Chapter 167 Teaching Someone a Lesson at the Birthday Party

Chapter 167 Teaching Someone a Lesson at the Birthday Party
Lia froze for a moment.
"Did Lukas say that himself?"
"Yes."
Suddenly, she asked, "What expression did he have when he said it?"
Erik recalled Lukas' instructions before getting into the car, as well as the look on his face as he spoke. As always, he was dressed sharply, yet a hint of amusement lingered in his eyes.
"Madam, Mr. Müller truly cares for you."
"He cares for me? I know that. Tell me—what was his expression like? Was he excited?"
Erik shook his head. "No."
The light in her eyes dimmed considerably.
Of course. She couldn't expect anything out of character from Lukas, that cold old man—nothing that didn't fit his usual demeanor.
Lia lowered her head and continued to spread jam on her bread. Just as she was about to take a bite, she froze.
She slowly turned her neck and focused her gaze on Erik. "You said earlier that Lukas' things have been moved to my room. That he's going to live with me?"
"Yes."
Was there something wrong with that?
Hadn't he told her from the beginning?
Lia set the bread down, clutching her chest. "What do I do? This is so embarrassing. Now that we're living together, won't he want to do that every night?"
Erik didn't catch Lia's complaint.
With one hand behind his back and his upper body slightly bent forward, he picked up the pitcher of milk from the table and poured some into the cup in front of her.
Starting today, Lukas had officially moved into the master bedroom. Just as Lia had imagined, there were intimate moments every night, followed by her complaints the next morning.
Seeing Lukas looking refreshed made her think that perhaps he was draining all her energy.
During the day, Lia reviewed her lines and memorized a few passages. When she grew tired, she played with Eliza and Luna or tended to the vegetable garden.
Additionally, Lukas arranged for her to have physical training every day.
Harkön watched from the sidelines. His hand was nearly healed—thanks to prompt treatment and Amara's exceptional medical skills, there would be no serious aftereffects.
After several days, Lukas returned home with Ober, who delivered over a dozen formal gowns for her to choose from.
Only then did she remember Niklas' old friend's grandson's birthday.
What was the family name again?
The Johnsons, it seemed.
They resided in Bonn—not among the highest-ranking aristocracy, but a family steeped in cultural heritage with a scholarly lineage spanning centuries. Their mayor, Daniel Johnson, was the son of Marcus Johnson, the family patriarch.
Initially, Lia hadn't thought much of the surname, but upon reflection, a name surfaced in her mind automatically.
Jan.
In her past life, Jan had used the Johnson family's background and influence, along with fraudulent schemes, to gain significant benefits from Xaver. Step by step, he absorbed the Wagner Group, and, in the end, he registered it under the Johnson family's assets through a clever trick.
That was how he gradually established himself within the Johnson family.
What if she could cut off his strongest support before Jan gained the upper hand?
Lia tapped her chin, admiring her reflection in the mirror as she surveyed the exquisite gowns nearby.
It was Marcus' grandson's birthday. Rumor had it that the child's father was Daniel, the eldest son of the Johnson family, who doted on the boy. The birthday party had invited every notable figure in Bonn.
Beyond celebrating the birthday, Lia's goal was to meet the Johnson family's second son.
He was the true power behind the Johnson family.
Early that morning, Eliza was still half-asleep when something prickly tickled her nostrils and ears, scratching her awake.
Opening her eyes, Eliza found Lia perched on the bedside, and she was staring at her.
"Shit! What are you doing ?!"
Lia brushed aside Eliza’s pushing hands, pinned her down firmly, and leaned in closer.
Her voice brimmed with excitement. “Eliza, look at me! See what’s different about me today?”
Eliza felt annoyed. “Lia, I just woke up. The first thing I see are your big eyes. Now you want me to spot something different? You look the same every day!”
“No, look again.”
Eliza immediately struggled but couldn't break free from Lia's grip.
The last bit of sleepiness was gone as she couldn't help but be surprised. "How come you're so strong?"
"Am I?"
Lia lowered her head, glanced down, and withdrew her hands.
She persisted in her teasing. "I'm so excited today that my face is flushed. Can you tell?"
Eliza sat up, flicked her hair back, and licked her lips impatiently. Then she fixed her gaze on Lia and let out a snort.
Then, instantly, Eliza's expression changed. "Wow! You really are flushed! You look so radiant. What's up? Did something good happen?"
The words barely left her mouth before she rolled her eyes.
Lia didn't care at all. She blurted out everything she'd been holding back. "I'm going to Daniel's son's birthday party with Lukas today. And I'm going to teach a few people a lesson."
"Oh."
“You should come with me. You've been cooped up at home for days. Oh, and Sinan will be there tonight, too!"
Eliza's hand, which had been tucking her hair behind her ear, paused. Her lowered eyes held a vague, indistinct expression.
Lia missed these subtle details as she teased Eliza, tugging her hand. “Smell yourself—don't you hate it? It's the perfect chance to get out and relax.”
“Lia.”
Eliza spoke softly, her voice sounding slightly dry.
She slowly lifted her face.
That single glance made the smile vanish instantly from Lia's face.
"What's wrong?"
"I won't be going. You and Lukas should go together."
"Why not? It's just going out to grab a bite, then coming back."
"No."
Eliza pulled her hand away from Lia's grasp.
Her other hand rested lightly on Lia's wrist, her fingers tightening with unexpected force.
She turned to lie down.
Lia yanked her upright. "No, you have to come with me. I'm afraid you'll get sick if you stay home."
Eliza kept her head down. "At first, I couldn't understand how Sinan could be so heartless as to abandon me. Later, I realized..."
Those at the top of the power structure never have clean hands.
Eliza had never seen Sinan kill someone, but she had smelled blood on him.
She would never forget that night.
In the middle of the night, she went downstairs to get a drink and saw a small light on in the kitchen.
Eliza wore slippers; her footsteps echoed in the empty house.
Before she reached the kitchen, a figure suddenly darted out.
Outside, lightning flashed and thunder rolled.
When the man’s eyes met hers, she was utterly stunned.
Eliza froze for a moment before recognizing the man who looked like death itself. "S-Sinan?"