Chapter 60
Lucinda leaned against the door, arms crossed, watching it remain stubbornly shut. A slow smile curved her lips. "Where's the key?"
Reginald sat on the bed, shirt still hanging open, his abs on full display.
He spread his hands, the picture of innocence. "I didn't lock it. Why would I have a key?"
"It's your house. You don't have a key?"
"Dad changed the locks." Reginald's tone was perfectly righteous. "Specifically to keep me out."
Lucinda turned her head to look at him.
There he sat, eight-pack abs proudly exposed, wearing an expression that said "I'm a victim here too".
She looked away and studied the lock.
Standard mechanical lock. Someone had used a key to lock it from the outside—couldn't be opened from inside.
She pulled a black bobby pin from her hair, straightened it, and inserted it into the keyhole.
Reginald's eyes widened slightly.
He watched her tilt her head, press her ear against the door, and gently rotate the pin with practiced fingers.
A few seconds later, there was a soft click. The door swung open.
Lucinda removed the pin, clipped it back in her hair, pulled the door open, and glanced back at him. "I'm getting water."
In the hallway outside, Hayden was hunched over with his ear pressed against the wall, Chase crouched beside him. Both were eavesdropping.
The door suddenly opened. Lucinda stood in the doorway, looking down at them.
Hayden's body went rigid. His expression cycled from focused to embarrassed, from embarrassed to guilty, and finally to a look that said "I didn't do anything, don't look at me".
Chase had already straightened up, pretending to dust the wall.
"Mr. Lancaster, what are you doing here?" Lucinda's voice was perfectly calm.
Hayden slowly straightened, clearing his throat with forced casualness. "I... was passing by. Chase said the wallpaper on this wall was peeling. I came to check. Right, Chase?"
"Yes." Chase nodded vigorously. "The wallpaper's peeling. I'll have someone fix it tomorrow."
Lucinda looked at them, silent for a beat. She didn't call them out. "I'm getting water."
She headed downstairs, her pace unhurried.
Hayden watched her disappear around the stairwell, then turned to Chase and lowered his voice. "How did she get out?"
Chase looked equally baffled. "No idea. I definitely locked three—"
"Three locks couldn't stop her?" Hayden's eyes widened, then he suddenly laughed. "This girl's something else. I like her."
When Lucinda returned with the water glass, Reginald had buttoned his shirt and was sitting obediently on the bed.
She handed him the glass. He took it and drank, his gaze never leaving her.
"Done." He set the empty glass on the nightstand and looked at her.
"Good." Lucinda picked up her bag. "Your injury's fine now. I should head home."
Reginald's face instantly fell. "You're really leaving?"
"Yes."
"See you tomorrow?"
"See you tomorrow."
Reginald sighed and stood, following her to the door.
At the threshold, he suddenly reached out, caught her wrist, pulled her back, and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
"Good night." His voice was low.
Lucinda froze for a moment, touched her forehead, shot him a mock-glare, said nothing, and headed downstairs.
In the living room, Hayden was sitting on the sofa drinking tea. When he saw Lucinda coming down, he immediately set down his cup and stood, his face breaking into a smile.
"Lucinda, leaving already?"
"Yes, thank you for your hospitality. I should get going."
"So soon?" Hayden's voice was thick with reluctance. He turned to Chase. "Chase, is the new car ready?"
"Ready. It's parked out front."
Hayden led Lucinda outside. A brand-new white Porsche sat at the entrance, a red bow tied on the hood like a giant birthday present.
"This is...?" Lucinda's brow twitched slightly.
"A car for you." Hayden's tone was matter-of-fact. "Your car got damaged here. It's only right I replace it. Otherwise, I won't be able to sleep tonight."
"My car just needs repairs—"
"Repairs, nothing." Hayden's face grew stern. "Once I give something, I never take it back. If you don't accept it, I'll have Chase drive it away right now, and don't bother visiting me again."
Lucinda looked at him, then at the gleaming new Porsche.
She sighed and took the keys Chase held out. "Then I'll accept it. Thank you."
Hayden finally smiled with satisfaction. Reginald came up from behind and naturally took the keys from Lucinda's hand. "I'll drive you."
"You're injured." Lucinda looked at him.
"I'm fine now." Reginald's tone was dismissive, as if the person lying on the bed groaning in pain earlier wasn't him at all.
Lucinda gave him a leisurely look. "Really fine?"
Reginald felt a twinge of guilt under that gaze. He looked away and cleared his throat. "My back hurts a little, but my hands are fine. Driving's no problem."
Lucinda said nothing more and slid into the passenger seat.
Reginald started the engine. The white Porsche rolled smoothly through the Lancaster Estate gates.
Hayden stood at the entrance, watching the taillights disappear into the night. He didn't look away for a long time.
"Chase."
"Yes?"
"When do you think Reginald will actually marry that girl?"
Chase considered this. "That depends... on his progress."
"His progress is too slow." Hayden shook his head, his tone tinged with exasperation. "First the necklace, then the hotel—she won't take any of it. Tonight she finally comes over, and he's letting her drive herself home. If I hadn't locked that door, he wouldn't have even gotten close to her."
Chase wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Mr. Lancaster is wise."
Hayden turned back toward the house. After two steps, he stopped. "Oh, and tomorrow, prepare a generous gift and send it to the Douglas family. Consider it... a greeting gift for Lucinda. Get the best. Don't let them think the Lancaster family is cheap."
"Understood."
"Also." Hayden thought for a moment. "Look into whether any promising young men are pursuing her lately. Reginald's dragging his feet. If someone else swoops in, who am I supposed to cry to?"
Chase's mouth twitched. "Mr. Reginald Lancaster won't be happy if he finds out—"
Hayden snorted. "What good does his unhappiness do? If someone else wins her over, I'll make him kneel in the black room!"
Chase lowered his head, suppressing a laugh.
Hayden clasped his hands behind his back and strolled leisurely inside, still muttering. "A girl this wonderful. If he doesn't seal the deal, I'll go myself—"
"Mr. Lancaster!" Chase nearly jumped.
"I meant adopt her as a daughter." Hayden shot him a look. "Where's your mind at?"
Chase relaxed and hurried to follow.
The night breeze swept through the Lancaster Estate grounds. In the garden, roses swayed gently in the moonlight, their fragrance drifting on the wind.
Hayden's voice floated out from inside. "Chase, what do you think—if I start decorating the wedding suite now, is that too soon?"
Chase was silent for a moment. "Mr. Hayden Lancaster, Mrs. Lancaster hasn't agreed to marry Mr. Reginald Lancaster yet."
"It's only a matter of time." Hayden was brimming with confidence. "My daughter-in-law isn't getting away."