News about Lyra Ashford spread like wildfire. One headline screamed, Lyra Ashford Cheats on Lucas Arden, Throws Herself into the Arms of Rowan Pierce!
Another gushed, Lyra Ashford: The Woman Every CEO Wants, while a third declared, Lucas Left Stunned as Fiancée Is "Stolen" by His Rival.
Social media exploded with reactions, gossip columns couldn't stop speculating about the whirlwind romance that had everyone talking.
"Tsk…" Lyra chewed the inside of her cheek as she scrolled through the news and comments on the iPad.
Rowan's large hand reached over and took it from her. "No need to read that. It's all trash," he said.
The flight attendant approached to serve their meal, her steps graceful but her expression anything but. She didn't bother disguising the disdain in her eyes when they flicked toward Lyra.
She set the dishes down on the stowable table with just a bit too much force. Once she finished serving, she returned to her station.
Nudging another attendant, nodding toward Lyra. "Look at her… shameless woman."
One of them muttered under her breath, "She's such a slut, spreading herself across men everywhere."
It was obvious—they'd already seen the headlines.
Lyra picked up her fork and ate calmly, her eyes focused on her plate, clearly unaware of the whispers—but Rowan noticed. He quietly called Damian, saying something under his breath.
As expected, the airline's ground operations manager was waiting for them at the arrival gate. He had already received a complaint from Damian.
The two flight attendants were immediately suspended and terminated for failing to follow proper customer service protocol.
Rowan didn't want to deal with any of it. He took Lyra's hand and led her straight to the waiting car, ignoring the manager entirely.
They went directly to the hotel, dropping Lyra off first so she could rest after the three-hour flight.
The conference was being held elsewhere in the city. There was no need for her to follow—she wouldn't understand the business discussions, and it might be boring for her anyway.
"We'll have dinner together after that. Anything you need before then, just leave it to Kane," he said.
Rowan pulled Lyra gently into his arms—unable to resist, leaving her breathless, just as he had since that morning when she opened her eyes, in bed.
Then in the hospital lobby with staff all around, everyone had witnessed their little display of affection.
And now, one final kiss before they parted sent another shiver through her.
"Rowan, enough," Lyra said, her skin tingling, every hair on her arms standing on end.
It was too much, and she wanted more but not in the car.
Quickly, she stepped out bent slightly at the open door. She blew him a playful flying kiss, and giggled. "See you tonight."
Rowan leaned back slightly in the seat, his eyes fixed on her—hungry, restrained. A slow half-smile curved his lips before the car pulled away.
The faint scent of white lilies greeted her as she stepped inside, room access card secured in hand. She glanced toward the mirrored elevator doors at the far end of the lobby, heading in their direction.
She paused, and Kane, who had been following with her luggage, stopped abruptly behind her.
"No worries, I can take this," Lyra said, taking her single piece of luggage from Kane and giving him a quick thanks. She pressed the elevator button softly and waited, noticing Kane still standing nearby.
"Anything else, Mr. Prince?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to meet his tall gaze.
"Let me do it, Madam," he said. "Boss will skin me alive if anything happens to you."
Her hand lifted in a faint gesture. "No worries, I'm fine on my own."
Insisted didn't want to trouble Kane.
"Let's exchange numbers, just in case," Lyra suggested.
She rifled through her handbag and realized it—no phone.
"I think I left my phone in the car," she said, frowning, noticing Kane's concerned expression in response.
Lyra hesitated. Without her phone, it would be difficult to get in touch. "Is the conference far? I could go get it…"
"It's quite a distance," Kane replied, scratching the back of his head.
"Why don't you head upstairs and rest, Madam? I'll take care of it." Lyra nodded, grateful, and Kane quickly dashed out of the hotel.
The elevator hissed open. Lyra stepped in, pressing the button for her floor while rifling through her bag, hoping to find it.
She didn't notice someone slip in, quietly standing close behind her.
Ding.
Her eyes flicked to the glowing red number. Not her floor yet. The doors parted slowly.
She paid no attention to the person behind her—shoved from behind, forcing her out of the elevator.
"Hey!" Lyra snapped.
She spun around sharply, eyes widening. "Lucas?!" she gasped.
The world seemed to stop.
"H—How… it's you?"
Lyra stumbled back a step, trying to put space between them—but Lucas grabbed her, pulling her into his arms.
"I've been fucking dying to see you," he said, a crooked smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Lyra was startled that Lucas was here. Access was limited to registered guests.
Lyra twisting to get out of his arms.
Immediately, one swift motion, Lucas hoisted Lyra over his shoulder.
She screamed. "Ah, let me go!"
He dashed down the hall to his room, swiping the access card and kicking the door closed behind.
Tossing Lyra onto the bed before quickly climbing in after her, pinning her beneath his body.
"Still mad at me? I'm curious—how long will that last?"