Chapter 157 Lia Climbs the Tree

Chapter 157 Lia Climbs the Tree
Kai is safe and sound. He is able to run a company on his own and has been entrusted with full authority over the Hollywood division. During the competition for the family leadership position, Kai believed he lacked the capability and voluntarily stepped aside early on, which is why he is in this position now.
Moreover, he stood by Lukas' side throughout.
Additionally, they share the same mother.
The same applies to the previous Müller family patriarch.
Both are the sons of the current Mrs. Müller. Yet, during the power struggle, the previous patriarch played every card in his hand to confront Lukas.
He was utterly defeated and is now confined to a wheelchair, paralyzed from the waist down and living a life of depression.
Outsiders say Lukas is ruthless. Yet, in certain respects, he isn't that ruthless.
At least Kai remained intact.
At least the eldest Müller son retained his life.
Lukas has always had emotions; growing up as a cold machine just dulled them.
They all pamper the mistress because she transformed Lukas' character.
"You're staying at Stilles Haus to protect the lady. This is an order and a mission. Even if she is slightly harmed, I'll hold you accountable."
Mason summoned his coach's authority, leaving Luna utterly stunned.
But Luna was called a brat precisely because she wouldn't listen.
"No, I'm going with you! So what if it's dangerous? I'll fight off anyone who comes near!"
"You audacious little brat!"
Mason bent his arm and tapped her forehead, suddenly flaring up. "You won't even listen to me?"
She could argue about anything else, but when Mason adopted his coach persona, Luna didn't dare protest further.
She pouted. "Fine. I'll protect the lady. Not even a mosquito will get near her."
Mason chuckled softly, a mischievous grin curling his lips.
Sam's cool voice came from behind them. “You go ahead. I've got things to wrap up. I'll join you in a fortnight."
"Alright. You can keep an eye on Luna while I'm gone."
Luna's eyes widened. She immediately carried the dessert over and sat down beside Sam. "Thank you for looking after me, Uncle Sam."
Sam frowned. "I told you not to call me 'Uncle.'"
“Then what should I call you?” Luna tilted her head, her expression innocent.
Sam's expression darkened further. "Call me Uncle."
"Okay, Uncle Sam! Mr. Mason isn't here, so you have to make sure I woundn’t get hungry.”
Hearing this, Sam paused, his hand still wiping the twin daggers.
Luna immediately backtracked. "I...I can handle going to the bathroom myself. But food and drink...”
She glanced at Sam's icy expression, her gaze drifting toward Erik.
For some reason, he suddenly seemed towering to her, as warm as a mother.
She turned to ask Mason. “Mr. Mason, did you entrust me to the wrong person? Having Uncle Erik handle my meals and drinks would be much more reliable."
This little dumpling.
He had entrusted her to Sam because Sam's combat prowess was closest to Lukas', ensuring her safety.
On the surface, Sam was to protect Lia, but if she were in danger, he would definitely step in.
Mason had specifically mentioned that Sam would ensure Luna's safety.
Fuming, he jabbed his finger at Luna's head. "All you ever think about is food!"
She dodged him, feeling indignant and convinced she hadn't done anything wrong.
Her expression was enough to infuriate anyone. Mason couldn't be bothered to argue further.
Erik smiled. "If you need anything, just come to me. You grew up here. I've never seen you look uncomfortable. I don't think I need to tell you anything. You'll..."
He glanced at Mason with a smile. "…live well after leaving your coach."
Luna latched onto the words "live well," and for some reason, a smug look spread across her face.
"Butler Erik!"
A figure came running from the distance.
Before reaching them, the person spotted Erik and screamed. Their face contorted as if they had seen a demon. “Butler Erik, help me!”
Erik had just stopped leaning against the railing when a dark shadow flashed at the corner of his eye.
In the blink of an eye, Sam was no longer where he had been standing.
With lightning speed, he closed the distance to the servant; the short knife in his hand gleamed with a sharp, cold light in the sunlight.
The commotion sent the servant tumbling to the ground.
“Sam, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have disturbed you.”
Sam regarded him coldly. “What is it?”
The servant's eyes darted about. Suddenly grasping the situation, he hurriedly explained, "There's no danger. No one has breached Stilles Haus. It's just...the mistress. She's causing trouble again.”
Sam's gaze grew cold. He sheathed his dagger and turned to walk into the cottage.
Mason set down his cup. "All right, I'll head over to Sinan's first."
He emphasized, "Behave yourself."
Luna wasn't listening to him. She'd already dashed off after Erik.
"Take me there."
The servant scrambled to his feet. Still trembling from Sam's earlier glare, he led the way, explaining, "The lady suddenly climbed a tree and refuses to come down, no matter what."
Erik asked, "Where is Mr. Müller?"
"Mr. Müller... I believe he's in the study.”
"Tell me where the lady is. You go fetch Mr. Müller."
It had been ages since the lady had caused trouble.
But whenever she did, the entire estate went on high alert.
They were more cautious than if enemies were invading.
The bitterness in Lia's heart was indescribable. Early this morning, Lukas had carried her into the bathhouse and tormented her relentlessly from dawn until now.
It was already evening. Only two hours ago, Lukas had finally let her go.
The whole day!
Even meals were taken inside.
She tried to protest and refused to eat, but Lukas forced her to swallow. He practically chewed the food for her before shoving it down her throat.
She was so ashamed of Lukas' punishment that she couldn't even bring herself to tell anyone.
His words echoed relentlessly in her mind when he finally released her: "Want more lessons from me? Just keep taking on more intimate scenes with men." "
No, no...
How could she dare?
Her back ached, her legs were sore, and her mouth still tingled.
In a fit of emotion, she climbed onto the tree trunk and lay there, intending to be alone for a while before climbing down once she had composed herself.
Unexpectedly, she was spotted by the servants.
Within two minutes, a large crowd rushed over and surrounded the base of the tree.
Some carried cushions; others pumped up air mattresses. Several panicked servants pleaded with her.
"Madam, why did you climb up there? It's too dangerous! Please come down.”
"Yes, Madam! If you want to play, we'll find something else for you. Come down.”
"Why don't you try climbing down slowly? We'll catch you."
"The bark is rough and will hurt you. Come down and we'll set up an inflatable castle for you."
"Don't do anything foolish. If Mr. Müller finds out, he'll be heartbroken.”
They were afraid of Mr. Müller.
If anything happened to the mistress, everyone present would be held accountable.
If Lukas lost his temper, they'd be punished.
Back when the mistress constantly defied Lukas, they were often punished alongside her.
Someone had already secretly summoned Dr. Becker. Even if the Mistress' finger was only slightly injured, they would insist that Dr. Becker set it properly.
"Oh, what a lively scene!"
Luna had come with Erik. As soon as they arrived and spotted Lia, Erik hurried over.
She stood at a distance, her hand shielding her eyes as she watched from afar.
Her voice and gaze trembled with excitement.
"Luna."
Suddenly, a voice sounded beside her.