing her smiles.

"Sarah, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!

Didn’t expect you to be hiding here with such a handsome guy.

Aren’t you going to introduce us?"

From a distance, Beauty had already noticed the strikingly good-looking man sitting close to Sarah, their heads almost touching.

Now that she was closer, she couldn’t help but admire his refined, elegant features.

Being complimented always felt good—especially when it happened in front of the woman he loved.

"Hello, I’m Ryan Jones.

Sarah’s... friend." He hesitated for two seconds before reluctantly settling on the word "friend," making Beauty cover her mouth in amusement.

"Just a regular friend? I think you two make a perfect match."

She flashed Ryan a knowing smile, then took a sip of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray, her eyes crinkling with delight.

Sarah, who had been quietly nibbling on a piece of cake, paused before saying lightly, "Not just any friend today.

He’s the guy I invited to be my boyfriend for the day."

"No kidding!

So I should be calling you brother-in-law today!"

Beauty raised her champagne glass with a playful grin, lightly clinking it against Ryan’s with a crisp *ting*.

Without hesitation, she tilted her head back and downed the sparkling drink in one elegant motion—completely ignoring the sharp-eyed man standing nearby, his expression icy.

Lucas tucked one hand into his pocket and let out a cold scoff.

"Already laughing it up with another man, huh?"

The unmistakable jealousy in his tone drew a sly smirk from Drake.

"What’s this?

Jealous?

Don’t tell me you’re actually serious?"

Drake glanced at the trio chatting away, his gaze lingering briefly on Ryan before his brows twitched almost imperceptibly.

Just as quickly, his expression smoothed back into its usual detached indifference.

"Serious or not—when have I ever *not* been serious?"

The words made Drake suck in a sharp breath.

He swirled the wine in his glass, lips quirking into a faint smile.

"Alright then.

If you’re serious, I’ll give you my blessing.

Beauty is a good girl—treat her right.

Don’t mess this up."

Lucas’s frosty gaze flicked toward him.

"Sarah was a good girl too. Didn’t see *you* treating her right."

The jab left Drake speechless, his brows knitting together again.

He clapped Lucas on the shoulder, his tone a mix of jest and sincerity.

"Exactly why I’m telling *you* not to make the same mistake.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to realize what you’ve lost.

Speaking of which—when did this guy show up?

How come I didn’t know?"

"You’re just jealous.

You could give Samantha a diamond ring, so why can’t Sarah have a boyfriend?

That guy seems decent, and he looks serious about her."

Lucas deliberately fanned the flames of his hidden resentment, a mocking smile playing on his lips as he arched an elegant brow.

The two were deep in conversation when two women approached from the other side, their smiles warm and gentle.

"So this is where Mr. Drake and President Lucas are hiding!

Long time no see, Mr. Lucas.

Rumor has it you’ve got a new woman by your side—care to introduce us?"

Lucas smirked coldly.

"You’ll meet her soon enough."

"Could it be that the untouchable Mr. Lucas Marson has finally fallen for someone?

Which lucky lady has captured your heart?"

Drake immediately raised his sharp brows, grinning like a man who knew all the secrets.

"I’m afraid none of you stand a chance this time.

Lucas here is dead serious."

He punctuated his words with a playful jab to Lucas’s chest, his lips quirking into a roguish smirk.

"Brother! Uncle Drake!"

A clear, melodious voice rang out as Laura walked over, clinging affectionately to Toby’s arm.

Her face lit up with a radiant smile, revealing a row of pearly white teeth.

The moment he saw her, Drake stepped forward and gently ruffled her hair.

"Long time no see.

Did you fly all the way back from the States just for my birthday party?"

"Of course!

I made a special trip just for you.

So?

Feel honored?" Laura gazed up at him with puppy-dog eyes, her sparkling gaze darting around the room.

"What’s wrong?

Looking for Samuel?" Drake couldn’t help but smirk, deliberately furrowing his brows in mock displeasure.

"Seems to me you didn’t come back specifically for me, you little rascal.

You’re here to see Samuel, aren’t you?

With Toby standing right here, aren’t you the least bit embarrassed?"

Teased like this, Laura immediately flushed the crimson, turning her head away in a huff.

She grabbed Toby’s arm and marched forward, throwing herself into Lucas’s arms with a pout.

"Brother, he’s bullying me!

He even said I should be ashamed of myself!"

Lucas patted her back, his lips curling into a faint smile before gently pushing her away.

His tone was neither warm nor cold as he remarked, "Oh, so you do know what shame is?

Chasing after someone all the way abroad, then hunting them down the moment you’re back in the country.

Shouldn’t a girl have a little more restraint?"