Chapter 161
Reginald's slender fingers lightly tapped the armrest as he began deciphering the code.
Time passed slowly. After more than ten minutes, the final layer of encryption was broken. The message content appeared.
[Felix, the crystal structure data you submitted last time has been verified. The National Academy of Sciences hopes you can confirm the final experimental plan as soon as possible.]
[Additionally, the quantum computing project team has completed preliminary construction according to your paper's framework. Awaiting your next instructions.]
Reginald looked at the screen. The last trace of uncertainty in his eyes completely vanished.
Lucinda was Felix.
He turned his head to look at the sleeping girl beside him and suddenly let out a low laugh.
Back when he'd been repeatedly studying Felix's legendary paper in his study, he never could have imagined the author was lying right beside him, asleep.
Just then, Lucinda's lashes fluttered lightly. She slowly opened her eyes.
Still a little dazed from sleep, she then noticed her phone was lit up—and Reginald's expression clearly showed he'd already read everything.
Lucinda fell silent.
She snatched the phone back. "Reginald, who gave you permission to look at my phone?"
Reginald touched his nose, looking unusually guilty. "It lit up on its own."
"So you just looked because it lit up?"
"Couldn't help it."
Lucinda was silent.
She lowered her head and quickly scanned the messages, her fingers flying as she replied with several encrypted responses. Only after handling work did she look up again.
The moment she did, he pulled her into his arms.
"What are you doing?"
Reginald held her, his voice laced with amusement. "So it really is you."
Lucinda's heart skipped. "You decrypted it?"
"I did." Reginald looked down at her, emotions churning in his eyes. "I suspected it before. Now I've just confirmed it."
Lucinda fell silent.
She didn't know whether to be more speechless about him breaking her encryption or about the fact that he'd been suspecting her all along.
Reginald looked at her and suddenly spoke. "Fifteen percent of the Lancaster Group's scientific research division."
Lucinda froze. "What?"
"It's yours." Reginald's tone was casual. "From now on, all research institutes under the Lancaster Group are under your management."
Lucinda was silent.
Shares worth hundreds of billions—just like that?
She finally realized that Reginald's gift-giving was getting more and more absurd.
Just then, the plane's announcement sounded, indicating they'd be landing soon.
Reginald smoothly took her hand. "Also, after we land, come home with me."
Lucinda immediately grew wary. "Your home?"
"Yes." Reginald's expression was natural. "My father knows you're coming back today."
Lucinda had an ominous feeling. "And then?"
Reginald's lips curved slightly. "Since last night, he's called me over a dozen times. He said he's already arranged everything—doubled the private chef team, had a batch of wine airlifted from a French vineyard, got the freshest beef from an Australian ranch, and even brought out that bottle from his collection he's usually too stingy to open."
Lucinda was silent.
Reginald continued. "This morning, he had the kitchen redo the menu three times. By now, the entire Lancaster family knows the future daughter-in-law is coming home for dinner."
Lucinda was silent.
She could already picture it.
Hayden sitting in the living room, checking the time while urging the butler: "Change that fish to deep-sea air freight."
"Rearrange the flowers."
"Replace the tableware with new ones. Oh, and tidy up Reginald's room."
At that thought, Lucinda suddenly felt a headache coming on. "Is it too late to refuse now?"
Reginald chuckled softly. "No. Father's been waiting for days."
He paused, warmth flickering in his eyes. "And he really does like you."
Lucinda froze slightly. Reginald tightened his grip on her hand. "From the first time he met you, he's already considered you his daughter-in-law. If he knew you agreed to come home for dinner, he's probably waiting at the Lancaster Estate gates right now."
Lucinda was silent.
That really didn't help.
She suddenly felt that facing Hayden was even more stressful than facing Black Wolf Crew.
Watching her helpless expression, Reginald finally couldn't hold back a laugh.
The atmosphere in the cabin lightened considerably.
At the same time, at the Lancaster Estate.
The entire estate was brightly lit. Servants hurried back and forth. Anyone who didn't know better would think today was some important holiday.
In the kitchen, over a dozen top chefs were working simultaneously. The air was filled with the aroma of various dishes.
When Niamh wandered into the kitchen with her hands behind her back, she was nearly startled by the scene before her.
She stood at the door for a long time, then circled the prep table. The more she looked, the deeper her frown became. Finally, she couldn't help but ask a nearby chef, "Where's the cream pasta?"
The chef blinked. "Miss, there isn't any."
Niamh asked again. "What about the truffle lobster?"
"That's not on the menu either."
"Then what about my favorite apple tart?"
"We didn't plan for that today."
Niamh fell silent.
She was completely unhappy now.
Every time she came home before, the kitchen made almost everything she loved. Why wasn't there a single one today?
Niamh glanced inside again.
King crab, bluefin tuna, air-freighted French foie gras, and a pile of high-end ingredients she couldn't even name.
They looked expensive, sure. But she didn't like any of them!
Niamh stamped her foot, turned around on the spot, and marched straight off to find the culprit.
In the study, Hayden was wearing his glasses and studying the menu.
One moment he thought there weren't enough desserts. The next, he felt the fruit pairings weren't perfect. The butler beside him was already drenched in sweat from being run ragged.
Just then, the study door was pushed open. Niamh stormed in, puffed up with indignation. "Dad!"
Hayden looked up. Seeing his precious daughter home, his face immediately broke into a smile. "You're back? Perfect. Take a look at the menu and see if there's anything else that needs adjusting."
Niamh grabbed the menu. The more she read, the darker her face became. "Dad, why are we making so many dishes today?"
Hayden said matter-of-factly, "We're having a guest for dinner."
"Who?"
Hayden's eyes and brows carried a smile. "Your future sister-in-law."
Niamh froze instantly. "Who?"
"Your future sister-in-law." Hayden repeated it again, his voice even carrying a trace of pride. "The two of them have been busy outside for so many days. Now that they're finally back, of course we have to treat her to a proper meal."
Silence.
Two seconds later, Niamh's head buzzed.
Future sister-in-law? Her brother?
That brother of hers who valued work more than life itself—the one who'd freeze any woman who got too close? He had a girlfriend?