Chapter 48: Catch an Adulterer

Matilde's insistence on bridge games was the only thing keeping Livia from spiraling into insanity.

"I'm really sorry," Livia didn't know how to explain herself.

Lucas shook his head with a chuckle, "I get it. It's pretty much the same story when I go home."

"You're being pressured to date?"

“Yeah.”

Livia let out a soft sigh.

Lucas hesitated, "I'm not sure if I should ask this."

“What?”

"Was that gentleman the other day not your boyfriend?" Lucas quickly added, "If it's an uncomfortable subject, you don't have to answer."

Livia pursed her lips, then smiled, "No, he wasn't."

Lucas frowned slightly, feeling it might be best not to dig deeper.

He didn’t see Livia as someone lacking moral values, and the man doesn't strike him as married. Perhaps they just lacked their parents' approval?

After walking a bit, Lucas's phone rang.

"Excuse me, I need to take this call." He answered and said, "Mom," then listened obediently. It was clear he was trying to be patient, though reluctantly so.

After hanging up, Lucas gave his phone a helpless shake. "That was my mom. As soon as I land tomorrow, I have to go straight to her house."

Livia opened her mouth in surprise, saying with genuine sympathy, "Well, I can only wish you luck then."

Lucas chuckled. "Why?"

"If you succeed, you won't have to worry anymore," Livia said. "Only success can bring some peace."

Lucas nodded in agreement. "I hope your good luck words do the trick."

The city was becoming increasingly crowded by now. Livia glanced at the time. It was rush hour.

Thinking of Lucas's departure tomorrow, she suggested, "You're leaving tomorrow. How about I treat you to some Italian food?"

Lucas pushed up his glasses and replied, "Sure."

Livia looked up restaurant reviews online. "This place has some good ratings, want to give it a shot?"

"Sounds good."

When they arrived at the Italian restaurant, the place was bustling with diners.

Fortunately, there was just a table available for them, and they were seated immediately.

Livia was a bit worried Lucas wouldn't enjoy Italian cuisine, so she ordered some well-loved classics like an Antipasto Platter, Salsiccia, Chicken Parmesan, and Tiramisu.

However, Lucas couldn't stand the strong flavors of garlic and herbs and didn't eat much.

After leaving the restaurant, they hadn't gone far when Lucas found some steps to sit down, his face deathly pale.

"Wait here for a second," Livia said as she hurried to a nearby drugstore and bought some medicine. She handed it to him, saying, "This will make you feel a bit better."

The medicine was bitter, but it relieved his stomach discomfort.

He looked up, his glasses fogged. "I'm sorry for making you take care of me."

Hearing his weak voice, Livia felt guilty, "I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't have taken you for food you don't like."

"It's my fault. It's got nothing to do with you." Lucas was sitting on the steps, hunched over, taking deep breaths.

Livia realized arguing was pointless. "Do you want to go to the hospital?"

"No need. I'll be fine after sitting for a while," Lucas inhaled deeply, and slowly, his complexion started to look better.

He stood up. His stomach was still upset but felt much better than before.

"It's getting late, you should head back," Lucas said. "I'll take a cab to the hotel."

Livia was concerned. "Let me take you to the hotel," worried that he might collapse on the way.

He pressed his lips together and reluctantly accepted. "I appreciate it."

Livia hailed a taxi, helped Lucas in, and followed suit.

Lucas told the driver the name of the hotel, and Livia asked the driver to go slow, fearing the typically fast local drivers would worsen Lucas's condition.

The roads were congested, and the driver was cursing under his breath, but he drove steadily nonetheless.

Livia kept an eye on Lucas's condition. Aside from looking a bit pale, he didn't seem to have any serious issues.

Finally, they arrived at the hotel, and Livia accompanied him inside, not wanting him to falter.

"Maybe you should still see a doctor," Livia expressed her concern.

"I'm much better now, I'll be fine with a night's rest," Lucas leaned against the elevator wall and smiled, trying to reassure Livia, "My stomach would have a tough time qualifying as your son-in-law here."

Livia was amused by his teasing. "Either stop chasing girls around here or get more practice."

"I'll practice with you next time. You can't back out."

"Sure, I'll help you out."

As the elevator doors opened, Lucas almost lost his balance stepping out, but Livia quickly steadied him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Lucas waved it off. "Just suddenly felt a bit light on my feet."

Livia didn't dare let go, supporting him to his room.

After swiping the key card and opening the door, Lucas removed her hand, leaning against the doorway. "This is where we part."

Livia raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It wouldn't be appropriate for you to come in," Lucas said with a smile. "Thanks for all your help today. Next time I come, I'll be stronger than today."

Not quite sure how to respond to his forced light-heartedness, Livia said, "Then rest up, and if you need anything, just call me."

"Will do."

Livia entered the elevator, reflecting on Lucas. She thought he was quite a remarkable man.

'Gentlemanly, charming, and very polite, with great respect for women. He's got everything going for him. No wonder lots of girls probably fall for him.'

Stepping out of the hotel, she took out her phone to hail a ride when she noticed the silver Porsche parked at the entrance and the man standing by it, his eyes gleaming coldly against the sweltering heat of summer.

Angelo leaned against the car, smoking and blowing rings with a devilish charm that was both enticing and dangerous.

Livia had no idea how long he'd been there. Whether he saw her enter the hotel with Lucas or if he had arrived even earlier.

She walked up to him. "What are you doing here?"

Turning his head, Angelo took a drag of his cigarette and exhaled slowly, fixing a casual yet intense stare on her. "Catching an adulterer."