Vengeful Billionaire and His Lovers (Jerome Howard) novel Chapter 4

"Sit down."

Ignoring the stinging mark on her cheek, Luciana closed the door and guided Henry back to the couch.

He didn't resist—he wanted to hear what she had to say.

Luciana sat down as well. The handprint on her cheek was becoming more noticeable, yet she pretended it didn't faze her, her expression remaining composed.

She was always rational. After all, she was the CEO of Scott Group.

She didn't want to lose her marriage.

Thinking about that, she spoke evenly, "First, we need to agree on one thing. After I left the hotel, I didn't contact anyone. So there's no way I was involved in anything shady. That's the only way my explanation makes sense. Do you agree?"

Henry nodded. "Yeah."

"Alright."

Luciana pulled out her phone, found Ethan's number, and hesitated for a second before dialing.

She wouldn't do that if she had another choice. After all, she was a billionaire CEO, and some things were embarrassing.

She put the call on the speaker. It connected quickly.

"Hey, Luciana." Ethan's voice came through.

Luciana took a deep breath, trying to sound calm. "Ethan, I'm truly sorry about today. How's your injury?"

There was a pause, then he sneered. "Injury? My body is fine, but I feel awful. I've never been hit like that before."

Clearly, he wasn't letting it go.

Luciana glanced at Henry with worry. "I'm truly sorry. I've already talked to my husband. If you want, I can apologize to you tomorrow!"

"No need. You and he are different. This won't affect our business."

She exhaled, relieved.

Ethan asked, "You don't usually call me out of the blue. Is there something else?"

"Yes," Luciana said. "I wanted to ask—why did you bring up that condition today?"

Henry raised his eyebrows. Condition?

Maybe things weren't as he'd imagined.

There was a difference between being passive and active, after all.

"Condition? Oh! You mean when we got out of the car at the hotel? You know how I feel about you. I brought you along to secure a 50 million profit. Holding your hand isn't too much to ask, right?"

Luciana sighed. "Don't ever do that again. My husband would get the wrong idea."

That nearly got her divorced. It hurt her deeply.

She didn't wait for Ethan to answer and hung up.

Silence filled the room.

Henry was restless. He lit a cigarette and said unhappily, "I'll trust you this time. Just don't let it happen again."

Luciana's eyes shimmered with tears. She pouted, looking hurt. "You accused me, hit me, and even wanted a divorce. You owe me an apology."

"I can apologize for hitting you. Sorry."

He knew hitting the woman he loved was wrong, and he said it without hesitation.

Luciana felt even more wronged. Tears rolled down, but she didn't wipe them. She just stared at him, stubborn and sad.

No. Some things had happened. He had to face them.

Lost in thought, he finally drifted off.

Meanwhile, Luciana tossed and turned in bed, completely unable to sleep.

She was furious and hurt. Nobody had ever hit her before.

She covered her face, tears streaming down. When Henry had mentioned divorce, her heart nearly stopped. The pain felt unbearable.

Ethan, why did you have to bring up that stupid condition? And why did Henry have to see it?

She regretted agreeing. If she'd known, she never would have gone along with it.

Whatever. Maybe I should just swallow my pride and apologize. It's not that hard.

Thinking that, she nudged Henry's arm. She tried twice, but he didn't respond.

After a moment, she heard his steady breathing.

Luciana's eyes went wide.

This jerk is asleep? He can actually sleep?!

Annoyed, she sat up and rolled herself over on top of him.

Henry woke up, half annoyed and half amused. "Luciana, what are you doing? It's midnight!"

Luciana sat on his thighs, her eyes red. She pouted as she stared at his chiseled face. He was still the same tall, strong man she knew.

"I'm hurt! I'm upset! Yeah, I lied and kept things from you, but it was for our family, for our future! I never betrayed you. So why did you hit me and then ignore me?"