Yeah, “in business” my ass.
He was the Lucian Cross–CEO of Cross International and the only heir to the Cross empire.
Sure, the Kingsleys might run Seattle, but the Cross family didn’t exactly care about just one city.
They ruled air and sea shipping, global trade–you name it.
As for the media gig?
That was just Lucian’s personal side hustle for fun while he was stuck here.
I’d heard the stories. I knew Seattle only mattered to him because his grandfather retired here.
The company?
Just something he threw together to keep the old man company.
He could’ve just told me who he was.
But no–he let me think he was some nobody with a tiny newspaper.
That kind of playacting pissed me off.
Yeah, technically, we were strangers.
He didn’t owe me the truth.
But still.
The smirk on his face told me everything–I wasn’t imagining it.
He wanted me to find out on my own.
He wanted to see my reaction when I realized who he really was.
“Oh, is that so?”
“So who was it that told me he just ran a little paper?”
My voice was laced with sarcasm.
Lucian actually looked caught off guard.
13:20
Nine Yaare Wasted. Now I’m mong Your Rival
467
Chapter 7
He thought it would be funny,
He’s a few years younger than me–maybe three or four–and clearly used to getting his way.
Grew up pampered and praised.
No one ever said no to him.
He hadn’t expected me to actually be mad.
And now, the cool, polished businessman persona was slipping
He looked like a kid who just realized his prank might’ve gone too far.
“Sorry,” he said quickly.
“I didn’t mean to lie. I just-”
“Just wanted to show off,” I finished for him.
Lucian scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Yeah… you got me.”
My best friend blinked.
“Okay but… it’s freezing out here.”
“Can we talk outside?”
Only then did I feel how cold it really was.
It was rainy season, and the wind cut straight through my thin clothes.
Not exactly ideal for someone pregnant.
But at least it was peaceful here.
I wrapped my arms around myself.
Lucian shrugged off his coat and draped it over my shoulders.
“We’ll get you something warmer in a bit.”
15:20
