She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 144

Chapter 144

Lucian stood up from his chair, the collar of his black shirt slightly open. Even through the screen, he looked coolly handsome. “Where’s

Marcella?”

“Right here.” Loyce turned the phone, bringing Marcella and the two neighbors into the frame.

Lucian moved to a spot with better lighting, his entire striking face illuminated by the sun. The sheer force of his good looks left both women momentarily stunned.

Even Susan had to admit that the distinguished man on the screen was in a league her nouveau riche son–in–law could never hope to reach.

“Sharon told me you’re Loyce’s new boyfriend,” Susan said, cutting to the

chase.

Lucian’s lips curved into a charming smile. “I am,” he replied, his tone exceptionally gentle. “Is there a problem?”

Loyce’s eyes widened in disbelief. She squeezed back into the frame, staring at him quizzically. Wasn’t he supposed to be clearing things up? Why was he making the situation worse?

In response, Lucian simply offered an innocent smile, a look so warm it seemed to melt in the sunlight, dazzling the older women.

Sharon pressed on. “So, what does your family do? Marcella and I are just worried that Loyce might be getting deceived.”

“I understand your concern, though I’m not sure what might have caused the misunderstanding,” Lucian said with a nod. “My family has a long history of military service, and I am a soldier myself. I assure you my moral compass is held to a higher standard than most.”

“A soldier! That’s wonderful,” Sharon exclaimed, shooting a triumphant look at Susan. “And you called Loyce a jilted woman? Look at her, she’s

Chapter 144

already found someone so much better.”

A low chuckle rumbled from Lucian. “Indeed,” he added smoothly. “And I was the one who pursued her.”

Finally, the tension on Marcella’s face eased, replaced by a genuine smile. “Well, that puts my mind at ease.”

Before he could weave any more tales, Loyce decided to cut it short. She took the phone back, covering the camera. “Alright, that’s enough. He has work to do during the day, we shouldn’t bother him any longer.”

After ushering the two neighbors out, Marcella went back to helping a patient with their prescription. Loyce retreated to a quiet corner of the courtyard and uncovered the camera. “What did I ask you to do?”

Lucian chuckled softly. “Isn’t this better? Marcella looks very happy. Wouldn’t it upset her more if she found out it was a lie and had to listen to the neighborhood gossip?”

Though Loyce hadn’t explained the full situation, the astute Lucian had already pieced it all together. Leaning against the window, he looked at her. “Was I wrong?”

Loyce sighed in resignation. “Fine. We’ll leave it like this for now.”

“Good.” Lucian’s gaze met hers, his eyes, usually so devoid of emotion, now held a spark of amusement. His voice was melodic and captivating as he slowly enunciated, “My girlfriend.”

Loyce hung up, unconsciously rubbing her arms.

Meanwhile, with the preliminary round of the Steinway Piano Competition concluded, Sybil and her friends scanned the list of finalists, noting with satisfaction that Loyce’s name was absent.

“Our Sybil placed third in the auditions!” Yuna chirped. “If you keep this up, you’re sure to win the whole thing. I wonder how embarrassed Loyce

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Chapter 144

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