Chapter 205
Xavier Obelon was the newly appointed CEO of the Obelon Group, a company in direct commercial competition with the Lancaster Group.
At those words, Reginald's expression darkened. He released his grip. The man dropped like a stone into the water, choking and sputtering as he scrambled toward shore.
Reginald straightened and turned back to Lucinda.
She was still sitting there, arms wrapped around her knees, expression calm.
He walked over, crouched in front of her, and softened his voice. "Scared?"
Lucinda shook her head. "No."
"Really?"
"Really." She paused, then thought of something and said earnestly, "But those moves you pulled just now were pretty cool."
Reginald blinked, then laughed. "You still have the mind to critique me?"
"What's wrong with a critique?" Lucinda pursed her lips, then looked up at him. "They said they wanted your life. Weren't you scared?"
Reginald looked at her and suddenly smiled. "I was."
She raised a brow, clearly skeptical.
Reginald—afraid?
"I was afraid they'd scare you."
With that, he reached out and lifted her from the boat.
Lucinda's heart fluttered at his words. She didn't resist, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Reginald carried her to shore with one arm and started walking.
His assistant was already waiting at the edge with a team. "Mr. Lancaster, the three men have been subdued."
Reginald nodded without stopping, continuing forward with her in his arms.
The assistant followed behind, sneaking a glance at Lucinda.
The girl rested quietly in Reginald's embrace, her expression unnervingly calm—like she was taking a stroll through the park.
The assistant silently looked away.
No wonder the boss liked her. Unshakable under pressure.
Lucinda buried her face deeper into Reginald's chest.
More and more eyes turned their way.
Passersby stopped in twos and threes, some whispering, others sneaking photos with their phones.
She didn't like being stared at like this, but she couldn't exactly cover her face right now.
She lightly pinched the skin at the back of Reginald's neck with her fingertips. "Put me down."
"No." His voice came from above her. "The sand's hot."
"I'm wearing shoes."
"Your soles are thin."
She glanced down at the oversized men's sandals he'd forced onto her feet earlier.
They were his, soft-soled and thick. They really didn't feel hot.
"Then I can walk on my own—"
"No." He cut her off, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "You just got scared. Your legs will be weak."
"I wasn't scared."
"I know." He looked down at her, lips curving slightly. "But I want to hold you."
Lucinda met his gaze for a moment, froze, then looked away.
She didn't say anything more, but her arms tightened slightly around his neck.
Just then, two girls nearby let out muffled squeals.
"Oh my God, look at that guy—he's so hot—"
"The girl he's carrying is gorgeous too... they're so perfect together..."
"They came from the water park. Their clothes are all wet. So hot..."
Reginald acted like he hadn't heard a thing. His steps remained steady.
Lucinda, however, caught every word. The faint blush on her ears deepened.
"Did you hear that?" Lucinda asked.
"I did." He said, "They said I'm hot."
When they reached the changing area, Reginald set her down on a bench near the entrance. He bent down, slipped the oversized sandals off her feet, held his own shoes in one hand, then pulled her sand hand, then pulled her sandals from the waterproof bag and set them beside the bench.
"Your shoes are here. Go change." He crouched in front of the bench, looking up at her. "Just put your wet clothes in the bag. Hand it to me when you come out."
"I can carry it myself."
"You'll have your hands full." He stood and handed her the waterproof bag. "Come find me when you're done. I'll be waiting outside."
Lucinda took the bag and turned toward the changing room.
About ten minutes later, the door opened.
Lucinda had changed into a loose white T-shirt and light blue jeans. Her hair was freshly tied back, clean and refreshed.
The first thing he noticed when she walked out was her bare ankles—slender and delicate, slipping into her sandals, a few faint water marks still clinging to her toenails.
He swallowed and looked away. "Let's go eat. I made a reservation. Twenty-minute drive."
Lucinda nodded. They walked side by side.
Reginald walked on her left, angling the umbrella just enough to keep her completely in the shade.
Two middle-aged women passing by slowed their steps, eyes following his back.
"That guy... doesn't he look familiar? Like I've seen him on TV?"
"Now that you mention it, I think so too. Wasn't he on that financial channel last time... what was his name again..."
"Lancaster? From the Lancaster Group?"
"No way. Why would someone like that be at a water park..."
Their voices faded into the distance.
Reginald acted like he hadn't heard a thing. His steps didn't slow. Lucinda glanced at him. "They recognized you."
"Yes." He looked down at her. "They probably recognize you now too."
She didn't respond, but her face turned a little redder.
The restaurant Reginald had reserved was tucked into a quiet alley near the water park. The storefront was small, and the food came out quickly.
By the time they finished lunch and stepped outside, the sun had climbed to its peak. Heat shimmered up from the pavement, making sweat bead instantly on skin.
"Where to this afternoon?" Lucinda asked.
"Rest first." Reginald opened the passenger door. "I booked a suite. You should nap for a bit. There's a private auction tonight. I'll take you. Last month they had some nice pieces. Bid on whatever you want."
Lucinda bent to get in, pausing mid-buckle. "You planned the whole evening too?"
"Yes."
He nodded, getting in on the other side. "I asked Fiona ahead of time. She said you don't have meetings tomorrow morning."
"...You know my schedule better than I do."
"As I should."
The presidential suite was on the top floor of a hotel in the east part of the city.
The entire floor was a single room. The foyer was spacious, and floor-to-ceiling windows framed the entire Starlight City skyline. The view was unobstructed.
Lucinda changed into slippers and walked in, turning in a circle, her gaze sweeping from the bedroom to the living room and back to the windows.
Reginald followed behind her, carrying her bag. "The sheets are fresh. There are two pillows—one soft, one firm. Pick whichever you like."
He set the bag on the living room sofa and turned toward the door. "I'll close the door behind me. Lock it from the inside."
"Where are you going?"
"Downstairs."
"You're not waiting in the suite?"
He glanced back at her, a faint smile on his lips. "I'm afraid you won't be able to sleep if I'm here."
Lucinda didn't argue.
Reginald walked to the door, pushed it open, then paused.
He turned back, walked over to her, bent down, and took her right hand. He lifted it gently and pressed his lips to the back of her hand in the lightest of kisses.
"Sleep. I'll come get you when it's time."
He let go of her hand, turned, and walked out.