Emily stared at him for a long while, as though trying to understand the meaning behind his words.
Just when Lucian's lips parted to speak again, a sudden laugh escaped her lips…shocked or amused, Lucian couldn't explain.
She doubled over slightly, clutching her stomach as her laughter echoed through the quiet night, leaving him frozen in disbelief.
He could only stare at her, his brows knitting together in confusion.
"Sir, with due respect, I hope you don't make such a joke another day," she said at last, brushing a tear from the corner of her eye as she regained her composure.
Lucian's jaw tightened. His fist curled at his side, the veins on his hand standing taut. He was barely holding back his irritation.
He had heard of people being careless and stupid, but never did he expect to encounter one.
"I am not joking," he said flatly, his voice cold and clipped.
