Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 198

Chapter 198

AUTHOR’S POV.

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“Damien?” Talia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait….who is Damien, why am I just hearing about him and what does he have to do with anything?”

Alina sighed, knowing she had some explaining to do. “Damien Evergreen. He’s Lucian’s new business partner. I… met him at the mall a while back.” She gave a small shrug. “We ran into each other after I left the lingerie store, and he helped me pick something for Lucian’s birthday. I couldn’t tell Lucian what it was, if I did, it would ruin the surprise.”

Talia’s lips parted in shock before narrowing again in suspicion. “And you’re sure this Damien won’t be an issue?”

“Of course not.” Alina’s voice held firm conviction. “He’s just Lucian’s business partner, and that’s all.”

Talia leaned back, crossing her arms. “Well, if you’re absolutely sure there’s no form of attraction there, then there’s no problem. But…” her lips curved knowingly, “I think Lucian is just jealous. He probably feels there’s something more going on between you and Damien, especially since you’ve refused to tell him what Damien helped you with at the mall.”

Alina groaned, dropping her head briefly into her hands before lifting it again. “I can’t wait for this birthday to be over so I can finally tell him everything.”

“Speaking of the birthday…” Talia leaned forward again, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “The invitation list, who exactly do you plan on inviting?”

Alina exhaled and began ticking them off on her fingers. “A couple of Lucian’s business associates, maybe a few people from the warehouse. My adoptive parents, because if I don’t invite them, they’ll definitely make a scene and get dramatic about it. And by default, Seraphina will be there too.” Her tone soured briefly at the mention of her stepsister before she smoothed it over. “I’ll also invite some heads from his company, just a few people Lucian does business with.”

“And Damien?” Talia asked pointedly, her brow raised.

“Of course, I’m inviting Damien,” Alina said matter–of–factly. “He’s Lucian’s recent business partner. He needs to be there, so when he mingles with Lucian’s other associates, he’ll know working with Lucian was the best decision he could’ve made.”

“Mhm.” Talia’s skeptical hum lingered in the air.

Alina shot her a look, pointing a finger at her. “Stop that. That’s all it is. There’s nothing more to it. Why does everyone keep thinking I find Damien attractive? I don’t even see him like that.”

Talia lifted her hands in mock surrender, grinning. “Fine, fine. I was only teasing.”

Alina rolled her eyes, though the corners of her lips tugged upward. “You’re impossible.”

Their conversation drifted then, softening into laughter and lighter notes, the tension easing as they slipped back into the familiar rhythm of their friendship.

Chapter 198

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That evening, Lucian was in his study, leaning back in his leather chair, the soft glow of the lamp behind him. casting shadows over his sharp features. He heard the quiet pad of Alina’s footsteps before she appeared in the doorway, her presence as effortless as it was distracting.

“Busy?” She asked, her tone light, almost too light.

Lucian’s eyes lifted from the papers on his desk, narrowing slightly. He didn’t answer right away, only studied her. “Not too busy for you Doll,” he said finally, though his voice carried a weight. “Come here.”

Alina stepped closer, perching on the edge of his desk with a practiced smile. “You look like you’ve been working all day.”

He tilted his head, watching her carefully. “And you look like you’ve been avoiding me.”

Her lips parted, surprise flickering across her expression before she smoothed it away with a soft laugh. “Avoiding you? Why would I do that?”

Lucian leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, his gaze piercing. “That’s what I’d like to know. You’ve been… off, Alina. Distracted. Hiding something.”

Alina’s heart gave a nervous flutter, though she kept her smile in place. “You’re imagining things. I’ve just been busy with work, that’s all.”

His jaw flexed as he searched her face, not convinced. “No. It’s more than work. I can feel it.”

“Baby,” she said gently, reaching out to brush her fingers against his. “I promise you, there’s nothing you need to worry about. You know me, I’d tell you if something was wrong.”

He caught her hand, holding it still, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Would you?” His voice was low, edged with suspicion.

Alina forced a small laugh, tugging lightly at her hand though he didn’t let go. “Of course I would. You’re just… overanalyzing again. You always do that when things are going too well.”

Lucian sat back, releasing her hand but not his scrutiny. “Maybe. Or maybe you’re keeping something from me, and you think I won’t notice.”

Her pulse raced, but she tilted her chin with mock indignation. “You make it sound like I have some big scandal I’m hiding.” She shifted closer, her tone turning playful in an attempt to throw him off. “What do you think I’m doing, sneaking out at night, living a double life?”

He didn’t smile. “Don’t joke.”

Alina’s teasing faltered at the seriousness in his tone. She slid off the desk, moving behind him and wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind, resting her chin lightly on his shoulder. “Lucian,” she murmured softly, “there’s nothing going on. Really. I’m just tired. Maybe a little distracted, yes. But it’s nothing worth that look you’re giving me.”

He reached up to cover her hands with his, though the tension in his grip betrayed him. “If you say so.”

“I do,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to his temple. “You worry too much.”

14:17 Thu, Sep 25

Chapter 198

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