Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 195

The man standing there today wore indifference like a suit of armor—so cold and distant, he didn't even spare Sunny a glance.

A pang of unease tightened in Sunny's chest. Was it because Manager Pierce was here as well? Was Stellan trying to avoid any hint of impropriety?

The sudden chill in his demeanor left her a little uncomfortable, but she still greeted them politely. "Good morning, Mr. Lawson. Manager Pierce."

Stellan's deep voice answered, flat and distant. "Morning."

Sunny knew better than to invite awkwardness. She took a step back, quietly retreating to the corner of the elevator.

There was no point holding the door open for the boss anymore; that ship had sailed.

She fixed her gaze on the elevator's digital display, her eyes set with a resolve that brooked no argument, willing the numbers to change faster.

Jude Pierce had half a mind to strike up a conversation with Mrs. Lawson, but since the CEO himself was silent, he kept his peace too.

The odd, stifling silence pressed in until they reached the thirteenth floor. Suddenly, with a jolt and a loud metallic clang, the elevator shuddered.

Then, in an instant, the lights went out, plunging them into darkness.

Jude Pierce's voice echoed through the blackness, perplexed. "What's going on? Did we lose power?"

He fumbled for his phone to call Facilities, while Stellan instinctively turned to check on the others.

By the faint glow of his screen, he spotted Sunny—a small figure curled up tightly on the floor, her arms wrapped around her knees.

Something tugged sharply at Stellan's heart.

He strode over in two long steps and knelt beside her. "Don't be scared. It's just a power outage."

But his reassurance didn't seem to help. Sunny's head trembled ever so slightly in his palm.

He'd planned to stay angry at her, but Stellan realized in that moment that his annoyance never lasted long.

He pulled her gently into his arms, his low, soothing voice murmuring in her ear, "I'm right here. I won't let anything happen to you."

Almost as soon as he spoke, the elevator lights flickered back on.

Sure, Manager Pierce probably knew about their relationship, but this was the Lawson Corporation elevator—what if the doors opened and someone else saw them? That would be a disaster.

Meanwhile, Jude Pierce was silently screaming inside: Why did he always end up in these absurd situations? Would Mr. Lawson ever forgive him for witnessing such an embarrassing scene?

Stellan's lips pressed into a thin line; his expression darkened as he braced himself on the wall and slowly stood.

He arched a brow, casting a sidelong glance at Sunny, who looked like she wanted to burrow through the floor from sheer mortification. He let out a quiet, sardonic chuckle.

Heartless little thing.

Just then, the elevator dinged for the lobby.

As the doors slid open, Sunny all but bolted, her face burning. "S-sorry!" she stammered, and then dashed out of sight.

The two men were left staring at each other in awkward silence.

Jude managed a sheepish laugh. "Sir, are you alright? Didn't hurt yourself, did you?"