Chapter 93 Tension behind the steam
There was a stunned silence on the other end. Then Lucas let out a bitter laugh. “You’re joking, right?”
“I’m not.” Alex’s tone dropped, calm but firm. “It’s either you resume work today or you forfeit your shares in your dad’s construction company to Benson’s Enterprises. That’s clearly stated in the contract you signed.”
The line went dead quiet as Lucas tried to assimilate what he just heard.
“What?” Lucas whispered, disbelief crashing over him. “You’re blackmailing me?”
“No sweetheart, I’m reminding you of the contract you signed,” Alex replied evenly, though his heart ached against his chest. “You wanted the job offer. It came with the contract and you signed it. You were not forced, you signed the deal willingly. If you walk away now, the clause activates. Benson takes over.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me, baby.”
Lucas’s breathing grew uneven. “That company is my father’s legacy. You know what it means to the family.”
“You know what you mean to me. I love yo…”
“No, you don't love me and I meant nothing to you. If I do, you won't be saying this right now.”
“You're wrong sweetheart. You mean everything to me!” Alex shot back, his voice cracking despite his attempt at control. “You think I’d just watch you throw what we share away because I messed up?”
“This is manipulation, Alex.”
“No my love, this is getting you back. If I let you go, it won’t fix it!” Alex snapped. “You're on duty today. Your station is not occupied. Come back to work or if you still want to leave, we’ll settle it in court. But if I were you, I wouldn't burn down my father’s empire over one mistake the man I love made.”
Lucas swallowed hard. His mind raced, memories of his father, the late nights at construction sites, and the promise he had made to protect the company. And now… this trap.
“You’re cruel, Alex, ” Lucas whispered.
“No, baby,” Alex said softly. “I’m fighting because I will die if you leave me.”
A thick and suffocating silence lingered on the line.
Finally, Lucas spoke, his voice colder now. “Fine, I’ll resume work but don’t think this means there is something between us.”
Alex exhaled slowly, tension flooding out of him though he knew the real battle wasn't over yet. He could feel the anger in Lucas’s voice.
An hour later, Lucas returned to work without bothering to spare Alex a glance. Alex was getting ready to plead for his forgiveness, with the hope he would come to his office first but he didn't.
As Lucas stepped into the building, he headed to the locker room, tied his apron tightly and his next stop was the kitchen.
Stainless steel counters gleamed, pots clanged, and orders were already piling up, but he preferred the chaos. It distracted the ache in his chest.
“Table six… two seafood platters! VIP lounge… special request from Mr. Benson!”
Lucas didn’t flinch at the name. He chopped, stirred, and plated, his movements sharp, precise, and almost mechanical.
Even people who noticed the tension in his shoulders and his clenched jaw, said nothing.
Alex, who had been watching from his office, wasn't comfortable anymore. He needed to connect back to him before he would go crazy. So he headed out of his office with the decision to take it calmly.
Outside the kitchen doors, Alex stood still for a moment before walking in. He strolled around pretending to focus on work.
He passed by Lucas’s station several times. Each time, he would slow near him, asking questions hoping and expecting that Lucas would look up. But Lucas never did. Not even a flicker. It was as if Alex didn’t exist.
The staff, including Zenith, exchanged uneasy glances but sealed their mouths.
The air between Alex and Lucas was heavier than the steam rising from the stoves. Frustrated Alex walked out, his heart aching. He went down to the restaurant, discussed some business with his Dad, and walked back toward the kitchen.
He paused at the door, tensed but on seeing a waiter, he pretended to be doing something with his phone. His heart thudded as he finally stepped inside again under the pretense of work.
As they gave Lucas another VIP order, he walked over to his side. “Make sure the VIP order is flawless,” he said, his voice firm but carefully neutral.
Lucas didn’t turn or look up. “It's always flawless, sir,” he replied coolly.
The short response and that title hit harder than shouting. Alex hissed in disbelief but said nothing.
He wanted him to get angry but he won't. He lingered, watching the way Lucas worked, focused, passionate, brilliant. This was one of the reasons he adored him. But now, standing only a few feet away felt like miles.
He opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it.
A line cook accidentally bumped into Lucas, nearly knocking a plate over. Alex instinctively stepped forward, but Lucas steadied the dish himself without assistance.
“I’ve got it,” Lucas said sharply, not looking at him.
The rejection was clear. So Alex forced himself to step back. He had walked in and out of that kitchen more times than he could count. Yet he was unable to gather the courage to say the words that mattered most.
But as he turned to leave again, the restaurant manager rushed in, panic written all over his face.
“Sir, I think there’s a problem. Your Dad is asking for the chef who prepared his meal.”
“Alright, I will talk to him,” Alex responded as he took a step forward.
“I'm sorry sir but he specifically requested to see Lucas.”
Lucas’s knife paused mid-slice.
Alex’s expression darkened at the coincidence. And for the first time that morning, Lucas finally lifted his eyes to meet Alex’s.
“I'm behind you manager” Lucas said as he dropped his knife, watched, and dried his hand on the towel. Then headed out of the kitchen.
Alex followed behind him. As they walked through the passageway he started, “Lucas, please don't tell him that we're having issues, okay”
Lucas paused, “We're not having issues. We are nothing. It's over between us. Don't forget that.”
“No baby, don't tell him that, please. I love you and I know you love me t…”
“Not anymore Alex, and please don't make me cause a scene out there. Let me answer this call myself.” Lucas said as he pushed the glass door to the restaurant open.
Alex paused at the door as Lucas strode in towards the manager who directed him to Mr. Benson.
Lucas greeted him politely. They talked to each other for a few minutes. Alex stood behind the door watching them talk and laugh.
When Lucas stood up at last and walked out of the restaurant, Alex saw a smile on his face.
“Baby, is it about the food you prepared?” He tried to make a conversation.
“First of all, I'm not your baby, anymore. Secondly, yes, he commented on liking the food. That's all.”
“Baby please hold…?”
“Don't piss me off.” Lucas nearly screamed. “Stay the heck away from me.”