She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 161

Lucian merely glanced at her before walking over and sitting down next to Loyce, a faint scent of cigars clinging to him.

Loyce, with her keen sense of smell, caught it immediately. She turned her head, displeased. "You've been smoking? What have I told you?"

"Things were tense at sea. My nerves have been shot for days. I only had one."

Everyone stared at Lucian in astonishment. The man was the head of the Shapiro family—cold, powerful, and a man whose word was law. Yet, he was now softening his tone to explain himself simply because of a comment from Loyce.

Even more surprisingly, after his explanation, he leaned closer to her and added in a low voice, "Next time, I'll ask you first."

He needed to ask for her permission to smoke a cigar? Wasn't their relationship a little too intimate? Hank's brow furrowed, and he had the sudden urge to march over and wedge himself between them, just to shatter the cozy atmosphere Lucian had created.

Leroy's eyes went wide. "Lucian, you..." he blurted out in disbelief. The Lucian he knew never stooped to explain himself to anyone, let alone in such a placating tone.

Sybil's fingers tightened on the armrest of the sofa, her nails digging into the leather. She forced a smile, but her eyes darkened. She had invited Lucian to sit with her first, but he had chosen the spot next to Loyce without a second thought. Why did every man she set her sights on favor Loyce? She was supposed to be the most beautiful, the best!

Lucian scoffed. "Train? Do you have any idea what Marine training entails? A five-kilometer swim with full gear—could you handle that? People with flat feet are prone to injury even marching on land, let alone in the water. Your arches can't provide enough support. Cramps and sprains would be the least of your worries. In a serious situation, you could endanger your entire squad."

The study fell silent, everyone stunned by the weight of Lucian's words.

Gordon sighed and looked at his grandson. "Leroy, it's not that I won't help you. This is simply something that can't be forced."

Leroy's eyes reddened, his fists clenched tight. He suddenly looked up and pointed a trembling finger at Loyce, his voice cracking with rage. "Then what about her?! Why is she the exception?! How come she can use her connections to get into the second round of a piano competition, but I can't even qualify for the army?! You all spoil her!"