A silver-haired man with a handsome, almost delicate face stepped out of a black car. His graceful walk resembled that of a runway model as he headed toward the entrance of the well-known company, D'LV as Luzen Vadelard Corporation. But before he could enter, he was stopped by the security guards.
"Sorry, you're not allowed inside, Mr. Luca!" one of the guards said firmly, standing in front of him with both arms outstretched.
Huft… always like this. Damn you, Luzen, he cursed silently while rolling his eyes in annoyance. Luca Maxwell exhaled sharply.
Those cherry-red lips curved into a smirk. "Who ordered you to block my entrance? Was it Madam Rebecca Vadelard?" Luca shot the question directly, and the three guards stiffened in surprise. Even so, they kept their mouths shut.
"Fine. I know you're just doing your job."
"We're sorry, Sir," the guards bowed, guilt clear on their faces. But what could they do? No matter how much they respected Luca, Luzen's legal wife was still Rebecca Vadelard.
Luca didn't take their behavior to heart. And of course, he wouldn't let something so trivial trouble him. He slipped his hand into his pocket, took out his phone, and called the sugar daddy who had been supporting him these past few days.
"Luca, why are you calling?" Luzen's voice was cold and indifferent.
Judging from his tone… Rebecca must be beside him. Just my luck.
"Luzen, come outside. I'm in front of the entrance, and it seems your wife ordered the guards to keep me out."
"Hn. I'll send Bastian to get you."
Without another word, Luzen hung up.
A vein throbbed at Luca's temple. He forced himself to stay composed since he was still near the company entrance. Dealing with someone like Luzen always required extra patience. But when it came to money, Luzen was never stingy.
"At least I can still drain your wealth, Dominic Luzen Vadelard. So I'll endure this," Luca muttered.
Not long after, Bastian arrived, and the guards stepped aside. Lowering his head respectfully, Bastian said, "Please come in, Mr. Luca. Mr. Luzen instructed me to take you to the lounge."
"Hm. Lead the way," Luca replied.
Bastian walked ahead, with Luca following behind.
They headed for the private elevator used by the company's most important people. But when Bastian reached for the button to the 19th floor—the lounge—Luca cut in.
"Take me to Luzen's office."
His beautiful eyes locked sharply onto Bastian. "I'll take responsibility. Just bring me to his office."
"But Sir—" Bastian tried, but Luka silenced him with a single intimidating glare.
"…Alright," Bastian gave up and pressed the button for the 20th floor. "Another world war is coming," he muttered.
The elevator doors opened, revealing a long hallway. The 20th floor belonged exclusively to Luzen. Luca had been here many times, and each visit usually carried a bad omen involving Rebecca.
Luca's long legs carried him steadily toward the end of the corridor where Luzen's office was located.
Behind him, Bastian racked his brain, trying to figure out how to stop Luca from barging in.
"Sir, wouldn't it be better if you wait—"
"Stop." Luca halted. "Stop blocking me. I have something important to discuss with him."
He continued walking until he reached the door. The two guards standing there tried to greet him, but—
"Ssh. Quiet," Luca ordered, and they froze.
He grabbed the door handle and pushed it open. The first sight he saw was Luzen—his frequent bed partner—and Luzen's wife, who was secretly cheating behind her husband's back. The two were locked in a heated argument.
"Rebecca, do not test my patience. Leave," Luzen ordered while pointing toward the door.
Rebecca shot him a hateful, tear-filled glare. "Fine! Just you wait, Luzen! My father won't let this slide!"
Luca smirked and shook his head. "Uhm… seems like I walked in at the wrong time," he commented lightly.
Rebecca glanced at him briefly before walking out. As she passed him, she hissed, "Are you satisfied now?! I won't let Luzen leave my side, you leech!"
"I'll be waiting, Madam Rebecca Vadelard. Oh wait—my mistake. I mean Madam Rebecca Agler," Luca whispered back, winking. Agler was the surname of Winston Revano Agler.
Rebecca flinched at the name but said nothing and stormed away.
Putting someone like Rebecca in her place always feels good.
Luca's steps became lighter as he approached Luzen, who had already returned to his chair. "Looks like I missed quite a show," Luca said mockingly.
"Why are you here? I told you to wait in the lounge." Luzen's tone grew colder.
Luca leaned in, unfazed by Luzen's intimidating stare. Resting his left hand under his chin, he extended his right hand expectantly with a charming smile.
"Of course I'm here to collect my payment for the services I provided—plus interest."
Just yesterday, Luca had received a check from him. He refused digital transfers because he disliked having his transactions traced. Even if he used his own card, it was still traceable—but at least not everything.
Luzen opened a drawer and placed a black card on Luca's palm. "I don't want to argue. You know what I mean. Now get out."
Luca glanced at the card. He knew Luzen was in no mood to debate.
"Okay." Luca stood up and moved beside him. His fingers gently traced Luzen's firm chest as he whispered, "As compensation for ruining your mood, here's a secret about the Agler family. I'll tell you tonight, darling."
He kissed Luzen's cheek and walked out. Luca knew Luzen hated repeating himself, so he didn't linger.
Outside the office door, Luca twirled the black card between his fingers. His gaze sharpened, a smirk forming on his cherry-colored lips.
"One more card secured. Time for the next step."