CHAPTER 141: DID YOU JUST BRAG

Seeing Lucas nod in satisfaction, the sales assistant beamed at Beauty and said eagerly,

"Madam, shall I wrap this up for you while you try on the other outfits?"

She was still holding two more sets of clothes in her hands.

The thought that the outfit she was currently wearing had already drained her year-end bonus, salary, and savings made her uneasy.

Lowering her head, she hesitated for a brief moment before shaking her head and handing the clothes back to the assistant.

"Sorry, I’ll just take this one.

Could you please hang the others back up?

I wouldn’t want them to get wrinkled."

Buying all three outfits would leave her completely broke.

She had barely managed to save up a little, and now it would all be gone—maybe even putting her in debt to Lucas.

No way was she letting that happen!

"I told you to try them all.

Stop overthinking it," Lucas cut in, shooting the assistant a look that sent her ushering the hesitant woman back into the fitting room before she could embarrass him further.

"My sister bought several outfits, each one several times more expensive than yours.

Is it too much for me to get my woman a few things?"

Beauty gritted her teeth.

Fine—it wasn’t her money anyway.

If someone was willing to splurge on her, why should she hesitate?

She strode back into the fitting room without another word, trying on every piece she had picked out.

By the time she was done, she had added two coats, two down jackets, and two pairs of shoes to her haul.

A sly smirk curled at the corner of Lucas’s lips as he pulled her close, draping an arm over her shoulders with exaggerated pride.

"This is how a woman of mine should be.

The more you spend, the more I earn—got it?

Next time we go out, don’t be so stingy.

People might think I’m mistreating you."

After clothes, he whisked her off to the skincare section, leaving Laura behind as the two indulged in their little "couple’s world."

Beauty frowned, her delicate brows knitting together.

"We’re just pretending to be together.

You don’t have to act so convincingly.

And with this much money, I’ll be paying you back till the end of time—especially since you won’t even raise my salary."

Lucas stopped in his tracks, his dark eyes glinting with mischief as he studied her.

A slow, knowing smile played on his lips.

"If you really want to repay me," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, "then give yourself to me instead.

What’s mine is yours."

He pulled out a sleek black card and flicked it between his fingers.

"This is my exclusive black card—limited edition, global access.

Spend however you like."

"What’s gotten into you today?

Being so generous—you must be up to no good!

Let me make this clear, even if you give me that black card, don’t think you’re getting into my bed tonight.

That’s non-negotiable." Beauty immediately put on a stern face, her tone deadly serious.

The smile faded from her eyes as she stole a glance at the legendary black card, her heart racing with excitement.

After all, it was her first time seeing such a rarity—her self-control nearly crumbled under the temptation, her dignity hanging by a thread.

"Plenty of time for that later..." Lucas crossed his arms, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

When his gaze landed on her face and she caught that smile, Beauty nearly stumbled.

Every time he wore that expression, she knew trouble was brewing.

No doubt he was already scheming something—typical of a man with a devilish streak.

She didn’t even stand a chance to counter.

Returning with a haul, swiping that black card felt *amazing*!

Beauty lugged around countless shopping bags, her back practically screaming in protest.

Meanwhile, Lucas stood beside her, hands casually tucked in his pockets, acting like he hadn’t lifted a finger.

Well, what could she do?

The one who foots the bill calls the shots.

He’d already paid for everything—she couldn’t very well expect him to chauffeur her around *and* play pack mule.

Guess she’d just have to tough it out.

Laura had bought just as much as her, and the trunk was stuffed to the brim with their spoils.

Looking at all those purchases made her wallet ache in phantom pain.

The thought of blowing through that much cash in under two hours was equal parts thrilling and gut-wrenching.

Thankfully, after being under Lucas’s "training" for so long, this wasn’t her first time splurging.

Anyone with weaker nerves might’ve fainted on the spot.

Upon returning to the gated community, Lucas gallantly summoned two security guards to carry the women’s shopping haul inside.

With one arm wrapped around Beauty’s slender waist and the other tucked into his overcoat pocket, he strode confidently toward the villa, his head held high.

Behind the mansion lay a vast artificial lake, its shores lined with an array of flowering plants and tropical fruit trees.

Though winter had blanketed everything in white, obscuring the usual vibrant colors, the scenery remained breathtaking.

After changing into a lightweight down jacket, Mary eagerly tugged at Lucas’s sleeve, ready to hit the ice.

Back in New York, such a massive frozen lake was a rare sight—its thick, glassy surface stretched like an endless glacial river, transforming the place into a winter fairy tale.

"These skates are nice—definitely high-end," she remarked, fastening the blades while seated on a lakeside swing.

She glanced up at him with a teasing glint in her eyes.

"Uncle Lucas, at your age, skating might be a bit risky, don’t you think?

If you take a tumble and break something, I can’t afford the medical bills."

"Underestimating me?" He scoffed, crossing his arms.

"I was winning skating trophies back when you were still in diapers!"

Heat rushed to her cheeks at his retort.

Frowning, she stood abruptly from the swing, refusing to engage further with the shameless man.

When they first met, she’d mistaken him for some aloof, prideful elite.

But over the years, his audacity had grown right along with his net worth—now he was downright insufferable.

"Watch your step, twiggy," he called after her, voice laced with mock concern.

"If you snap a limb, don’t go blaming me.

I’m not signing up to nurse a helpless cripple for life."

She whipped around, shooting him a glare sharp enough to pierce ice.

"Who’s a cripple?

Learn some manners!"

With that, she stomped onto the frozen lake, fuming.

Lucas had never seen her ice skate before, nor had he arranged any training for her in this regard.

Given Beauty’s modest upbringing—mostly raised by elderly relatives—he had no clue about her skating skills.

The moment she stepped onto the ice, his heart lurched.

He immediately strode after her, terrified she might take a nasty spill.

Winter bones were brittle, after all.

One bad fall could lead to serious injury—and then she’d be stuck with him for life.

The thought alone was unbearable.

To have her so close yet untouchable?

That would be pure torture.

Just as Beauty lifted her foot to glide forward, a pair of large hands steadied her waist, freezing her mid-motion.

She shot him with a withering look.

"Seriously, old man?

Can’t even keep your balance?

Don’t drag me down with you."

Her reaction was swift—she twisted away, ready to shove him off.

But then it hit her: What if this guy genuinely couldn’t skate?

A single push might doom her to a lifetime of responsibility.

"Hey—don’t move!" she warned, eyes narrowing.

"If I fall because of you, you’re stuck with me forever."

Lucas tightened his grip on her shoulder, his wide, deer-like eyes locking onto hers.

His sudden bark nearly sent her sprawling backward.

Straightening indignantly, she snapped, "Didn’t you just brag about winning awards or something?"