Chapter 36
Outside the main entrance of the mall, Allegra stood on tiptoe, holding Marshall's arm, looking around expectantly.
She scanned the crowd for a long time but saw nothing.
Security said the mall owner had already left through the back exit. They hadn't caught even a glimpse.
"Forget it." Marshall's expression soured. "We'll try another time."
Allegra nodded obediently. Just as she was about to turn and leave, her peripheral vision caught movement at the side passageway exit.
A man emerged—tall and commanding, broad-shouldered and long-legged. Just standing there, he radiated an overwhelming presence impossible to ignore.
His features were sharp and striking, his profile chiseled as if carved by a blade. Everything about him exuded the bearing of someone who'd long held power.
Allegra's breath caught.
She'd met plenty of wealthy people.
Marshall was considered handsome and refined in Seaside City, but compared to this man? Marshall was like a star standing next to the moon—instantly dimmed.
How could anyone have such a commanding aura and be this good-looking?
Her gaze clung to him, unable to look away.
Then she saw him turn slightly, one hand held protectively behind him—like he was waiting for someone.
A moment later, a young woman in a light blue blouse stepped out from the doorway, long hair draped over her shoulders, her pace unhurried.
Allegra's pupils contracted sharply.
It was Lucinda.
The man looked down at Lucinda, his lips curving slightly. His hand moved naturally to shield her side as he led her toward the parking area.
His movements were gentle—like he was protecting something precious.
Allegra stood frozen, her fingers digging into Marshall's arm, nails sinking through his sleeve.
Marshall frowned at the pressure. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing... nothing." Allegra pulled her gaze away, her voice dry.
Who was that man? Why was he treating Lucinda so well?
She bit her lip, forcing down the bitterness and jealousy rising in her chest.
What did Lucinda have that she didn't?
Then again, Allegra's mood lifted.
So what if that man was good-looking?
Dressed all fancy—he was probably just mall security. Security and janitorial staff—a perfect match.
That was all Lucinda was good for now. Without the Wipere family, she could only find this kind of trash.
Allegra tightened her grip on Marshall's arm, her face resuming its sweet smile. "Marshall, let's go. We still need to find a way to contact the Lancaster family."
Marshall withdrew his gaze and nodded.
Before they left, Allegra glanced back at the now-empty passageway. Her lips curved upward, eyes filled with contempt.
An hour later, the Maybach stopped at the corner near the Douglas Estate.
The same spot as last time—some distance from the main gate. The dim streetlight stretched their shadows long across the pavement.
"We're here."
Lucinda reached for her seatbelt.
"Wait." Reginald's voice came from beside her.
"This weekend—don't forget."
His voice was low, carrying a hint of uncertainty.
"I won't forget." Lucinda's tone was calm.
Reginald looked into her eyes, confirming she wasn't just brushing him off. Only then did he turn to retrieve something from the back seat—a bouquet of flowers—and held it out to her.
A bundle of white daisies tied with a light green satin ribbon. Water droplets still clung to the petals, fresh as if they'd just been cut from a garden.
"Saw them on the way. Thought you'd like them." His tone was casual, but his eyes held a trace of anticipation.
Lucinda looked down at the flowers and stayed silent for a moment.
Then she reached out, took them, and cradled them in her arms. The scent of daisies was faint, mingling with the subtle bitterness of green leaves.
"Thank you."
Reginald's lips curved upward.
He opened his door, got out, walked around to her side, and opened her door.
Lucinda stepped out, holding the flowers, and stood before him.
He looked at her, his gaze tender. "This weekend, noon, La Perle Blanche. I've got it."
"Okay."
"Don't stand me up."
"I won't."
"Then I—"
"You should go now." Lucinda interrupted him, a note of helplessness in her tone.
Reginald looked at her expression—the one that said 'Aren't you done yet?'—and smiled. But he didn't move.
He watched her for two more seconds, as if confirming something, before finally stepping back and clearing the path for her.
Lucinda turned and walked toward the estate. After a few steps, she suddenly stopped.
She turned back. He was still standing there, his dark coat catching the night breeze at one corner, the streetlight casting a warm glow over his shoulders. He stood bathed in soft amber light.
Lucinda shook her head helplessly.
Why was he so clingy?
She withdrew her gaze and continued walking forward.
His eyes followed her the entire way. She didn't turn around again, her pace steady, the daisies cradled in her arms.
Reginald stood in place, watching her figure disappear around the corner at the estate gates.
The gate closed. Light spilled over the top of the walls, blurring into the night mist.
He didn't move. His gaze remained fixed in that direction.
The driver pulled the car up and stopped by the curb, rolling down the window. "Mr. Lancaster?"
"Wait a little longer." His voice was quiet.
He stood there for another two minutes, confirming that silhouette wouldn't reappear, before finally turning toward the car.
After a couple of steps, he turned back for one more look.
The estate gate stood closed and silent, as if nothing had happened at all.
He got into the car, leaned back against the seat, his lips curving slightly. He said to the driver, "Let's go."
The car slowly pulled away.
In the shadows, Dahlia stood hidden behind the estate wall, her fingers clenched tightly around her phone, knuckles bone-white.
She'd returned late tonight. Just as she reached the entrance, she'd seen that car parked at the corner.
Instinctively, she'd ducked behind a tree. Then she saw Reginald get out, walk around to the other side to open the door, saw Lucinda step out holding flowers, saw Reginald look at her and smile.
That kind of smile—she'd never seen it before.
The Reginald who was cold to everyone, who looked at Lucinda with eyes so gentle it was surreal.
She watched Reginald stand beneath the streetlight. Watched Lucinda walk through the gate. Watched him remain rooted in place, unwilling to leave.
She watched that tall figure stand in the night breeze for a long time before finally turning to get into the car.
Dahlia stepped out from the shadows and stood where Reginald had just been, looking down at the tire marks pressed into the ground.
Her eyes instantly reddened.
She lifted her head, staring at the lit window of Lucinda's room, a thick, unshakable hatred churning in her gaze.
She wouldn't let this go.
Lucinda had only just returned—what right did she have to take everything?
She would take back everything that belonged to her.
The engagement. The Lancaster family. Reginald. She'd take it all back.
She took a deep breath, straightened her spine, and turned toward the estate, her heels clicking steadily against the ground with every step.