She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 208

At nine in the morning, Lucian’s military vehicle pulled up precisely in front of the Lonsdale family villa. He was dressed in a crisp, dark naval uniform, the epaulets on his shoulders gleaming in the sun. As he glanced down at his watch, he heard the main gate open.

When he looked up, Lucian's breath caught almost imperceptibly. Loyce approached in white sneakers, her long legs seeming to glow under the sun in her denim shorts. The knit tank top accentuated her slender waist, offering a fleeting glimpse of pale skin as she walked. Sunlight cast a faint shadow on her collarbones, where a pair of sunglasses hung, swaying gently with her movements.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Loyce said as she reached the car, noticing Lucian was still standing there.

Lucian’s throat moved slightly. He was struck by the vibrant, youthful energy radiating from her, a presence more dazzling than the sun itself. He stepped aside and opened the passenger door for her. “It’s hot today.”

Loyce nodded and got in, noticing a coffee and a pastry on the seat. “You haven’t had breakfast?”

“I already ate. This is for you,” Lucian replied.

Loyce hadn’t eaten, so she thanked him and began to eat.

While she ate in silence, Lucian reached up and quietly undid the top two buttons of his collar, finally allowing the breath he’d been holding to ease. Once he had composed himself, he spoke. “Have you recruited all the doctors for the new hospital? The pharmacists from Blossom Drugstore and Marcella aren’t nearly enough staff, are they?”

“Not yet,” Loyce replied. “Interviews start next week.”

“Do you want me to introduce you to some reliable doctors? They’re a bit older, but they’re experienced. All of them are retired military medics from the warships.”

Loyce raised an eyebrow. “You’re willing to part with them?”

“Think of it as me creating job opportunities for them,” Lucian said. “But don’t be in a rush to hire them.”

Loyce was puzzled at first, but when Lucian explained he would personally take her to visit the medics, she readily agreed.

They arrived at the entrance to the military base, where a soldier on duty came to check their credentials. After Lucian presented his ID and a special pass for Loyce, the soldier saluted respectfully, though his gaze on Loyce lingered with a mixture of eagerness and curiosity.

His look made Loyce feel that something was off. She took the pass from Lucian and saw her name printed on the temporary card. Below it, in small print under the identity field, was a single word.

“Family?” she asked, surprised. “What family? Whose family am I?”

Even he lost his composure around her; he could only imagine the effect she’d have on others. The thought of those eyes on her was enough to make him angry.

“I think you’re being a little too possessive of my body,” Loyce stated calmly.

Lucian froze for a moment, then lowered his head slightly, his tone softening into something almost like a plea. “Please, just put it on.”

Loyce pressed her lips together. “Fine.”

She wore his jacket as they walked side-by-side to the logistics department. Along the way, they passed soldiers training on the grounds. When they saw Lucian, they would snap to a perfect salute and shout, “Good morning, Admiral Shapiro! Good morning, future Mrs. Shapiro!”

The thunderous greeting made Loyce stumble. Lucian steadied her, a hint of amusement in his deep voice. “That’s just how these guys are.”

Just as Lucian and Loyce met up with the female medical officer from the warship, an urgent, encrypted call came through to his phone. He answered, his brow immediately furrowing. “I understand. I’m on my way.”