Chapter 9 Mr. Graves?
“Welcome home, Mr. Graves” Serena greeted him.
20 min left
Alden scanned the living room. “Where’s Kaia? Still in bed?”
Serena wouldn’t meet his eyes. “She’s… probably on a business trip.”
A business trip again? I told her yesterday I’d go to City Hall with her.
But underneath his annoyance, he felt weirdly relieved.
At least he wouldn’t catch hell for being late again…
He tossed his jacket on the couch. “Did she say when she’s coming back?”
Serena squirmed. She didn’t dare to give him a straight answer,
How could I say she’s never coming back?
“She didn’t say, Mr. Graves. Maybe call her? She seemed pretty upset when she left,” Serena said softly,
Alden thought about last night.
I even got her a gift. What’s her problem? Not even a text while she’s away?
1/5
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Chapter 9 Mr. Graves?
I should be the pissed one here!
“Alright, got it,” he shrugged.
Serena watched him brush it off, not even reaching for his phone.
She sighed under her breath.
Wonder if there’s even gonna be a wedding at this point.
*****
20 min left
Kaia squeezed in a quick trip to take the necklace to the second–hand store.
The shop owner did a double–take when she walked in. “Ma’am, this necklace’s fresh out of the box. You sure about selling it? Even though it’s new, I can’t give you the full retail price, you know.”
Kaia cracked a small smile. “It’s okay. Just give me whatever you can offer.”
The owner squinted at the necklace, tapping away at his calculator. After a moment, he glanced up. “Four hundred and ninety thousand dollars. That’s my top offer.”
“Deal. Here’s my account info–wire it over,” Kaia said, cool as
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Chapter 9 Mr. Graves?
ice.
20 min left
“Sweet! Hey, if you ever come across more heat like this, I’ll hook you up with better prices,” he grinned.
Next time?
Kaia shook her head firmly. “There won’t be a next time.”
Since the store wasn’t some sketchy back–alley joint, Kaia managed to snag a parking space right by a restaurant.
But walking back to her little red ride, she spotted a nasty dent in the door.
Someone left a note on the windshield: [Sorry, my driver dinged your car. No contact info on your ride. Please give me a call when you see this.]
The handwriting was refined and elegant, leading Kaia to guess that it was written by a man.
Without missing a beat, she dialed those digits. When that deep, butter–smooth voice hit her with a “Hello,” Kaia’s whole body went into shock mode like she’d just touched a live wire.
That voice–she’d know it anywhere. Calm, controlled, unmistakable.
Kaia’s eyes went wide. “Mr. Graves?”
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Chapter 9 Mr. Graves?
Lucien took a beat on the other end. “Kaia?”
Then it clicked for him. “Was that red car yours?”
20 min left
Kaia tried playing it cool, forcing a wry smile he couldn’t see. “Yeah, but it’s okay. You don’t have to pay for it. I’ll get it fixed next time I take it in for service.”
“I’m at Whispering Mist Café. See it? Come up to Room Celestial Dew, second floor,” Lucien said, brooking no argument.
Kaia let out a nervous little laugh that hung in the air. “Well… I’d better not come up.”
The line went dead quiet–so quiet she could hear her own heart doing gymnastics.
Then Lucien’s voice dropped low. “So, you want me to come down there and get you?”
Kaia’s brain straight–up stopped working.
After the world’s most awkward pause, she caved. “Fine. I’ll be right up.”
Kaia was clad in a crisp white shirt today, tucked into some light–blue jeans that showed off her slim waist.
Most days, she kept it casual, but for court or client meetings,
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Chapter 9 Mr. Graves?
she’d opt for a more formal look.
20 min left
Following the waiter upstairs, she stopped at Room Celestial
Dew.
Gently pushing open the door, she blurted out, “Mr. Graves.”
Only then did she notice that Lucien was chilling there alone.
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