Chapter 53

I was just about to leave the office when I received a call from my mother.

Thirty minutes later, I walked into the restaurant, surprised to find my mother with Lucas seated beside her. He was impeccably dressed as always in a navy suit that accentuated his scholarly features. Taking a deep breath, I made my way toward their table.

"Jane!" My mother rose to greet me with a kiss on each cheek. "You look exhausted. Haven't you been sleeping properly?"

"I'm fine, Mom," I replied, leaning in to return her embrace.

Lucas stood politely, pulling out the chair across from my mother. "Jane, it's good to see you outside the office."

I had intended to sit next to my mother, but she swiftly placed her purse on that chair. "Sit across from me, dear. I want to see your face while we talk."

Reluctantly, I took the seat beside Lucas, uncomfortably aware of his proximity. A waiter appeared immediately, filling my glass with red wine.

"Have you made any progress today?" Lucas asked in a hushed tone meant only for my ears.

I shook my head, taking a much-needed sip of wine. "Nothing concrete. The mastermind behind all this remains in the shadows, pulling strings I can't quite identify yet."

My mother's face creased with concern. "Do you think your father's charges can be dismissed?"

"I'm working on it, Mom," I assured her, reaching across to squeeze her hand. "I won't rest until Dad is cleared."

"I'm here if you need anything," Lucas offered sincerely. "The firm's resources are entirely at your disposal."

I nodded gratefully, though uncertain what help I might require from him. My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar presence entering the restaurant.

Hunter, dressed in an immaculate charcoal gray suit that highlighted his broad shoulders, walked in with Mike. His cool gaze swept across the room, briefly passing over our table before moving on without acknowledgment.

I felt my breath catch and gave a small cough to mask my reaction. With my mother present, I wondered if greeting Hunter would affect her mood.

"Are you alright?" Lucas asked immediately, concern evident in his voice.

"Just fine," I replied, taking another sip of wine to soothe my suddenly dry throat.

The waiter arrived with our first course, a steamed fish that looked delicious. Lucas immediately picked up his chopsticks and selected a choice piece, placing it on my plate.

"You need to maintain your strength," he said softly. "Don't push yourself too hard. Your father needs you healthy and clear-headed."

I felt a flicker of discomfort, keenly aware that Hunter might observe this intimate gesture. "Thank you, but I can serve myself," I replied, perhaps more sharply than intended.

My mother beamed at Lucas's attentiveness. "Jane, don't be rude. Serve Lucas something as well. Relationships require mutual effort."

"I don't even know what he likes," I protested weakly.

Lucas's eyes crinkled warmly. "Anything you choose, I'll appreciate."

Glancing quickly at Hunter's table, I noticed he was engaged in conversation with Mike and not looking our way. I hastily picked up my chopsticks and placed some green vegetables on Lucas's plate.

He chuckled softly. "Are you suggesting I need to eat healthier? Am I getting fat?"

"No, of course not," I replied, feeling warmth rise to my cheeks. As I looked up, I accidentally caught Hunter's cool gaze from across the room. My stomach twisted with embarrassment as I quickly averted my eyes.

"Attorney James," Mike's voice suddenly came from behind me. He and Hunter had approached our table, though Hunter maintained a careful distance.

"Mike," I acknowledged with a nod, avoiding direct eye contact with Hunter.

"This must be the legendary Lucas Sullivan," Mike continued, his tone verging on gossip. "The office is buzzing about you two. If you're actually a couple, doesn't that make Hunter the 'third wheel' in this scenario?"

An uncomfortable silence descended over the table. Hunter's expression darkened as he cut Mike off with a sharp "Enough."

My mother, oblivious to the tension, sighed wistfully. "If William weren't in this terrible situation, I'd be planning your wedding already," she said, patting Lucas's arm while looking at me meaningfully.

I nearly choked on my wine. "Mom! Let's change the subject," I said hurriedly, making a mental note to explain the truth about my relationship with Lucas when we were alone. Despite our close professional relationship and his obvious feelings for me, we weren't romantically involved.

Mike, undeterred, continued with a mischievous grin. "I envy you, Jane. Working with your handsome boss by day, entertaining yourself with Hunter by night. Two gorgeous men at your disposal."

I didn't dare look at Hunter, but I could feel the temperature around him plummet several degrees.

After dinner, as we were preparing to leave, my mother finally noticed Hunter standing nearby. Her eyes brightened with recognition.

"Isn't that the attorney who helped me at the shopping center? I should thank him properly," she said, beginning to move in his direction.

Lucas quickly placed a hand on her arm. "Actually, Rebecca, I should mention that Hunter Huxley is now representing Lucy James. It might be best to maintain professional distance."

I shot Lucas an annoyed glance, though his information was accurate, the timing felt calculated.

My mother's expression fell. "He's representing Lucy? Against William?" She looked between Lucas and me for confirmation.

I nodded reluctantly. "He recently accepted her case."

"Oh," my mother said, disappointment evident in her voice. "Well, I suppose I'll just forget about that shopping center incident then." She gathered her purse and stood. "Jane, call me tomorrow, will you? I want updates on your father's case."

As she walked away, I was left with a complicated mix of emotions—concern for my father's case, frustration with Lucas's possessiveness, and worry about how Hunter's professional decision to represent my aunt might affect whatever fragile connection existed between us.

Before leaving, I cast one final glance at Hunter. His expression revealed nothing, but his eyes followed me until I walked out the door.