She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 176

The moment Cyrilla spoke, Lucian’s brow furrowed. But the young girl found her courage, lifting her chin to look him straight in the eye. “I might not be old enough to get married yet, but I’m willing to marry you. If you let my mom and me stay here, I’ll do anything you ask.”

She sounded as if she were making a great sacrifice, but in truth, her young heart was already fluttering with a budding crush, eager for any chance to grow closer to him.

“Cyrilla!” Saphira cried, grabbing her daughter’s arm, terrified of what she might say next.

For the first time, Lucian’s gaze truly settled on Cyrilla. The girl’s delicate face was still marked by a youthful innocence. He frowned, his tone softening slightly without him realizing it. “You’re still in high school?”

Cyrilla nodded vigorously, her cheeks flushing under his attention. “I’m in the top ten of my grade at Crestfield High. My teachers say I can get into a top university.”

Zeke seized the opening. “Lucian, you see…”

“Grandpa,” Lucian cut him off, his voice steady. “I understand you feel a need to repay this debt of gratitude, but marriage is not a game.”

He then turned to Saphira. “The Shapiro family can fund Cyrilla’s education, including all her university expenses. If you need a place to live, I can arrange that as well.”

Before Saphira could even respond, Lucian instructed Robert, “You handle this.”

Robert immediately gestured for the mother and daughter to follow him. “If you’ll come with me, I’ll find you a place to stay outside the estate.”

Saphira bit her lip and looked down. “If I reported him, he would kill us. He was a former recon soldier; he has sharp observational skills and counter-surveillance awareness. We had no other choice. If we live on our own, we’re afraid he’ll find us and retaliate.”

Zeke fell into thought for a moment before turning to Lucian. “There are plenty of rooms in this house. There’s no need to send them away. We can have the butler find them a couple of rooms to settle into for now. Once we’ve caught that man and brought him to justice, we can arrange for them to move out. What do you think, Lucian?”

With the situation laid bare, Lucian could hardly force them out. “Let the butler see to it, then. Grandpa, may I speak with you in the study?”

Zeke knew his grandson was about to call him to account. After Saphira and Cyrilla were escorted away, he followed Lucian into the study.