The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 144

This was my first real corporate gig, so I wasn’t sure of the etiquette. He launched back into conversation, not just about his designs, but about himself.

“You probably don’t know this, but I’m the youngest designer at Lucid Works. I’m also the director’s most promising son. Everyone says my designs are incredible, and I’m the most likely heir to the family business. But my father doesn’t want me revealing my identity…”

Oh, so he was a wealthy heir playing at being a commoner to prove himself.

As I listened with half an ear, my eyes drifted toward the hotel window. Suddenly, I saw a face that shouldn’t have been there.

It was Verna. She was wearing a white blouse and blue jeans, her hair pulled back in a high, bouncy ponytail that swayed as she ran. She looked youthful, vibrant, and incredibly beautiful.

blinked, thinking I was mistaken, but a moment later, she burst through the door, panting. ‘Sorry, I’m late.”

remained seated as Verna spotted me, her eyes widening in surprise. “Mrs. Lancaster? What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for a business meeting,” I said, confused. “What about you?”

“I’m on a field call. An early–stage stomach cancer patient has agreed to join our clinical trial, and the hospital sent me to bring him in.”

Hugo saw her, and his green eyes lit up. He waved her over. “Hey, over here!”

Werna walked toward him and nodded with a smile as warm as a spring breeze. “I’m sorry I’m ate.”

Hugo seized her hand and kissed it, his gaze intensely fixed on her.

“It’s no problem, I’m not finished here yet. Do you two know each other?” he asked, gesturing between Verna and me.

Werna glanced at me. “We do.”

Hugo’s eyes twinkled, his smile deepening. “What a coincidence. Later, I’ll take you home to meet my grandfather. You’re so beautiful, the most pure and lovely girl I’ve ever seen. He’ll be thrilled.”

I raised an eyebrow.

Something about that sounded off. Was he taking a doctor home, or a prospective bride? His tone was strange.

“Does he have cancer, or does his grandfather?” I asked Verna quietly.

“The file says the patient is an eighty–year–old man, so it must be his grandfather,” Verna replied.

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Chapter 144

“He didn’t give me a specific address, just told me to come here first. I was supposed to come with my senior colleague… but he’s good friends with Bess, so he took leave to help her with a field call instead.”

My eyes flickered. It seemed Verna’s friendship with her little clique had fractured after that night.

Verna smiled at Hugo and tried to pull her hand away, but his grip was firm. Her expression stiffened slightly.

“Excuse me, but how much longer will this be? I can’t stay out too late.”

Hugo held on tightly, his brow furrowed in a look of feigned difficulty.

“I just closed a huge deal, so it will be a little while. Why don’t you have a seat, and I’ll treat you to dinner? When we’re done, we can go to my home together.”

That sounded like it would be very late.

I looked at Verna. She had finally wrenched her hand free, and her pretty face was etched with

unease.

‘I’m sorry, but if our schedules don’t line up, the hospital can arrange for someone else to handle the intake tomorrow. It’s no problem to admit him then.”

She gave a slight bow and turned to leave, but Hugo shot to his feet. “No need to wait. I have other plans tomorrow. It has to be today. As soon as they finish signing the contracts, I’ll take you home. Please, sit.”

He gestured enthusiastically for her to take a seat and even brought her an iced cola.

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