She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 161

Lucas posted a status update on his socials: "Need a plus-one for tonight's gala."

He had originally intended for Lyra to see it.

But she had blocked him again.

As a result, an oblivious Elara saw his post and eagerly reached out, volunteering to accompany him to the event.

Elara had always wanted an excuse to spend time alone with Lucas. During the few times she had dined with their friend group, Waylon Grayson had always come off as cold and unapproachable, but Lucas was different. He was effortlessly charming, laid-back, and always made sure she felt included.

After sending her text, a long stretch of silence followed. Lucas didn't reply.

Elara waited, pacing her room as anxiety twisted in her stomach.

Noticing her frantic state, the Ford family asked her what was wrong. Once she confessed the situation—

Everyone else encouraged her, but Jasmine Ford simply frowned. She didn't like seeing her cousin act so desperately, though she ultimately kept her thoughts to herself.

Just as Elara's nerves were at their absolute breaking point, Lucas finally replied: "Sure."

Elara instantly jumped up with joy, practically skipping back to her room to dress up and do her makeup.

At the agreed time, Lucas arrived at the Townsend residence to pick her up.

Taking in her outfit, Lucas paused. "Is this gala being held by a swimming pool? Why are you wearing so little?"

Elara was wearing a slinky slip dress. The hem was daringly short, showing off her stunning curves—though Lucas had seen far better figures in his life, so he wasn't particularly fazed.

Being called out like that made Elara self-consciously tug at her hem. The truth was, she didn't own many formal dresses. Even though Thomas Townsend doted on her, his window and door business was modest. Her most expensive dress was barely a couple of hundred bucks. She hadn't wanted to borrow one from Jasmine either, terrified that people would just look at her as a cheap knockoff, so she had opted for this.

Lucas reached into the backseat, grabbed a suit jacket, and handed it to her. "Don't catch a cold."

Her cheeks flushed crimson as she draped the oversized jacket over her shoulders and slid into the passenger seat.

While Lucas was focused on driving, she quickly texted her cousin. "Jasmine, he lent me his jacket. Does that mean he doesn't want other men looking at my bare skin?"

—After all, that was exactly how it always played out in the romance shows.

The brooding male lead was always fiercely possessive of the woman he liked.

...

After waiting a while, Elara still hadn't received a reply from Jasmine.

It wasn't just her. Ever since Jasmine started dating the CEO of Jameson Group, the entire Ford family bowed to her every whim. Suddenly, the glamorous evening Elara had been so looking forward to tasted like ash in her mouth.

It was 9:00 PM when Elara finally left the gala and headed toward the car.

"Tired?" Lucas asked casually.

Elara immediately shook her head. "Not at all."

"Well, I am."

Lucas had a designated driver take the wheel. The moment the words left his mouth, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the leather seat, projecting an unapproachable aura of exhaustion.

Instead of going home, Elara told the driver to take her to the Ford residence.

Upon arriving, she sought out her cousin. "Jasmine, I don't think Lucas was in a good mood tonight. Do you know what happened?"

Jasmine, who was reading a book, thought for a moment. "I heard he had a huge fight with Lyra Fairchild recently, though his mood probably has nothing to do with her."

A surge of inexplicable anger flared in Elara's chest. "Why does Lyra have to insert herself into every single man's life?"