Chapter 157
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“No way. One issue at a time. I’ve accepted your apology, but I’m still paying for the food,” Arabella insisted.
“Those are complimentary appetizers, from the house. I absolutely cannot charge you. Please, enjoy your meal. I should get back to the kitchen.” With that, Simon turned on his heel, his expression resolute as he retreated.
“Hey!” Arabella called after him, but he had already vanished through the swinging doors.
“Why is he so stubborn?” she muttered, staring at the kitchen entrance.
“Alright, it’s just a couple of small plates. Let it go. If we don’t eat, the pasta’s going to get cold,” Lucas reminded her with an amused smile.
Arabella shot him a look before picking up her fork again to continue eating.
“Listening to the owner, it sounds like you’re a regular here?” Arabella asked, making casual conversation.
“Yeah, I guess I am. I make it a point to stop by for a plate almost every week,” Lucas admitted.
“So, does that mean you’ve been working in this area for a while?” Arabella guessed, looking at him.
“Not a lifetime, but yeah, a few years now,” he replied.
“Then… is it really true that you’ve never brought a girl here before?” Arabella studied him with a hint of skepticism.
“Why are you looking at me like that? You don’t believe me?” Lucas raised an eyebrow.
This genuinely was the first time he’d brought a woman here. What was so hard to believe about that?
“Of course I don’t believe it. Someone who looks like you must have a constant stream of women around. Honestly, it’s not just me–no one would buy that story,” Arabella said matter–of–factly.
Lucas barely registered the rest of her sentence, but he definitely caught the part where she implied he was good–looking.
“You think I look good?” Lucas asked, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he latched
onto that detail.
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Chapter 157 Compliments and Hidden Thorns
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Arabella didn’t overthink it and glanced at him. You’ve got clear features, a clean look. I’d say that qualifies.”
“Clear features, a clean look? That’s your definition of handsome? Don’t you have a better vocabulary?” Lucas chuckled, genuinely amused she’d used such a straightforward, almost simple description for him. He’d never been called that before.
“I have plenty of words, but that one fits you well enough,” Arabella teased lightly.
“Fits me, huh? Well, alright. A compliment is a compliment–I’ll take what I can get.” Even though it wasn’t the most poetic praise, Lucas was still pleased to hear it from her.
“Exactly. You’re getting a compliment and you’re nitpicking the wording,” Arabella said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Lucas then steered the conversation back to her “Someone who looks like you must have plenty of guys interested, right?” He studied her with a curious glint in his eye.
“No need to look at me like that,” she deflected.
“There are definitely good–looking guys in my life, but they’re not ‘chasing‘ me,” Arabella said this with a cryptic tone, as if hinting at something more.
“Good–looking guys, and they’re not pursuing you? Then they must have no taste at all,” Lucas said, frowning slightly while secretly feeling a twinge of satisfaction. If no one was actively pursuing her, she was likely unattached.
“To have a woman like you right there and not make a move–they’ve got to be blind,” Lucas added, a note of smug mockery in his voice.
“If it were me, I’d definitely try.” He said it casually, as if making a light–hearted joke, keeping the tone pressure–free.
Arabella smirked inwardly. He had no idea she was actually referring to her brothers.
Then she said, “Haven’t you heard? Beautiful flowers often have the sharpest thorns.”
“Thorns are fine. It’s just a form of self–protection,” Lucas replied, sounding like a self- appointed expert on the matter.
“To win over a remarkable woman, you have to be willing to gently work past those thorns and warm her heart.” Lucas delivered this line with a meaningful smile.
Arabella looked at his somewhat self–satisfied expression, gave a slight, non–committal smile, and didn’t engage further.
“What’s so funny? Did I say something wrong?” Lucas asked, puzzled by her reaction.
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Chapter 157 Compliments and Hidden Thorns
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“Nothing. Let’s just finish our lunch,” Arabella said, not wanting to continue down that path. She was afraid she might say too much.
Seeing she didn’t rise to the bait, Lucas smiled faintly and let it drop. He could sense she wasn’t in the mood to delve deeper.
After they finished their meal, the two walked back toward the study rooms together.
On the way, they happened to run into Naomi and Ruby, who had just arrived on campus.
When Ruby spotted Lucas, her eyes instantly lit up.
She hurried over to him, speaking first. “Lucas, what a coincidence! I just got here and ran into you right away.”
Lucas didn’t recognize her at first and frowned slightly. “You are…?”
“I’m the one who… interrupted your seminar in the study room the other day,” Ruby said, her voice growing softer as she mentioned it, as if admitting to a minor offense.
“Oh, right. Now I remember,” Lucas said, his expression neutral. “Did you need something?”
“No, nothing really. I just saw you and wanted to say hello,” Ruby replied, a hint of shyness coloring her tone. She always felt a bit fluttery around attractive men.
“Alright then. See you around,” Lucas said, about to turn and continue walking with Arabella.
It was at that moment Ruby noticed Arabella standing beside him from the corner of her eye.
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